We are entering the time of the year to think about celebrating Christmas, and about the gifts we will give to our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and loved ones. But what does “Christmas” really mean? Yes, it is about giving gifts, but have you ever stopped to think about the true “Gift of Christmas?”

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave is only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God gave us the gift of His only begotten Son so that we may enjoy a rich, full, and abundant life here and now, and through all eternity. Jesus is the true “Gift of Christmas.”

Jesus, the Christ, came into the world as a baby in a manger, lived among us, and died as our “Sacrificial Lamb,” so that we could have eternal life. He gave us the greatest and most precious gift of all. He gave Himself! This year as we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the real reason for the season, and the greatest gift that we received.