Don’t make the mistake of enjoying the wrapping of Christmas—activities, time with family, gift exchanges, traditions—without enjoying what is behind the wrapping—the gift.

Quite simply, Jesus is the gift of Christmas. And, with Paul, we exclaim, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

How do we unwrap this Gift?

Receive the Gift

I pretty much assume that regular readers of this blog know Christ as Saviour. But perhaps you’ve stumbled across this post by accident—or by God’s purpose—and don’t know Christ personally. Romans 6:23 tells us that, “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” A gift, however, must be received. If you haven’t made the choice to receive Christ, I’d encourage you to follow this link to discover how you can.

Enjoy the Gift

Salvation is just the beginning. But sometimes Christians—including we who are in ministry—become so consumed with the functioning aspects of the Christian life or ministry that we fail to personally revel in who Jesus is to us.

Hebrews 4:15 encourages, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Take time this Christmas to get to know Him. Delight to be in His presence.

Worship the Gift

The wise men displayed their wisdom in several respects, but not the least of these was that they worshipped Jesus: “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

It’s easy to get so caught up in the rush of Christmas that we miss the wonder of worship. Sing to Him, give to Him, praise Him, thank Him. “O come, let us adore Him!”