The Greatest Gift of All
- Richard Selke
- Dec 17, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 7
December 18, 2024
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My birthday is in December. So is my sister’s and my daughters’. December has always been a season of gifting – birthdays and Christmas, gifts received and gifts given.
As a child, my focus was always about the gifts I would receive. Toys, bicycles, games and so much more would fill me with anticipation and excitement.
One birthday my friend Larry watched as I unwrapped a package and warned, “What if it’s a shirt?”
“Ughhhh!” I groaned. And sure enough, it was!
In those early years, I was consumed by the joy of receiving. But upon reflection, I have learned how much deeper the meaning of gifts can be.
Some of my many memories of the Christmas season have to do with Christmas trees. Before they accepted the relative “safety” of electric lights, my grandparents’ tree wondrously glowed with real candles. I was mesmerized!
Mrs. Hagerman lived two doors down from us. Her Christmas tree wasn’t just beautiful; it was edible! She hung bags of cookies, fruit, candy and gold-foil-wrapped chocolate coins on it. Every Christmas she invited the neighborhood kids to “pick” her tree. What joy that brought to all of us!
Family gatherings are a huge part of my Christmas memories. My family has been in the Houston area for generations, so Christmas was always a time for large gatherings with parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. We’d share meals, exchange gifts and attend Christmas Eve candlelight services. Those times together are precious to me. What incredible gifts all those loved ones were! Many of them have passed on or moved away. I miss them dearly, but I thank God for the gifts they were – and still are – in my life.
Somewhere along the way, giving overcame receiving as the main focus. I love the thought and time put into finding just the right gift for each person, hoping it brings them joy – all the while wondering what if they don’t like it or want it – or need it?
As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that the most profound gifts aren’t the material ones. They’re the relationships we build and nurture – or sometimes fail to. I regret the friendships I missed or let fade, the opportunities for love and connection left unopened.
Charles Stanley said, “Everyone has a gift from God, but some never open the package.” How often do we fail to open the greatest Gift of all?
Our Father in Heaven made us and knows each of us intimately. He knows exactly what we need the most. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16, NIV
God the Father has given each of us His only Son, Jesus Christ. Unlike any earthly gift, Jesus is the perfect gift from the Father, meeting the deepest need of every human heart. He brings forgiveness, salvation and eternal life. Everyone needs Jesus. Open your heart to Him. Receive Him and be thankful!
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, "the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of a father's only son, full of grace and truth." John 1:14, NRSV
QUESTIONS
What is the best Christmas gift you have ever received? What are your favorite Christmas memories and traditions? What Christmas memories are you making this year? How will you focus on Jesus Christ, the greatest gift, this Christmas?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the greatest gift of all – Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to treasure Him above all else and to share His love with others. As we celebrate this Christmas season, let our hearts be filled with gratitude and joy. May we receive and give gifts in a way that honors You.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NRSV)
Merry Christmas!
God bless you!
Richard
Christ Worshipper | Disciple Maker | Hope Giver
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you're here! We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. In the Meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
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