By Joseph Perry

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” —John 3:16

When you were coming up, did you ever look at your sibling’s gift and try to figure out who had the best gift? How does it make you feel when someone has been given a gift that you felt was better than the one you received from the same person?

How do you feel when someone gives you a gift and you have nothing to give in return?

God Himself has given each of us the same gift. Not only that — He has given to each of us His best gift. Jesus is the gift God has given to the world.

There are times when many people overlook the gift that God has given. We sometimes disregard this most precious gift that the Father offers. We oftentimes leave Him out. Some people think that this holiday season is only about going to parties, hanging out with friends, or just getting off from work early, cooking big meals and relaxing by the fireplace. Christ is not mentioned as much at this time of the year as He should be, when Christmas is all because of Him.

Nicodemus meets with Jesus at night. He didn’t understand how Jesus could do so many miracles unless He came from Heaven. He was the gift who came from Heaven to save each of us, to give us salvation, to give us life. The truth of the matter is, we must accept the gift of Christ in our hearts before His second Advent, before He returns.

We think we have time to receive this gift, but when we look all over the world and notice the current events that are taking place, we see that death comes at any time. Our life can end in an instant, in a moment, even in a twinkling of an eye.

The gift of Christ was God’s best gift to the world. I encourage each person who reads this article to make sure that this gift is received, is accepted. When we receive this special gift, we can rest assured that we are setting ourselves up to meet the Father one day, who tells us that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and no person can get to the Father until they come through His Son.

We have to know what we believe, because there are some who don’t know really what they believe about Jesus. When you know, you can receive the gift that has been given. The gift that brings love in the home. The gift that can bring peace and joy in the home. He is the gift we need that gives us hope in this world. Share this gift every chance you get, if you believe, and watch this gift move mountains out of your life. This gift has the power to change dead and broken situations. Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere, that Jesus Christ is born.

The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Perry is pastor of St. Mark AME Zion Church. Contact him at josephp134@gmail.com.