“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:12

As we celebrate Christmas, homes and businesses sparkle with lights, trees glisten with ornaments, and perfectly wrapped gifts sit under our Christmas trees. The world around us is busy with celebrations, shopping, and giving – yet the most precious gift ever given was not found in elaborate wrapping paper, adorned with ribbons or bows. It was wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a lowly manger. This gift, given to us by God, was Jesus Christ.

Worldly gifts, no matter how grand or thoughtful, are temporary. They bring momentary joy but often fade, break, or lose their value. By contrast, the heavenly gift of Jesus is eternal. Christ did not come into this world just to decorate us – to make us appear better on the outside. He came to transform us. He was born in humble vulnerability so that we could be raised to eternal life with Him. Paul writes:

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” – 2 Corinthians 8:9

Think about it: the King of Heaven left His throne of glory to enter a world of poverty and brokenness. He came to experience our struggles, our pains, and even death itself. Why? So that through His sacrifice, we could exchange our rags of sin for His riches of righteousness.

Imagine someone handing you a beautifully wrapped gift on Christmas morning. You tear off the paper, delighted with the present inside, but then the giver hands you a bill and says, “That will be $50.” Immediately, the joy fades. Why? Because a gift, by its very definition, is free. If we have to pay for it, it ceases to be a gift.

God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is free. There is no price you can pay to earn it. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Yet, tragically, many leave this priceless gift unopened. In our home, when our children were young, we placed an unwrapped gift under the Christmas tree. It represented the free gift of salvation that so many have yet to receive. Each year, we would pray that those we loved would open that gift. Sometimes, we would write names of friends and family members on slips of paper, place them in a bowl, and commit to praying for them throughout the season.

As you look at the dazzling decorations and beautifully wrapped presents this Christmas, remember the humble beginnings of the Savior who came to transform, not decorate. Jesus Christ was born so that you could live eternally with Him. If you have not yet received this free gift, you can do that today. The Bible says:

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

All you need to do is accept it:

•Acknowledge your need for a Savior.

•Believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and rose again.

•Claim the promise of eternal life for your own

For those who already know Christ, remember there is no better gift to give others this Christmas than sharing the good news and praying for their salvation. Just as Christ came to transform your life, He desires to transform theirs.

This Christmas, let us celebrate the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ, wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger, who came not to make us look better but to be better – children of God, transformed by His grace.

If you haven’t yet opened the gift will you open it  today? If you have opened it, live like you have and display the joy of your salvation.