By Tom Shanklin

Shopping for Christmas can be quite an arduous task. Finding that perfect Christmas gift can be a real challenge for many of us. Fortunately, my wife does most of the Christmas shopping for our family. I am told that my gift selection abilities are somewhat lacking.

I think all of us have either given a gift or received a gift that fell flat, missed the mark, and failed to satisfy. In such a case, the recipient has to put on their game face, smile, and say “Thank you!” while at the same time thinking, “What in the world am I going to do with this thing? Perhaps re-gifting would be in order. “

Dave Neiman of St. Peter, MN "unwrapping Jesus" in a village in India

But regardless of my lack of skills in the department store and the mall, I do know of one gift that never fails to satisfy. This gift is perfect in every way, never requires an exchange, and will never wear out. The gift I am speaking of is Jesus Christ the Lord. “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10, 11, KJV.

The angels came to announce “…good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10, 11, KJV. Another version says “the greatest news ever announced.” In other words, nothing could be better. Think about it. Jesus is the perfect Christmas gift!  Why? Because Jesus is:

• The gift for perfect for everyone on your shopping list. He is the only Savior. He gives us what we cannot purchase for ourselves—eternal life and peace with God.  We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We all need grace. We all need forgiveness. Jesus is the only way to find that forgiveness.
• The gift that never needs to be exchanged. Jesus satisfies our deepest needs. We need all to be made right on the inside, but no matter how hard we try we cannot find forgiveness and acceptance on our own. Righteousness cannot be earned. It cannot be procured by arduous religious effort. But when we receive this gift there is a great exchange, a favorable trade. He takes our sins. We receive His righteousness. It is a gift of grace, supplied by our heavenly Father, procured and purchased at Calvary by the blood of the lamb. Once we’ve received that gift, there is no need or desire for exchanges. It is finished!
• The gift that never wears out. Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving. He is an eternal source of peace and joy. He gives us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Can you think of any earthly gift that can compare? Nothing can match the excellence of this gift—not an iPad, not a pair of cowboy boots, not even a brand new Lexus. Like Jesus told the woman at the well, “…Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:13, 14, KJV.

So this Christmas take the wrapping paper off of God’s gift and receive Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life. Believe that He died and rose again. Invite Him into your heart and let Him rule and reign as a King. Then, pass along this wonderful gift. This is a present that you can “re-gift” and still keep for yourself. Share the love of God in the person of Jesus Christ. He truly is the perfect Christmas gift!