THE GREATEST GIFT

Whenever the weather turns cold I long to wrap up in a cozy blanket, sit by a warm fire and read C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. There is something uniquely magical about these stories that usher me into a world where Biblical truths are painted in the rich hues of childhood fantasy.   While the stories are full of adventure and bursting with allegory, the heart of Lewis’ work is the Christian redemption story. In Narnia, Aslan (who represents Jesus) lays down his life as a sacrifice and comes back to make all things new.  If you don’t have time to sit and read the books, at the very least watch The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe this Christmas.

I’m always moved by stories of great sacrifice. Whether it is Aslan dying in the place of Edmund in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe or Katniss Everdeen volunteering to die in place of her sister in The Hunger Games… I’m a crying mess the minute someone stands to take the place of another.  Life is the greatest gift, and when one person freely chooses to give their life so that another may live, I’m toast.  Though the dramas may differ the heart of the matter is the same: Sacrificial love willing to do whatever it takes to save the beloved.

As a recipient of God’s unconditional and undeserved mercy, I know my tears spring from a well of gratitude to Jesus, who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to take my place.

Sacrificial love is the Christian redemptive story:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

And this, my friends, is the heart of Christmas. Salvation is the ultimate gift.

Before time began, Jesus stepped forward and said He would lay down His life so that those who believe in Him may live. Sacrificial love is the gift we celebrate at Christmas. Before there was sin or sickness, death or disease, there was Love—God’s unfathomable love. Even though humanity turned away from God and sought to usurp the throne of The Most High, He still set in motion His plan to redeem us and restore us.  Before there was a baby in Bethlehem, there was an eternal plan of redemption set in motion that would require the ultimate sacrifice—God’s Son.

As we embark on the Christmas season, let’s take a minute to reflect on why Christmas truly matters…we needed a Savior. For without a birth of Jesus, there would not be the death of Jesus. Take a moment to read Genesis 3.  In these verses, we see humanity in glorious union with God. But then sin enters the world, destroying this relationship and with it comes disconnection from God and all the hurt, pain, insecurities and disillusionment that result from our separation from Him.

Therefore, the Bible tells us that in “the fullness of time.” (Galatians 4:4-7) Jesus, the Son of God, stepped into our mess in order to redeem us and restore our relationship with God the Father. Let’s not miss this fact … He didn’t have to do it. God was not on the “hook” to rescue us from the darkness and emptiness of a life separated from Him…

But

He

Did.

“We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.” 1 John 4:14

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15

As you pick out the perfect wrapping paper and put six inch ribbon curls on your packages, let your mind think on The Greatest Gift of all—the Son of God.

Our prayer at Redeemed Girl is that we will all slow down this Christmas season and truly appreciate the gift that Jesus is to each of us. Open your Bible and journal, soak in today’s scriptures and adore Jesus, the Son of God. Watch the Chronicles of Narnia and see in allegory of Aslan the beautiful sacrifice that Jesus made for you and me.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Joy to the World, by Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

Marian Jordan Ellis, RGM Founder & President