A few years back at a family Christmas get-together the house was filled with presents and people. I am sure you know something of this kind of gathering. It consisted of two grandparents, a couple of great grandparents, several children, a few in-laws, a bunch of grandkids, a trio of pets and a some assorted family friends. With this many people and presents, the Christmas tree looked as if it would be completely swallowed by the  growing stack around it. When the time came for opening the presents we adults stood back as the kids dove headfirst into the pile, amid squeals of delight. After the first wave had ended the adults were able to wade, waist deep, through the shredded boxes and paper to at last retrieve the remaining presents. After all had been passed out there remained one nicely wrapped box. It had no tag or name listed. It remained unopened until we could figure out what to do with it.

Salvation is also a gift, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23). It cannot be purchased or earned through our good deeds it only can be accepted on the basis of faith. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Ephesians 2:8) Faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ is the only way to open the gift of God.

Oh, are you still wondering what we did with the unopened gift? Finally someone was selected to open it while all eyes strained to see what the box contained, thus telling, perhaps, who it was for. When it was opened my Mother-in-law identified it was for one of my brothers-in-law and the gift was received and enjoyed. Perhaps this Christmas season there is still one gift you have not opened. God is waiting to give you the gift of salvation.

Jesse Waggoner
Associate Pastor
© 2002 Bible Center Church

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