And like all good gifts, it reveals something about the receiver.
That is because when someone receives a thoughtful present, it is generally something they want or need.
The gift that God has given to the world is, of course, Jesus.
Every year at Christmas, millions of people celebrate his birth, which happened more than 2000 years ago.
And a question that arises at Christmas time is: what does this gift say about its recipients? What need does it meet?
According to the Bible, just a few months before Jesus was born, an angel appeared and spoke to a man named Joseph, who was engaged to a young woman named Mary.
The angel said that Mary would “give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus [which means God saves], because he will save his people from their sins”.
It was clear that this child, Jesus, was going to save people in some respect.
That says something important about the recipients of such a gift.
Namely, that people are in need of a saviour. Otherwise why would God send him?
For me, the beauty of Christmas has been realising that I’m in need of a saviour. That God got the gift spot on.
It has led to me adoring Jesus like no other.
That is because the many flaws in my character, which have far-reaching implications in my actions and relationships, including with God himself, are a serious problem. The Bible calls it sin.
Jesus saves me from the punishment my sins deserve, according to the Bible.
He did that by dying on a cross as a substitute in my place, so that I may be at peace with God with no condemnation whatsoever.
That is the gift of God which Christians celebrate at Christmas.
It is a gift that says a lot about me, the recipient, and is the greatest gift I have ever received.
Churches across the region hold Christmas or, in some cases, Christmas Eve services and welcome visitors. Google your local church or check their billboard for times.
Gary Hamilton-Irvine is a Hawke’s Bay Today reporter and a Christian.
