The Gift: Advent Bible PlanSample

Silent Night

“How do you repay the gift of life?

What’s the return on a sacrifice?

Cause silver and gold won’t suffice

No, no so I’m giving my heart as my reply.”

Based on our cultural expectations, gifts often bring the expectation of reciprocity. It’s almost a reflex to think when someone does something nice for us that we should do something to balance the scale. But what if we can’t balance the scale?

Jesus’ disciples experienced this dilemma as they realized the gift of salvation in walking with him. The goodness of God’s gift to us in Christ Jesus is seen in the reality that it is matchless. We cannot offer God anything in return for the perfect life of Jesus Christ. He took all the wrath we deserved, and in return, gave us the gift he had earned.

If we realize the magnitude of this gift, we have but one responsibility and that is to receive the gift of salvation with faith and belief. Our debt is paid - praise God!

Prayer: Have you believed fully in the reality of God’s gift of salvation through Christ Jesus? Take a look at Paul’s words to the church at Rome and pray the Lord would give you grace to give yourself to him in devotion as a living sacrifice.