THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

And the Word was made flesh, and

dwelt among us, (and we beheld His 

glory, the glory as of the only

begotten of the Father,) full of

grace and truth.

John 1:14

When in a conference setting many years ago, there was a question/answer time held where conferees could ask questions of a speaker. I anticipated some pretty surface-type questions to be asked, but one man stood and started out with a very no-nonsense question. He asked the speaker, “What do you consider to be the most important verse in Scripture?” It was certainly an interesting question and I wondered what the speaker would come up with. The speaker paused for a moment looking to be deep in thought, but in short order simply replied:  “John 1:14.” Not wanting to take a great deal of time from others with questions, the speaker simply said, “Without the truth of that verse, you might as well burn the Book.” He said he thought it would be expected that he would have said John 3:16 but that the 1:14 verse and 3:16 are companion verses. He felt the phrase “Word was made FLESH” was of the utmost importance.

I wonder how many of us can go back in the time machine of our brains to remember even 10 items we received, spread out over ages 12 and under. I can think of some memorable times and even remember when I got a bicycle, a couple of dolls and a game or two. I still have two games in my archives received on two different Christmas days....Sorry and Cootie. It was the first year for the Cootie games. However, although in my possession, I never pull them out and rarely give them a thought. Material gifts have come and gone. We may have some major items received in our adulthood we have kept and pay more attention to. However, no matter the material gift we receive, however sturdy and well made, it can never be considered permanent. If nothing else, we quickly grow weary of “things” and crave newer things.

Brian and I recently visited a place where we saw several nativity sets. Some were huge, meant for a large house or perhaps in a church. Some looked like they were made from china while others were or simple wood carvings. Some were very colorful while others looked very drab. With most of the sets there were the usual shepherds and wise men represented, the family and some even had a few animals. (We even saw a live nativity presentation with the cutest animals one can imagine.) It was all there in figures...china, wood, plaster and even one with a brass looking finish.

The most important nativity scene for each of us is the one in our hearts. I don't need to think of anything beyond a young couple and baby in the worst of settings for the birth of a baby. For any of us who have given birth, we can recall the steps a hospital takes in keeping the surroundings clean and even sterile to prevent any infection. Jesus was God's Son. That young couple knew that and also knew God would protect Him and them.

The precious gift of the Christ-child that came first to Mary and Joseph and now down the ages to us, did not come gift wrapped like many Christmas gifts given to us. There was no fancy paper, gift bag or bows. John tells us simply that He came in the flesh...that was God's gift wrape to the world. Why is that so important? God could have sent His Son at any time or any stage of life. No, that Gift would come to life just as we did and would grow through the various stages of life just as we have. As Jesus crawled, toddled, and then walked His way through His life, He was relating to us in every way. That Gift through His life and ministry, just kept on giving to everyone He came into contact with. That perfect gift even went to a cross to die that we might have life eternal. That gift of Jesus just keeps on giving year after year.

Like most gifts, though, this gift is worth nothing to those who refuse to accept it and open it up into their lives. He isn't the common, ordinary, everyday gift. When opened, it's not like a bottle of perfume although Jesus is the sweet aroma of His presence. The gift isn't something we can physically wear even though through Jesus we are clothed in His righteousness. It isn't even a gift certificate for a nice meal at a restaurant, but we have an automatic reservation ahead of us at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Everyday should be a celebration of Jesus in our lives. He's more than a baby in a manger. That is wonderful to ponder, but He continues giving in each of our lives His love, direction and hope of life eternal with Him. That isn't a gift I would ever want to exchange for something else. This gift of Himself is a real keeper beyond anything we could ever receive.

Thank You Father, for Your wonderful gift. No one will every be able to out give You. I pray I will always love and appreciate the gift of Your Son everyday of my life, not just during holiday seasons.