THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT OF ALL TIME

Probably the number one question during the Christmas season is—what is the perfect gift? Well, that, and what should we serve for Christmas dinner? I imagine search engines are overworked finding these answers.

Is there a perfect gift?

Over the years, we told our children that anything they made for us would be our perfect gifts. Every Christmas, they set about creating. We received hand-sewn dolls, beautifully painted pictures, a few fantastic cross-stitch pictures, several amazing bookmarks, and lots of coupon books for fixing dinner and performing chores to make our lives easier. I cherished the hours they spent to make us happy. Those gifts have forever been my favorites. The best presents, the most perfect ones, come from the heart. Here’s an easy gift from the heart that isn’t too costly.

These chocolate-covered strawberries make a perfect Christmas present wrapped with cellophane and topped with a bow. But their perfection reminds me of the purest, most loving, sacrificial gift imaginable, and it came at a price.

Whether the date is December 25th or not, God sent His Son to earth to be born in a manger. He did it because of His unfathomable love for His people.

I’ll never forget the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis Chapter 22. God called to Abraham one day after his promised, long-awaited son, Isaac, had grown into a young man. God told Abraham to take his beloved son to Mt. Moriah and to offer him as a sacrifice there. Imagine what Abraham must have thought: Why would God promise me a son, then tell me to sacrifice him?

But Abraham obeyed and headed up the mountain with two servants, plus Isaac and a donkey. When they neared the place God had directed, Abraham left the donkey and his servants and made Isaac carry the wood for his sacrifice. After they arrived at the appointed spot, Abraham readied Isaac with the wood on an altar. But as Abraham prepared to perform the sacrifice, God stopped him.

The first time I read this passage, I was overwhelmed with grief for Abraham. He had waited one hundred years, and his wife, Sarah, had waited ninety years to beget Isaac, yet God asked Abraham to sacrifice their only son.

Did you know that the story of Abraham and Isaac is a picture of how heart-breaking it was for God to give up His only son as the redeemer for our sins—especially since Jesus spread love and kindness, healed the sick, and did no wrong.

Read Genesis Chapter 22 and look for the parallels between Abraham sacrificing Isaac and God sacrificing Jesus. Isaac even carried the wood for his sacrifice on his back as Jesus did in carrying the cross.

I’ll never forget the magnitude of God’s love for us. As we give Christmas presents, let us remember God’s sacrificial gift and remember to thank Him. John 3:16.

Please enjoy this music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_pae1ZfxWw