The Greatest Gift Ever!

Introduction

Imagine for a moment that you are a foreman for a large landscape company. All year long, you have labored in all kinds of weather, cutting lawns and landscaping people’s yards. It is a week before Christmas. You arrived early, as always, at work. Upon arrival, your boss, the company owner, asks to see you in his office. Perhaps your first thought is, “Uh oh! What did I do now?” As you enter his office, he requests that you sit down. After sitting, the owner says, “We greatly appreciate your hard work and your role in our company’s growth and development this year. For that reason, we are giving you a $50,000.00 Christmas bonus today.”

Think about that feeling of joy when you receive an unexpected gift. It’s one of those moments that just lights up your heart, right?

A few years ago, a landscape company, Ruppert Landscaping, did just that very thing. They gave bonuses to 1200 workers. The bonuses ranged between $7,000 and $200,000, totaling 28 million. Think about it. Someone in that company received a $200,000 bonus that year. You probably think that this is the greatest gift ever.

While this is an incredible example of generosity, it pales in comparison to the greatest gift ever given—a gift so extraordinary, so divinely orchestrated, so freely given, and so eternally secure. That gift is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Read along with me Galatians 4:1-7

Galatians 4:1–7 KJV 1900

1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

This incredible generosity reminds us that some gifts carry deeper significance, and today we explore the most significant gift of all—one that was perfectly planned by God.

Perfectly Planned

Note verse 4 of our text.

Galatians 4:4 KJV 1900

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Here the Holy Spirit uses the phrase “when the fulness of time was come.” We have studied the Gospel of John in recent weeks and noted how the Holy Spirit uses similar terminology. The efforts to kill Christ before His time were often averted. In that moment, Scripture repeatedly states that His time has not yet fully come. In other words, God is a planner. The birth and eventually death, along with His resurrection, were all divinely planned by God. Thus, “when the fulness of time was come,” God sent forth His Son. The word “fulness” literally means the moment when something reaches full capacity. It simply means at the right moment. The time of Christ’s birth was exactly the right time.

When God sent His Son into the world, it wasn't by chance but perfectly planned at a divinely appointed time.

The Roman Empire was at its peak, bringing peace and established roads that made travel and communication easier. This facilitated the rapid spread of the Gospel.

The Greek language unified communication across diverse cultures, much like English does today, which further aided in disseminating God’s message. Meanwhile, the Jewish people experienced relative peace, allowing them to practice their faith freely. This combination of events created the ideal backdrop for the birth and ministry of Jesus Christ, aligning with God's perfect plan to provide the Savior at precisely the right moment when the world was most prepared to receive Him.

On a more spiritual level, it was also the right time for God to present His wonderful gift. The world, as a whole, was in desperate need of a Savior. People were not only in spiritual bondage to sin, but God’s people were still experiencing bondage to Rome. Even though Rome’s hand was not as oppressive as other nations who ruled over Israel, the fact that they were still under bondage weighed heavily on all the Jews. Yet, even more so was the bondage of the religious traditions and works. The bondage of sin, Rome, and the Pharisees provided the perfect moment for Christ to come.

My point is simple: The greatest gift ever given came from God and came at exactly the right time. It was time planned by God long before the foundations of the universe were laid.

1 Peter 1:19–20 KJV 1900

19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

It was the perfect time. His birth, death, and resurrection were providentially positioned.

Luke 2:6–7 KJV 1900

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

At that moment, angels filled the sky, announcing the arrival of God’s greatest gift to lowly shepherds in a field. In their announcement, they noted the reason for His birth.

Luke 2:10–11 KJV 1900

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

On that day, the promised Savior of men arrived at just the exact time in which God had chosen long before any of us here today were born.

Micah 5:2 KJV 1900

2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, Though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

God's perfect timing in sending Jesus reveals a thoughtful, divine plan, setting the stage for the ultimate act of grace—Jesus’ coming itself, an unparalleled gift.

Gracefully Gifted

This fact is perhaps the most profound about God’s gift.

The Lord Jesus coming and being born in a manger to live among us is the greatest act of grace ever.

He chose to become flesh and dwell among us. He came offering Himself as the true light of the World. He came even though He knew the depth of our sin and wickedness. I believe one of the most significant Scripture passages that describes God’s great grace is Romans 5:8

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

You see, as sinful and rebellious people, we did not deserve God’s love. We fully deserved His justice and judgment, but not His love. Yet because of God’s grace, He loved us when were unlovable. He determined to come Himself and offer Himself as payment for our sins. All these actions by God were totally undeserved. As our text noted,

We were children in bondage to the elements of the world. Speaking plainly, we were in bondage to our sin and to Satan’s control.

Like children, we did what we were commanded and even forced to do. However, God had a plan. He designed the perfect gift.

Galatians 4:4 KJV 1900

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

For what reason?

Galatians 4:5 KJV 1900

5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

God’s plan was simple but brilliant. God sent His Son. He was born of a woman, a virgin. As such, His Son came into this world untainted by our sin. His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, humbly submitted to the demands of the Law He Himself gave. He did all of this for one purpose. He did it to “redeem” humanity from the oppressive and harsh bondage of sin. But here is the amazing grace part!

He redeemed us from our sins and made those who received Him as Savior adopted sons and daughters into His family.

He took the outcasts and made them His own. How amazing is that! What great grace! A grace that was so much greater than our sin.

Think of it this way! The Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever. Even though we do not deserve it, those who accept God's great gift obtain so much more than just eternal life, an amazing gift in and of itself. When you accept God’s gift, you are also given a new identity. It is through Christ that...

I have been declared righteous.

I am no longer under God’s wrath and judgment.

I am now at peace with God.

I am not reconciled to Him.

I stand totally justified before God Almighty.

I am no longer separated from God or even a stranger to Him.

In fact, I am now adopted into His family.

I am a joint heir with Jesus Christ, God’s Son.

I am now a recipient of His loving care forever.

I have eternal life.

I know that God’s work will continue in me until I am in His presence.

I am confident that He will help me in all situations of my life.

I am no longer enslaved to sin.

I am now a servant of righteousness.

I am set free so that I can serve the Lord and others.

No amount of money, possessions, or relationships in this world can give me all that.

It is only through Christ, the greatest gift ever, that I can enjoy a new relationship with God, a new power through His Spirit, a new purpose in serving Him, and a new plan by which I can please Him.

But wait, there is one more important aspect of this great gift from God.

Understanding the grace of God’s gift leads us to the enduring promise it holds. This is not just a temporary change but an eternal transformation offering perpetual blessings.

Perpetually Promised

You see, God’s gift is an offer for all.

John 3:16 KJV 1900

16 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.

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The promise is from God. He says that “whosoever believeth” will have everlasting life. Note that “eternal life” is through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift, is offered to all who will “believe.” It is not a wage to be earned. No, it is a gift to be received.

As we celebrate Christmas this week, many of you will gather with your family and exchange gifts. Some of you will receive or even give some very valuable gifts. However, consider this thought.

When does a gift become yours? It becomes yours when you receive it.

It remains theirs if you do not take the gift from the person offering it. It only becomes yours when it is in your possession.

Is it not the same as God’s gift? He offers you an excellent gift than anything this world has to give. He perfectly planned and sent it to earth at just the right moment. He graciously gifted it. He made it so that there is nothing that you must do to earn this gift. He paid everything with His own blood. Now, He stands before you, beautifully wrapped gift in hand, holding it out to you to receive. Will you take it?

You might say, “I do indeed want this great gift from God, but I am unsure how to receive it.” The answer is clear - believe.

Romans 10:9–10 KJV 1900

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Receiving God’s gift starts with a simple confession: God, I am a sinner. I don’t deserve this wonderful gift. I admit my sin and my guilt. However, I also admit that you are God, and you came to free me from my sin. You sent your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He came and died for my sin. He arose on the third day. And, at this moment, I believe.

There it is. Receiving God’s gift is confession and belief. It is confessing your sinful condition and believing that God sent His Son, who died and rose again. If you confess and believe, you will be saved. In other words, you will receive the greatest gift ever. You will receive eternal life through Jesus Christ, the Lord of heaven and earth.

1 John 5:11–12 KJV 1900

11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Receiving God’s gift is as simple as reaching out your hand and taking a gift offered by another person. It is as simple as confessing and believing.

What is the perpetual promise of this great gift?

Galatians 4:6–7 KJV 1900

6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

In that moment, you become a son or daughter of God. You are no longer a servant to sin. You are His child. You are a joint heir with Christ. There is no other gift greater than the one offered by God.

Receiving God's greatest gift of Jesus Christ creates a profound transformation in our identity:

From Servant to Child: Initially, we are like servants or outsiders, but through accepting Christ, we are welcomed into God's family as His children.

New Relationship: This new identity means we have a direct and personal relationship with God, calling Him 'Father.'

Freedom from Sin: We are liberated from being controlled by our past wrongs and are now free to live according to God's ways.

Heir to Eternal Life: As God's children, we inherit the promise of eternal life, sharing in the blessings and future with Christ Himself.

This transformation is not just a change in status but marks a new beginning that defines our purpose and direction in life, showing us we are loved and valued by the Creator.

As we have seen, this gift is more than a historical or theological concept; it is a personal invitation for transformation. This Christmas, consider accepting this gift of grace and hope, which promises eternal life and a new identity.

Conclusion:

As we think about the incredible generosity shown by that landscaping company, let us remember the ultimate gift that outshines any earthly bonus—the gift of Jesus Christ. This is the greatest gift ever, perfectly planned, gracefully gifted, and perpetually promised.

God's gift came at the exact right moment in history, revealing His divine plan to redeem us. Through His grace, He offered this gift freely, transforming our lives from bondage to freedom, from being lost to being found as His children. And with it comes the eternal promise of life, hope, and a new identity.

So, this Christmas, as you exchange presents and celebrate, I urge you to consider this extraordinary gift extended to you. It is an offer of a new beginning, a personal relationship with God, and a promise of eternal life.

Will you accept this gift? It's as simple as reaching out in faith, confessing your need for a Savior, and believing in the One who came to secure your eternity. Let this Christmas be the time you embrace the greatest gift you will ever receive. The choice is yours to unwrap it by taking that step of faith today.