The wise men thought it was worthwhile to travel over 1000 miles to worship the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ and to bring Him their gifts. Christian giving springs from the heart of the Christmas message which is beautifully summed up in these famous words in John’s gospel [ ch 3 v 16 ]. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” The greatness of this gift caused the Apostle Paul to say, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” [ 2 Corinthians 9:15 ] Have you received this gift and thanked Him?

A gift is not something that can be deserved or earned. God’s gift of His Son to be our Saviour is therefore a true gift because we do not deserve it neither can we earn it. It comes to us entirely through God’s grace. This means He shows His unmerited favour to us even though we may not love Him.

A gift cannot be valued just by its price but by the love that comes with it. To refuse to accept a loving gift is cruel and offensive. When Christmas is over, the classified adverts column in newspapers often carry this sad headline, Unwanted Gifts. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” [ Romans 6:23 ] If anyone rejects God’s wonderful gift of eternal life they will certainly one day draw the terrible wages of sin forever!

A gift is not a gift if somebody feels they are under an obligation to give it. John Newton who was once a slave trader wrote, “Amazing grace – that saved a wretch like me!” God was under no obligation to forgive him, but He did!