The Gift That Came Wrapped in Flesh

Christmas is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year when people rush to and fro preparing for the festive holiday. They buy gifts for family and friends. Some people spend more than they can afford just to get the right presents for those on their list.

Then they wrap the gifts in beautiful wrapping paper. They decorate the gifts with fancy bows and pretty ribbons. All the gifts look good when they are all together under the Christmas tree.

Some people like unwrapping the best-looking gifts first because they think the best gifts are the best-wrapped ones.

Based on Luke 2:1-20, here are descriptions of the gift that is celebrated on December 25 every year.

1. A Free Gift Wrapped in Flesh

The gift wrapped in flesh was free. It could not have been bought at the mall or online. No one had enough money to purchase that particular gift anyway.

Instead of people having to pay for the babe in the manger, He was sent from God to pay for the sins of the world.

After 2,000 years, Jesus came as a free gift that is available for all not just on Christmas Day but on every day of the year.

2. A Shared Gift Wrapped in Swaddling Cloths

Usually, the gifts under the tree are for individuals. They don't have to be shared because everyone receives their own. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He came wrapped in flesh. Then He was wrapped in swaddling cloths as a free gift for everyone to share.

Jesus came as a gift for all. Within Him was the embodiment of every other gift that would last a lifetime. Jesus came supplied with the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love.

3. A Valuable Gift

The gift of Jesus Christ was and still is an indescribable gift. Even though His coming cost us no money, the gift is one of enormous value. The shepherds understood how valuable the gift was. That's why they stopped watching their flock by night to focus on the news that the king had been born.

The wise men were wise enough to want to take precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to present to the king. Today, people give gifts to one another. The valuable gift of Jesus Christ is celebrated by millions today.

4. A Life-Changing Gift

Jesus Christ is the gift that came wrapped in flesh and was later wrapped in swaddling cloths. Jesus walked the face of the earth doing good for everyone. When He was crucified on the cross, He forgave everyone for their sins, including those who put Him to death.

After His death, His body was wrapped in grave clothes and buried. He arose from the grave on the third day and left behind the clothes He had been wrapped in. Jesus coming to earth and dying for our sins was a life-changing gift for all who received Him then and for all who will receive Him today.

5. The Gift To Be Shared

It is customary to use personal gifts for ourselves and ourselves alone. However, the gift of Jesus Christ is to be shared. It is to be given away, so others can benefit from the gift.

• The baby wrapped in flesh came to be shared.
• The baby wrapped in swaddling cloths is celebrated on December 25.

The beauty of Jesus being a shared gift is that you can give the gift away and keep it for yourself at the same time.

The Birth of Jesus Christ

Many followers of Jesus don't place Him under their personal Christmas tree with the other gifts and leave Him there. They remember that He came into the world for everyone. That's why there are many celebrations to honor His birthday.

Jesus is the gift that many people honor on December 25 for the reasons cited above.

About the Author

Rev. Margaret Minnicks is an ordained Bible teacher. She writes Bible lessons and motivational articles.