“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28, NIV).
You know, you could get a “yurt” this Christmas for the one who has everything. It’s a Mongol tent, outfitted with one-of-a-kind designer down-filled pillows—and even a crystal chandelier. Only $75,000.
Or you could get a $125,000 custom library with custom-carpeting, objets d’art, framed prints, and 250 books of your choice. Or a $420,000 international flower show tour for ten that goes through Europe.
All available from the Neiman Marcus Christmas book, an annual display of pricey fantasy gifts. Oh, and for $1 million you can buy his-and-her dancing water fountains designed by the company that did the fancy water spouts at the Bellagio in Las Vegas (Of course, you’ll need an estate to install that item.).
I’d accept a $400,000 limited-edition Ferrari. Or a $45,000 ping-pong table. The cars, by the way, sell out every year, so plan early.
Other stuff that Neiman Marcus has offered over the years? His-and-hers ancient Egyptian sarcophagi, a camel, a bag of uncut diamonds, a thoroughbred farm with a dozen horses, a Zeppelin, 10,000 gallons of Aramis cologne, etc. Someone needs to give me one of these odd things. I have to have a serious talk with Santa.
But come to think of it, I’ve already gotten a far better gift than any of those. The Gift of a Person who ransomed me from the penalty and power of sin.
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
—Rhea F. Miller, 1922
The best Gift, indeed!