The Gift That Must Be Opened

This is day 5 of a 5-day devotional on the symbols of Christmas.

Imagine someone gives you the most valuable gift imaginable, but you never open it. You admire the wrapping, you acknowledge the giver's generosity, you even tell others about it - but you never actually receive what's inside. That gift, no matter how precious, does you no good until you open it.

This perfectly illustrates salvation. God has given the most valuable gift ever offered - eternal life through Jesus Christ. But this gift must be received and opened through faith. You can know about Jesus, admire His teachings, even respect His sacrifice, but until you personally receive Him as your Savior, the gift remains unopened.

Salvation is described throughout Scripture as God's gift to us. It's not something we earn through good works or religious activity. It's not wages we deserve. It's a free gift given by grace through faith. But like any gift, it requires a response from the recipient.

Perhaps you've been admiring God's gift from a distance. Maybe you've heard about Jesus your whole life but never personally received Him. Or perhaps you know someone who needs to understand that this gift is available to them. The most valuable gift that has ever been offered is sitting right there, waiting to be received.

This Christmas, don't let the greatest gift ever given remain unopened in your life or in the lives of those you love. Receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and experience the joy of unwrapping eternal life.

Bible Verse

'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.' - Ephesians 2:8

Reflection Question

Have you personally received and opened God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, and if so, who in your life needs to hear about this available gift?

Quote

“Dear friend, if you are lost, you have a gift sitting right in front of you. The most valuable gift that has ever been offered. But that gift requires you receiving and opening it.”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being God's perfect gift to me. If I haven't already, I receive You now as my Savior. Help me share this gift with others who need to know You. Amen.