Have you ever unwrapped a large gift box to find another box to unwrap, followed by more boxes, until you finally open the smallest box within to find your gift? Or have you seen the painted wooden nesting dolls or animals? As you open each one you will find another and another.

So it is with the greatest gift ever given to the world. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus Christ, our Lord and Messiah, is the greatest gift we could ever receive.

God sent this gift of love down from heaven to be born of a virgin, and it is the birth of Jesus that we celebrate at Christmas. We thank God for His gift of salvation from sin and for eternal life that is opened to us as we receive Jesus as our Savior and commit our lives to Him.

But there is so much more available to us. As we open the gifts within the Gift, we find that God has much more to pour out upon us. Besides having our pasts forgiven and our futures secure in heaven, we can have purpose for living a fulfilling life now.

We have available to us healing and restoration of broken hearts, lives, relationships and families. The greatest need and longing we have is to be loved with a love that never fails or forsakes us, which is only available from the Lord. Through receiving God’s love, we can also learn how to love one another and see others as he sees them. God will flow His great and mighty love through us to a hurting world.

The gift of lasting peace is available to calm our fears, anger and frustrations. We can receive joy to lift us above the discouragement of our trials and suffering, and hope when all is dark and depressing around us. Our emptiness is filled with meaning and purpose as we find God’s plan for our lives.

God gives forgiveness to cover our guilt and shame, remembering our sins no more. Our worries, cares and anxiety are replaced with the confident assurance that God is with us and will help us and meet our every need. We can have clarity and direction for our lives to guide us out of confusion and lethargy. 

The gift of healing is available for our sick and hurting bodies. God’s mercy, grace and strength are renewed within us each day, and His faithfulness is continually with us. He comforts us in our grief, carrying us and holding us close when we can’t face another day.

The miracle of Christmas is so much more than just making a way for us to get to heaven. It is the miracle of abundant life available to us now. May we open the gifts within the Gift this year. May the love that came down at Christmas fill our hearts, lives and homes with a newness of life that we have never known before.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.