“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
Titus 3:4-7 (NIV)
Reflection
A gift given in love, is a
gift received in love. Nothing is more exciting than giving the perfect gift
that has been selected with love as its motivation. When it’s received and
opened, that love is realized by the one receiving the gift, and fulfilled in
the gift giver. In a cyclical pattern of giving, gifts are a catalyst of the
love that we have for one another. What better way of describing the birth of
Jesus Christ into the world than a “gift” to mankind?
Jesus was the encapsulation
of God’s kindness and love. The gift of salvation, lovingly given to us, not
because of anything we did to deserve it, but because His love outweighed any
possible prerequisite. As with the gifts that we give each other at Christmas
time, God expected nothing in return. We had to pass no test, or earn the right
to receive our gift. The gift of salvation and eternal life in Christ were
given in love and nothing more. All we must do is complete the perfect cycle of
giving and receive God’s gift in love.
This Christmas, as we search
for that perfect gift, let us do so with the love of Christ as our motivator.
Let us spend time with each carefully selected gift, reminding ourselves of
God’s deep love for us. A love so deep that He sent His Son, who appeared in
Jesus, born on Christmas day.
Prayer
Lord, we come to You today,
thanking You for the perfect gift in Your Son, Jesus Christ. May each and every
gift that we give this Christmas, be given with the same love that you express
to us, in us and through us.
Amen
