“He is the image of the invisible God…” (Colossians 1:15, NET).
The gifts rise like a multi-colored box-mountain under our Christmas tree—colorfully swaddled in red, green, and silver. I survey the geometric mound, scrutinizing the little tags that say “Reg,” or “Daddy,” or “Budbo” (all me). I’m mildly interested in the other packages, but the ones I spend time shaking have some form of my name on the tag.
But, shaking provides little evidence of the relative value of the gift—relative because the giver is always a family member, and a close one. So, I consult the tag, and note the giver. Each gift is special, because each one reflects—albeit, imperfectly—the love and sacrifice of the giver. I value the gift because I value the giver. And I value the giver because the giver values me.
These aren’t white elephant gifts—the kind I might trade, the kind others can take from me. These gifts are keepers because they were given with me in mind, and they bear the signature of someone who loves me.
The Lord Jesus came modestly wrapped on that first Christmas day—one divine gift for every one of us—given with you in mind. Because Someone loves you. And, like our gifts under the tree, the Gift is reflective of the Giver. Only in this case, the reflection, the image of the Giver, is perfectly realized in the Gift.
God the Father gave His own Son, Jesus, as the ultimate Gift—perfectly reflective of all He is—for you and me. He gave because, for some incomprehensible reason, He values us. He loves us so much that He gave His Son as a sacrifice beyond our capacity to fully appreciate.
In case you weren’t aware—our heavenly Father has a gift for you this Christmas, and your name is on the tag. It’s perfect. And no one can take it from you. This Gift is a Keeper.