For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Christmas is a season for giving and receiving gifts.

Shoppers pack department stores buying gifts for their loved ones and friends.

Children, in particular, enjoy receiving Christmas presents.

Their faces glow, their eyes widen as they unwrap their presents to behold what their parents had bought for them.

But the greatest gift is not bought with a credit card.

The greatest gift of all is Jesus Christ.

He came to give us joy and peace.

And above all, He came to give us salvation and an eternal home in heaven.

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

He was born to die while we are born to live.

Soldiers die in battle for their country.  Medals of honor are awarded for bravery in the battlefield where soldiers exhibited greatest courage in the face of great danger.

We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for fighting for our freedom.

But Jesus sacrificed His life to free us all from the penalty of our sin.

He is the Greatest Gift-Giver and the Greatest Gift.

Receive Him as Savior and you receive forgiveness, healing, salvation, and eternal life, as well as love, joy, peace, hope, security.

The greatest gift of Christmas is Jesus.

(MT)