The Perfect Gift

     We have searched in stores, online, in town, out of town. Where can we buy the perfect gift? What we are looking for is either out-of-stock, will not ship before Christmas, or the wrong size or color. With Christmas just days away, many of us are still carrying around a list of names, searching for the perfect gift for each person on the list. The joy of Christmas and the reason for the season has gotten lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday rush.

     Wouldn’t it be great to find something that doesn’t need batteries, is one-size that fits all, and is the “perfect-for-everyone” gift? Wouldn’t it be even better if it was on sale or even free? With exhausted avenues, tired feet and credit card bills that will arrive in just a few weeks, we need to step back and think about the reason why we do all of this…

     Love…it’s why we do what we do. Often, the reason for the season gets lost in the traffic, the long lines, and the busy-ness of the business of Christmas. In fact, many of us have forgotten when and how this all began.

     This season of giving began over 2000 years ago when the Perfect Gift was given. This Gift was given to everyone, purposed for everyone, and perfect for everyone.  It was for love that God gave mankind the most expensive and priceless Gift that was ever given. “For God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes (trusts) in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) God, our Creator and Father could not exhibit any greater love than to send His only Son to save us. His Name is Jesus.

     The evil and sin that corrupt the heart and mind of mankind guaranteed him death and eternal destruction. Understand that “…the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) God’s Son was perfect. He never sinned, but was sent to receive the penalty of our sins, and suffered an excruciating and humiliating death on the cross. He gave His life for ours so that we may be saved through trusting that He has done this for us…it is the Gift of God. Salvation came so that we can enjoy His perfect joy and peace…a life and life eternal that comes with knowing that we are forgiven and we have no guilt and shame, but freedom in Christ Jesus!

     At Christmas, we usually look for something that is needed or useful. We search for something that will bring joy and happiness and express our love for that person. God did the same…He knew our need. He considered the fallen estate and hopeless condition of mankind, yet He loved and gave of Himself by sending His Perfect Gift…Jesus. Life and joy would be born into a dying world.

     So, when we give gifts at Christmas, we are actually imitating God’s act of love towards us. He gave, and we give. Wrapped in flesh, (John 1:14) God sent His Son. His mother, Mary, “brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes,” (Luke 2:7). In similitude, we wrap our gifts as well. However, the wrapping of the Perfect Gift was much more significant than the packaging that surrounds our gifts! It was a sign, it was prophetic, and it told us many things about the Perfect Gift.

     The angel of the Lord visited shepherds in the fields, proclaiming Jesus’ birth and saying, “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12) The “sign” of the swaddling clothes would not only help them to identify the Christ child, but would also carry significant meaning.

     Swaddling clothes originated as strips of cloth that were used to wrap corpses before burial, signifying that Jesus was born to die and to fulfill the Law and prophecy. It is also believed that swaddling clothes were made from the worn, cast-off priestly garments. This is significant in that it reflects His office. In Scripture, Jesus is referred to as our “High Priest”. (Hebrews 5:1-10)

     Wicks would also be made from the worn-out clothes of the Cohanim, the priestly family of the Jewish people, the tribe of Levi. With these strips of cloth, they would light the menorah, a candelabra in the Jewish temple. To the Jewish people, a lit menorah was representative of the Presence of God.

      Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) The lit menorah is more than a metaphor. Mary had been told that His Name would be “Emmanuel”, meaning “God with us”. Therefore, it is also a reference to the deity of Christ.

     The Son of God, the Light of the world, our High Priest, God with us…Jesus is the Perfect Gift wrapped in the perfect love of God. He is our comfort and peace, love and joy. He is the Reason for the Season.

     So in this final push to find that “perfect gift” for someone that you love, don’t forget that it is not so much the gifts we give, but the reason why we give. Remember to wrap it in love…the love that is in your heart.

     If you are searching for the peace, love and joy that is not a part of your life, know that you can receive the “Perfect Gift” of God this Christmas. There are many eager to share the Love of God, His “Perfect Gift”, in the plan of salvation. Attend a local church service this season. Jesus said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

May you find the Perfect Gift and may God bless you and your family this Christmas!

Be Blessed In Jesus' Name,
Angie