The Greatest Gift Of All.

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

–

Matthew 20:28

Today is Christmas, a day to celebrate the greatest gift of all. The Lord God sent His Son into the world so His people could know Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace. This little baby Jesus, born in the lowliest of conditions, is Messiah – the Savior of the world. The angels declared His birth. The shepherds ran to Bethlehem to see for themselves, then spread the news that Messiah had come.

It would have been appropriate for Jesus to be highly regarded and to be served in every way as a king, but He “came not to be served but to serve” (Matthey 20:28). He came as a ransom; He came to pay the price required by a just and holy God for the sins of every man and woman. His death on the cross would be sufficient for the whole world (1 John 2:2), but it would only be valid for the ones who believe in Him and His life-giving selflessness.

Ron Hamilton explains it well in his song Born to Die: “From His throne, Jesus came/Laid aside Heaven’s fame in exchange for the cross of Calv’ry/For my gain suffered loss, For my sin, He bore the cross/He was wounded and I was set free.” Poet Frances Havergal wrote, “I gave, I gave My life for thee, what hast thou giv’n for Me?”

God’s greatest gift does one no good unless it is accepted and a life of service is lived for Him; it will bring you peace and joy beyond your understanding.