A few months ago, my dad gave me a large, rectangular cardboard box. I didn’t know what it was; I thought, “Maybe it’s something I ordered or some subscription offer.” When I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised: it was a laptop computer. My astonishment wasn’t rooted in the gift; rather, I was in awe because of my dad’s timing. My old laptop had started showing it’s age, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before I’d have to purchase another one. Long story short, he gave me just what I needed, when I needed it.
When I thought about how I felt when I opened the box, I understood why the shepherds and heavenly host rejoiced in response to the angel’s good tidings: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, New Living Translation). God gave us what we needed, a Savior, and what a Savior He is! Just think about it. Without Jesus, you wouldn’t be alive, for “God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him” (John 1:3, New Living Translation). Without Jesus, you couldn’t function, “For in him we live and move and exist” (Acts 17:28, New Living Translation). And just think of how uncut you’d be if He didn’t remind you, “… love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, New Living Translation).
I’m convinced – Jesus is the gift I needed. Without Him, I’d be like a ship without a sail, moving aimlessly along life’s tumultuous sea. Just like Walter Hawkins, I’m a witness that “heaven sent me a very wonderful, supernatural, special gift.” What about you?