The Free Gift

Are you looking for that perfect Christmas gift for that special person in your life, or have you been tempted to settle for a gift-card instead? Before you give up your search, consider the following.

According to the Consumer Reports national Research Center, one out of every gift-card recipients never used their cards last year. This represents about $972 million in unredeemed cards. What reason could one possibly have for not taking advantage of a free gift?

Here were the top reasons for not redeeming gift carDS: Haven't had time (50%); Haven't found anything I want (37%). Lost the card (14%); Card expired (12%).

What do you think about those reasons? What would you have done differently? Would you have neglected this free gift?

As we contemplate the real significance of Christmas, we should ask: Have I received the ultimate free gift?

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23, NAS)

Notice that the free gift of eternal life stands in contrast to spiritual death, which is the result of sin. Sin is something that we all have in common. Unlike the 37% who haven't found anything they want, and didn't use their free gift-card, we on the other should be keenly aware of what we want and need - eternal life! And the Scriptures teach us that it is a free gift for those who receive Jesus Christ.

What would the top reasons be for neglecting God's free gift? I'm interested in knowing what you think, so please e-mail me (calvarychristian@alltel.net) and let's put together a list.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas, and don't neglect the free gift.

Pastor Van Morris