John 3:16
We receive a gift from someone else because they want to show us they love and care about us. A gift is not something we can earn or deserve, but something we receive.
Many people think Christmas gift-giving started when the Magi brought gifts to the Christ child, but the original Christmas gift came earlier. It was Christ Himself.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV)
According to the Bible, the real Christmas is a vivid demonstration of God’s love. The gift of God’s Son is a unique act of love. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.” Romans 6:23
God is the origin of love toward His creation. We did not initiate God’s providential love by our actions or thoughts. “We love him because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 KJV) True love is never inactive. What father would not like to give the world to his son? Yet the Heavenly Father gave His Son to the world!
God is the source of love. “…for God is love.” (1 John 4:8 KJV) Love does not define God, but God represents love. His love is holy, and His holiness is expressed in love. His love was pure and directed toward us.
God decided on that very first Christmas to give us what we needed, not what we deserved. There is nothing in me worthy of even the smallest degree of divine love. The recipients of God’s love is the human race. His love is the foundation of the gospel! God’s love in Christ is to all men. “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4 KJV)
Salvation is God-originated, God-empowered, and should result in praise and glory to God and God alone. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)