A Purposeful Gift

'Tis the season of giving! Every year, Americans collectively spend approximately $ 200 billion on Christmas gifts, rushing through crowded stores and clicking on online shopping sites. Online shopping is my vice.... To break that down further, the average consumer is predicted to spend between $1,014 and $1,200. Most of us desire to spread holiday joy, and sometimes that eclipses financial wisdom. Therefore, we willingly take on debt just to make our loved ones happy, so it should not be surprising that around 36% of us rack up new debt in the process.

Is there something wrong with giving Christmas gifts to the people you love? Not at all. Our beloved tradition is rooted in a meaningful connection to the biblical story of the Magi, the wise men who traveled far to honor the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The gifts they brought—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—were expressions of love, honor, and devotion. Their giving wasn't about materialism; it was about recognizing the personal value of someone precious.

In the same way, we give gifts to show love, appreciation, and gratitude for the people who matter most to us. When we give our gifts with the right heart, we honor the same spirit of generosity and celebration that is encapsulated in the birth of Jesus Christ. However, we mustn't lose sight of the more profound truth: Jesus Himself is the ultimate gift—born with a purpose that transformed the world.

The birth of Jesus Christ is more than a story of a miraculous hope that entered the world through a tiny baby in Bethlehem. Born in humble circumstances to the Virgin Mary, Jesus came for a divine mission: to save humanity and reveal God's heart in the flesh.

Long before His birth, humanity desperately sought a Savior. As a fulfillment of the prophecy of God's love and promises, Jesus arrived as the Redeemer, stepping into a world plagued with injustice, pain, division, despair, and ultimately burdened with sin. His life was meticulously designed to fulfill the purpose of bringing salvation, healing the brokenhearted, and offering hope to anyone who believes. Every miracle He performed, every teaching He delivered, every act of compassion He showed, reached its pinnacle in the ultimate sacrifice of His life on the cross—each a vital part of His ordained mission.

With His infinite power and grace, Jesus became—and continues to be—the Light of the World, illuminating even the darkest corners of human existence. He reminds us that no matter our past or present circumstances, we are all worthy of redemption and reconciliation. More than 2,000 years later, the purpose of Jesus' birth still resonates, transforming lives and providing a foundation of faith for millions. His love continues to heal wounds; His truth liberates from bondage, and His presence brings peace in tumultuous times. Talking about a gift that keeps on giving!

The birth of Jesus transcends a mere singular divine event; it marks the dawn of the most profound purpose ever manifested. It points to the larger reality that, like Him, you entered this world infused with purpose and significance. God created you with intentionality, and your specificity is unmistakable. Remember, your specificity is evident because none of the approximately 117 billion people, past or present, share your unique fingerprints.

Just as Jesus came to fulfill the divine blueprint laid out by God, you, too, have a specific role meticulously designed for His kingdom. Whether through your career, your relationships, or your simple acts of kindness, your life is a radiant reflection of the love and intentions of our Creator. Embrace the fact that Jesus' purpose uplifts and empowers your own purpose, guiding you to fulfill the remarkable mission you were born to carry out.

There's nothing inherently wrong with material gifts; exchanging gifts serves as a beautiful and meaningful expression of love and affection. As we immerse ourselves in our cherished traditions of giving, the moments should serve as reminders to point toward something far greater and to reflect on the unique talents, abilities, and blessings that God has instilled within each of us. When we embrace our true purpose, extend love to those around us, and use our God-given talents for His glory, we ultimately have a profound impact on the world that transcends the value of any material item wrapped in a box or bag.

Just as Jesus was born with a specific mission and a unique identity, we too are called to recognize and step confidently into our own godly identities. By nurturing our divine purpose and breathing life into the gifts we were given, we create a ripple effect of blessings that serve not only God but also uplift others and enrich our communities. In this way, the most meaningful gift we can offer back to God, to those we love, and to the world around us is the authentic expression of who we are and the light we bring to others' lives.

#JesusChrist #Confident Identity #BornWithAPurpose #Christmas #RachelsWorth