Greatest Gift

December 15th, 2021
by Mike Markle

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us)”. Matthew 1:22 -23

For most of us, Christmas is a special time of year. It is a time of excitement, wonder, and anticipation. There is snow on the ground. Houses are lit up with twinkling lights. Everywhere you go the sounds of Christmas Carols ring out in the background. “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year”, Andy William would say.

I don’t know about you, but my wife tries to plan a few months ahead in order to purchase Christmas gifts for our children. As parents we try to make Christmas a special day for our children. My wife will buy our family all matching pajamas, cook us a large breakfast, and she will make sure everything is in its place to open up gifts. My wife and I will look around at our children as they are about to open up each gift with excitement and anticipation. “I wonder what’s in there”, is the most common phrase. Or, “I know what it is”. During this time my wife is usually taking pictures to make the memories last. This time with our children and the presents we receive are really good gifts. But, what if I told you there is a better gift out there. A greater gift! Well, there is!

Over two thousand years ago, a young virgin gave birth to a son. They called him, "Immanuel" which means "God with Us". Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, which was given seven hundred years before by the prophet Isaiah. He actually became God with Us (1 Timothy 3:16). Jesus is God in the flesh, fully man and fully God. The GodMan. He lived among us. He ate, slept, felt pain, and sorrow. He is the fullness of God (Colossians 2:9). But, he took on the role of a servant so that he could identify with our human struggles. He is our Savior. He was sent to us by the Father to die for us, so that we might be reconciled to God (Romans 5:10). When we receive Christ for who He is, as King and Lord, we are born of the Spirit. Then Christ comes to live in us (2 Corinthians 6:16). He will never leave us nor forsake us.

This is the Greatest Gift of all time. That the God who created the stars and the planets would dwell in us! That He wants to be known by us! Have a relationship with us! Is that not Amazing? No matter what you are going through, He is there with you. As a friend, a counselor, and as your God. The same resurrection power that rose Jesus from the grave lives in us!

Question is, are you spending time with Him? Do you know Him? How can we get to know Him you might ask? Here are some easy ways to come to know Jesus for who He says He is.
1. Create a habit of spending time in the Word.
2.Take time to talk to Him in prayer.
3. Spend time with other disciples of Jesus.

Getting to know God is the greatest most fulfilling gift you could ever receive. I encourage you today; take time to get to know Him so you will have assurance at His coming. The King is Coming! Are you ready?