The Unexpected Jesus - The Giver

Why do we wrap gifts? Whether it's new paper and ribbon or a reused bag, wrapping signifies that what's inside is special. Remember, God wrapped His greatest gift to us—Jesus. John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." This wasn't just any gift; it was a love-filled, life-changing gift.

Jesus, the ultimate gift, was also a giver. Mark 10:45 says, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Think about His miracles and teachings—each one was a gift of love, wisdom, and healing. He embodied giving in every act.

Have you ever re-gifted something? In a divine sense, God re-gifts us. Ephesians 4:7-13 explains how Jesus equips us with grace and gifts us to the world. We are called to continue His legacy of giving, becoming His hands and feet on Earth. Ephesians 1:4-6 reminds us that long before creation, God planned for us to be part of His family and share in His gift-giving. Jesus transforms us into givers, blessing others through our lives. As Acts 20:35b says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Pray With Me!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of Jesus. Help us to understand the depth of this gift and to follow Jesus' example by giving to others. May we be Your instruments of love, grace, and generosity. Wrap us in Your love so that we can be gifts to the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Let's Reflect!

How does understanding Jesus as God's gift to us change your perspective on Christmas and gift-giving? In what ways can you embody Jesus' giving nature in your daily life? Reflect on a time when you felt like a gift to someone else. How did that experience impact you and them?