The Greatest Gift

Christmas is an exciting time of year. People are often seen hurrying to and fro buying all kinds of lovely gifts and decorations for the Christmas holidays. Coloured lights are hung on Christmas trees, favourite foods are prepared and special gifts are bought for loved ones. Ah yes - the gifts. This is often the hardest part of the Christmas preparations. Which gift should you buy?

I have been thinking about some of the gifts which have entered my home at Christmas over the years. Which has been the best gift?

Many years ago, when I was very young, I was given a beautiful Panda bear soft toy. It came all wrapped up in a protective covering which had kept it clean from the time it had been made in the toy factory. Now it was mine and I took great care of it. It was a very good present to have been given but was it my greatest gift?

On another occasion I was given a much more expensive present. This time it wasn't a soft toy, in fact it was quite the opposite it was one of the hardest substances in the whole world. It was a diamond. I was given a gold ring with a small diamond inserted in the top. This certainly was a very wonderful present but was it my greatest gift?

When I was 16 years old my mother gave me a new Bible. It didn't cost very much, it didn't look very impressive, and it wasn't very soft.

Looking back over the years at these presents I now know which of them has been the greatest gift.

My once soft, new Panda is a bit grubby now and his stuffing is starting to show under one arm but he was a very favourite toy.

My expensive diamond ring disappeared one night - lost or stolen I do not know.

But my Bible lies on the desk in front of me.

Which is the greatest gift? That which I love with all my heart. That which is more valuable than all the diamonds in the world. That which cannot be lost or stolen. That which lasts forever.

The Word of God which tells of The Greatest Gift of all - The Lord Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate the birth of our Saviour this Christmas time the congregation of St. David's, Knightswood, pray that you will come to know Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord to be cherished as the Greatest Gift of all.

Happy Christmas!