“THE MOST AMAZING GIFT” John 3:15-16
that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[a] 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.(vv15-16)
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us remember what an amazing gift God has given to us and what a sacrifice it must have been for Him. Then let us be willing to also give sacrificially to help others not only find Christ, but also learn to live the large, free, and full life that He has provided.
There are many ways in which we can give. We can pray, serve, give time, money, encouragement, and help. Our tradition is to give at Christmastime on a broader scale than we do at other times of the year, but I don’t believe it should be that way. I believe we should make every day an opportunity to give to others. Someone said, “We make a living by getting, but we make a life by giving.”
I wasted many years living selfishly, and all it did was bring me unhappiness and a narrow life filled only with myself. I have learned to love giving and I find that it enlarges my life in ways that are amazing. I am happier, healthier, more energetic, and have the satisfaction of personal fulfillment. I don’t feel that I am wasting my life on things that don’t matter, but instead I believe that I am investing in eternity.
If you feel you need a change, this just might be the change you are searching for. Jesus said to forget yourself and take up your cross and follow Him (see Mark 8:34). I know it sounds like a frightening thing to do, but if you take the leap of faith, it will be the most rewarding thing you have ever done.
PRAYER LINE: Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus and for the sacrifice You made in giving Him to me. Help me not to be afraid to live a life of sacrifice in order to help others as You have helped me. In Jesus’ name, amen.