Gifts, perhaps, more than any other tradition capture the real meaning of Christmas. As with anything we touch, our sinful nature can taint and distort this practice into something unhealthy. Yet, when a gift is given with no other intention than to bless and it is received with humility, joy, and thanksgiving, it reflects the greatest gift which is at the very heart of Christmas.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9, ESV) The gift referenced in this passage is salvation. Because of God’s grace and our faith response to that grace the free gift of salvation becomes the most precious gift we could possess.
