We’ve made it to Christmas! We’ve survived the battle of the malls, our credit cards are groaning, and our backs are aching as we open the last door of our Advent calendar. Hopefully, through this study, you have managed to keep your eyes on the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ.
Yesterday, we recalled all the gifts we’ve opened thus far that have brought us great joy. But none of these gifts would have any meaning if we hadn’t received the Giver. Jared Wilson explains, “If we have every gift we’ve explored since December 1 except the gift of Jesus himself, we would still be as poor as ever. because everything without Christ is a heap of nothing.”
He alone has died for our sins. He alone has risen to conquer death and purchase for us eternal life. He alone has ascended to the Father to sit at his right hand and constantly intercede for us. He alone is returning in great glory (very soon) to finally consummate his kingdom and vanquish sin, grief, and death forever. He alone will reign as the lamp of the new creation. He alone is worthy, worthy, worthy.
Jared Wilson, Gifts of Grace
On this Christmas day, Christ invites you to come to him. He doesn’t need you to bring anything, just yourself. Come in your pauper’s garments, no need to dress up. He knows you and loves you anyway. There is nothing you need to hide from him and nothing that keeps you from his presence. The King is ready to embrace you and give you himself.
You ask for your reward and the Giver is himself the gift. What more could you want?
Augustine
My prayer for you this Christmas is Christ. Only Christ.
Merry Christmas, friend.
Please let me know if you’ve enjoyed this study in the comments below.
On Christmas day, let’s reflect on this indiscribable gift we’ve been given.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
