There is nothing like the joyful chaos of Christmas morning. Little boys and girls quickly rip the wrapping paper off the boxes to discover they got precisely what they craved. However, the authentic enjoyment comes from examining and using the things they have been given. Think about it, how strange it would be if a child chose to keep a gift without unwrapping it. If we are honest, that is how many Christians treat the priceless gift of salvation. Some know about it, and others have received it, but never bother to examine all the riches accessible to them as children of God and citizens of Heaven.

Would you agree that eternal life is the most precious gift anyone can receive? Because of His magnificent love, the heavenly Father extends this gift to everyone who will accept it through faith in His Son. Unlike all the earthly gifts we collect and ultimately discard, this gift will last forever. So let us unwrap it and see what’s inside.

First of all, God gave what was most dear to Him: His beloved Son. The Son came to earth in the human flesh while remaining fully divine. On that glorious and fantastic day, the angels announced that a Savior had been born (Luke 2:11). To save you from eternal separation from God, Jesus the Christ came to give you access to the Kingdom. Now, if you place your faith, trust, and love in Jesus, you will receive mercy, grace, and forgiveness instead of punishment.

But there is more to this extraordinary gift. One of the perks of salvation is a personal relationship with God. Because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, you are accepted and have instant access to the Father. You are now free to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that you may receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16). In other words,

Maybe the most incredible aspect of your salvation is the Holy Spirit, who lives within each believer. He will remind you of Christ’s teachings and will empower you to accomplish the Father’s will.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17)

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14: 26)

The Spirit guarantees the promise that you will one day be with the Lord forever.

I want to encourage you to examine your gift of salvation this Christmas season and during the coming year. As you explore the riches of this gift, may your soul overflow with worship and your heart overflow with praise and thankfulness for all that God has provided.

Have a Merry Christmas!!!