Proverbs 4 tells us to love wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:24 tells us that Jesus is the wisdom of God.

My favorite part of the Christmas story is about the three WISE men. I have always been inspired by how they looked and searched for Jesus for many years before his birth.

The wise men never stopped looking and searching for Jesus. And ultimately the Bible shares that they were filled with joy when they found him. They brought gifts and bowed down and worshipped him. 

It is wise to continue to search for and be overwhelmed by Jesus. Every moment of every day. God’s greatest gift is his love gift to humanity; Jesus Christ. The wise men brought extravagant gifts to Jesus. They recognized that Jesus was God’s love gift to humanity. 

The provision shared in John 3:16 is what Christmas is really all about! “God gave his only begotten son…” God gave a gift that can only be received. Not achieved.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

God offers the gift of his son as an act of sacrificial love. Later in the verse, Jesus ascribes everlasting life to “… whoever believes in me…” God’s great plan is for all of humanity to be immersed in his love, believe in Jesus, and live with the assurance of everlasting life that can only be found in his son. Love for all, assurance for all, provision for all. 

Many years ago, a prominent Muslim leader received this love gift. As he encountered the Father’s love, tears streamed down his face. He began to recognize a God who is love and who is good. After receiving this love gift, the Muslim leader was healed in his mind and body and received hope for a better future.

God wants to give everyone this love gift. Specifically, God wants to give you this gift! It has changed my life and a million other lives. Will you receive it?

This Christmas, ask yourself, “Who can I bring God’s love gift to as a result of the savior’s birth?” 

Jesus is God’s love gift. 

As you gather with your family and friends this holiday season, how can you extravagantly represent God’s love that brings transformation to people? Remember to stay overwhelmed by Jesus and his love for you. And overwhelm your family with your love for them.

Much love, 

Leif Hetland