The Greatest Gift

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NLT

Why is the Christmas season the most-talked about season ever? What makes it so fundamental to our lives and calling as human beings? Why do we talk about it with so much passion and fervour? Today's extract sheds some light on the essence of this season.

Firstly, if God were to do the usual, people will probably assign it as a footnote and consign it to the dustbin of history. God decided to bring the Saviour of the world via a virgin. It has never happened before and it will never happen again. This child was different, his origins and assignment were different and his end is also different. It is therefore still a wonder that men didn't take notice of this miracle. A king was born, probably at the wrong time and in the wrong place and with the wrong accompanying noises, so the people of that generation missed it completely. It is the same today: the gift has been given, life has been given, yet men seem to embrace death. The way to Life has been revealed but it appears it is not a popular path.

Secondly, his name reveals the calling and assignment of the child to be born. According to the NLT version, His name Jesus means "The Lord Saves". The greatest need of man is not earthly possessions, abundance of resources or a good, full life based on physical things, but salvation. Jesus was not sent to make men rich but to save their souls from eternal damnation. Jesus did not come to guarantee temporal earthly comfort but to grant me permanent residence in heaven. Which one do I have? Have I received life or am I still holding on to the old, the familiar, the temporal and the earthly?

Lastly, he is to save his people from their sins. Because we are His creation, made in his likeness, carriers of his breath that gives life, he owns us. It does not matter what the devil says; he cannot lay claim to something he did not create. Jesus' assignment is simple: redeem man back to God, restoring the rights of ownership that the devil had tried to tamper with.

As we celebrate this season, be conscious of this fact: you have always belonged to God, and his love for you would never change no matter how bad you have been. The life offered by Jesus is still valid and effective, as long as you can take advantage of this free gift. Remember, it is a gift with a timeline.   One day soon, the gift will become the basis of judgement. Don't wait till it is too late; receive the gift today. His time of favour is here.