A gift is something that is given to show love. A true gift cannot be worked for or earned. It is an expression of love shown to the one who is loved. There have been many gifts given, but none greater than these three.

    The first greatest gift ever given was when God gave His Son, His only begotten Son, Jesus.  God sent Him from the glories of Heaven to a sinful world (the celebration of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ).  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”          (John 3:16)

    In God’s great love for us, He made a way for sinful man to be able to live with Him, a holy and righteous God. All mankind has been born with a sinful nature. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) We could never be good enough to satisfy a holy God, for “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6)  Because of our sins we deserve death (eternal separation from God in Hell).  “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23a)

    That brings us to the second greatest gift ever given. Jesus Christ gave His life for us.  “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down (give) his life for a friend.” (John 15:13) “But God commendeth (demonstrated) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)  Jesus Christ, who was without sin, took upon Himself our death penalty.  He died so that we would not have to.

    This takes us to the third greatest gift.  “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b)  Since God has raised Jesus Christ from the dead, He offers us an eternal home with Him in Heaven. “…we believe that we shall also live with Him: knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more;” (Romans 6:8b-9a)

   God loves you so much that He gave His Son, Jesus, who gave His life, for the payment of your sins.  There is no other way to have a home in Heaven except to receive what Christ did for you.  A great price was paid to be able to give to you this free gift.  But, for a gift to become yours, you must receive it. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” (John 1:12) You must realize that you are a sinner, believe that Christ died for your sins, and that God raised Him from the dead. Then in repentance, ask God to forgive your sins and save you.  These three gifts can be yours by receiving and trusting Jesus Christ as your Savior.     

"Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in Heaven for me. Jesus, come into my life, take control of my life, forgive my sins and save me. I am now placing my trust in You alone for my salvation and I accept your free gift of eternal life."