Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Why is Jesus the Greatest Gift Ever Given?

A lifetime couldn't exhaust the fullness of the right answer to this question, but it was worth pondering for my family last night. The statement that Jesus is the greatest gift has become somewhat cliche, so I penned 12 reasons why Jesus is the greatest gift and we discussed. Here they are, and I hope you can agree and perhaps add to or at least discuss this list with your family as you celebrate his birthday.


1) Jesus gives life - both eternally to come and abundantly here and now (John 3:16,36; 5:24; 10:10; 20:31; Act 13:48; Romans 6:23)

2) Jesus is life - and our food and drink (John 4:13-14; 6:35-45; 14:6)

3) Jesus created and sustains all things, including us, and He is the way (John 1:3; 14:6; Colossians 1:16-20; Hebrews 1:3)

4) Jesus is eternal, everlasting, and never fading (Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-2; Hebrews 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:20)

5) Jesus brigs peace - both peace with God and the peace of God (Matthew 10:34; John 16:33; 20:19-21; Acts 10:36; Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:20; Philippians 4:7)

6) Jesus brings light to our darkness - understanding, purpose, and meaning (John 1:4-14; 8:12; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 Peter 2:9)

7) Jesus brings joy (Isaiah 35:10; Luke 2:10; John 15:11)

8) Jesus brings freedom (John 8:31-47; Galatians 5:1; Revelation 1:4)

9) Jesus is our hope (Hebrews 3:6; 6:11; 2 Corinthians 11:10; Colossians 1:27; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:3)

10) Jesus is the only way of salvation from God's righteous anger and wrath (John 14:6)

11) Jesus is our truth, our wisdom, our righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption (John 1:17; 14:6; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Galatians 3:13)

12) Nothing matters without Jesus, and with Him, everything is better (Philippians 3:8; 1 Corinthians 15:17-19)

Our family concluded these thoughts by listening to Brandon Heath's excellent message in his song, "The Night Before Christmas." Thankfully, we no linger have to spend time in the night before Christmas, because it has come; He has come! Rejoice! Again I say, "Rejoice!" Merry Christmas!