The arrival of Christmas is a joyous occasion welcomed by all, especially children who eagerly anticipate the festive celebrations. Amidst the various attractions that mark the season, the tradition of exchanging gifts holds a significant place, a practice believed to have originated with Nicholas.

Yet, amidst the excitement of wrapped presents, there is a gift that surpasses them all—the gift of Jesus. While we don’t typically think of a living person as a gift, the greatest offering bestowed upon the world by God is a person named Jesus. Though He didn’t come neatly wrapped in a box, Jesus was born into the world 2000 years ago in Bethlehem, embodying God’s gift to all of humanity.

Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes, “For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” The essence of salvation lies not in human merit but in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection. His availability extends to every individual—man, woman, and child—making Him the gift of salvation acquired through His sacrifice on the cross.

A gift loses its essence if forced upon someone; true gifts are received willingly and can also be rejected. As we cherish the gift of Jesus, the celebration of Christmas signifies our appreciation. Simultaneously, we bear the responsibility of ensuring that no one misses out on this unparalleled gift. It is my earnest prayer that we grasp the significance of this extraordinary gift and that God bestows His grace upon us, enabling us to live faithfully. May God bless you all, and may you experience a joyous Christmas!