A beloved movie for many people during the Christmas season is Chevy Chase’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. The movie features a lot of memorable lines and scenes which are repeated throughout many Christmas celebrations. In one scene, Clark Griswold (Chase’s character) receives a one-year membership to the “Jelly of the Month Club.” As Clark looks dumbfounded with the gift, his cousin, Eddie (played by Randy Quaid) says, “Clark, that’s the gift that keeps on givin’.”
“The gift that keeps on giving” is a gift one would love to receive. A gift that brings joy for weeks, months, and years. A gift that is not used up or expires.
In Luke 1:69-75, we read:
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
When the angel came to Joseph in Matthew 1, the angel said, “She [Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (vs. 21). The greatest gift we receive at Christmas is not wrapped in beautiful or playful paper. The greatest gift we receive is not boxed or hidden from our viewing. The greatest gift we receive at Christmas is the opportunity and realization of our salvation. Jesus’ birth changes everything for us.
This gift, given to us in Jesus, is a gift that keeps on giving as we live our lives each day. This gift is not used up; it does not spoil; and it will not break. This gift transforms our lives. We see the world in a different light. How we relate to other people and understand the purpose for our life changes. Our enemies are defeated, and we are living life in the abundance of holiness and righteousness.
Salvation is a gift we can receive, yet not everyone will pursue or open this gift. Our salvation requires us to admit our sin and to surrender our way for God’s way as we seek the Kingdom of God each day. When we receive this gift, we can have confidence and assurance that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9) and have the assurance of our salvation and our being God’s children (Romans 8:14-17).
As you open presents with friends and family this Christmas season, consider the greatest gift, the gift that keeps on giving: Our Salvation in Jesus. Remember the beauty of the day you received this gift and give God thanks. If you have never received the gift of salvation, Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:2b, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” Receive the gift of salvation, today!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the greatest gift we could ever receive, Jesus our salvation. Remind us of this gift as we gather around the tree and around the table this Christmas. Restore unto us the joy of your salvation and renew a right spirit in us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.