God’s Christmas Gift to the World.Prøve

## The Greatest Christmas Gift! by Rev. Ed Fredrich Growing up, my parents’ immediate families were very close, some even neighbors. We got together all of the time, especially at Christmas. With an uncle’s birthday falling on December 26, we had another family gathering. It was fun to get together with my cousins. One of the topics of discussion was always “What did you get for Christmas?” Some special gifts I remember include a Tonka dump truck with a hydraulic pump, and a big set of American Bricks (they were the forerunners of Legos). When I look back with fondness, there was always one gift that remained from one year to the next. This year, it is the number-one gift. The gift is described in our verse today. Jesus became one of us. He knows firsthand what life is like. He knows the temptations, the troubles, and the trials we deal with. That is a great gift. We have someone who understands us. But our verse describes more. Jesus didn’t just come to know what it was like to be human; he came “so that through His death he could destroy the one who had the power of death (that is, the Devil).” Not only does Jesus care, but also he won the victory. No matter what your physical Christmas is like this year, remember what you have received by God’s grace. At the risk of repeating an old cliché, it is the Gift that keeps on giving! Prayer: Lord Jesus, through the years, you have always remained the faithful Brother I could always rely on. Yes, I admit there were times when I doubted it and didn’t appreciate it. But that never changed your love and commitment to me. Lord, enable to me to rejoice in your gift again today, throughout the new year, and forever. Amen.