This Christmas message invites us to reflect on what Paul calls God's 'indescribable gift' in 2 Corinthians 9:15—the person of Jesus Christ. We're reminded that while the world knows its own pain and brokenness, it often remains oblivious to the cure that has already been given. The gift of Christ isn't simply advice, sympathy, or a philosophical system; it's a living person who meets our deepest needs. He brings forgiveness for our sin, reconciliation for our separation from God, light for our darkness, and life for our death. Yet like any gift, it must be received and opened to have value in our lives. The tragedy echoed in John 1:11—'He came to His own, and His own received Him not'—reminds us that even the most precious gift can be rejected or ignored. But for those who do receive Him, the transformation is profound. We see this beautifully illustrated in the story of revival happening in Iran, where even in the midst of opposition, 50,000 mosques have closed due to lack of attendance as people turn to Christ. This Christmas, we're challenged to not only receive the gift of salvation but to maximize it—to allow Christ to be fully formed in us, moving from spiritual infancy to maturity, becoming the answer to others' questions as His wisdom transforms us from the inside out.
