DECEMBER 22 THE GREATEST GIFT By David Payne Senior Pastor, Flemings Chapel Baptist Church Adjunct Faculty, Word of Life Bible Institute
Today’s Passage: Hebrews 12:1–3
As Christmas draws nearer, procrastinators face a perpetual problem. Having delayed in getting a present, those who have postponed are confronted with the question, “Now what am I going to do?” The best gifts are now likely gone, and the stores are so crowded with other last-minute bargain hunters... things are desperate. Thankfully, the plan of God was not formed in a panic or a rush. Neither was it based on paying the lowest possible price. In Hebrews 12:1–3, we’re reminded of “the author and perfector of our faith.” Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth to endure hostility from sinners in order to give us God’s gift... salvation. The purchase price was the cost of His life. God’s love wasn’t demonstrated with a bargain- basement gift. Jesus “endured the cross, despising the shame.” Our Lord Jesus executed the plan of God that was in existence before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). The incarnation and the cross were not a spur-of-the-moment quick fix. Philippians 2:5–11 describes the attitude of our Savior in being willing to become our substitute and sacrifice. We see just a portion of the Lord’s humility when we look in a manger and gaze upon God with us: Immanuel. Mary’s precious Baby was destined for the cross to suffer for our sin. He died to prove God’s love for us, shedding His blood for our forgiveness. Perhaps you have received a gift that just wasn’t quite right. Maybe the person who gave it to you also forgot to remove the price tag. But, even before you read the numbers, you already knew the gift was cheap. That is not what Jesus did for us. This Christmas, as you rejoice in God’s gift, remember the cost. Jesus, the suffering Servant of God, willingly gave His life so that you could have eternal life. That’s the greatest gift in history!
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