The Greatest Gift of Christmas Isn’t on Any List

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Many of you have probably already busted down the stairs (if you have them) and dove headfirst into the pile of presents and stocking stuffers.

As I’m sure many of you received gifts you needed and wanted, there is also real joy in watching the faces of those you give to. Sometimes the best part of Christmas morning isn’t what we open — it’s who we’re watching.

This Christmas, after everything was opened, I mentioned that only one thing came off her list. Well, technically two things—but one of them “could not be duplicated.”

My trick is simple: I listen to the things she talks about throughout the year. After 13 years of marriage, I do know what she likes (for example, Andes Mints and Heath Bars). But honestly, my real trick is listening — even when she thinks I’m not.

Then on Christmas morning, when she opens something and is genuinely surprised, I can honestly say that nothing (or almost nothing) came from a list she handed me ahead of time.

I know there are many opinions about Christmas lists. I land somewhere in the middle. But I’ll admit, I take great pride in treating it like a challenge to not use one.

Regardless of whether you’re pro-list or anti-list, the reality is that Christmas tends to center on gift-giving.

And as we were reminded during our church’s Christmas Eve service, Jesus is the greatest gift of all.

Not simply as a baby in a manger, but as “a Savior has been born to you.”

Don’t get it twisted, Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger. It is about the Savior who has been born for you.

For you?

For me?

Yes. You.

He came to be YOUR Savior.

Savior from what?

Savior from our sin and separation from God.

John 1 describes Jesus as the Word — and the Word that “became flesh and dwelt among us.” 

The baby in the manger came with a purpose: to bear the punishment for our sin, to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

But He did not die as a martyr.

He got up.

He rose from the grave, showing that He has power over sin, Satan, and death itself.

And that is why He is the greatest gift ever given.

Here’s the funny thing about all of this: God told us this gift was coming. It wasn’t a list of what He wanted from us but a gift He freely gave to us anyway.

And you know what else? He loves seeing our faces when we open and receive His gift. The Bible describes celebration in heaven, literally a party, when someone receives the gift of God’s grace and salvation through Jesus: His life, death, burial, and resurrection as Lord and Savior.

This Christmas season, remember that.

Of all the gifts you give and receive, there is truly no gift more wonderful, more costly, or more meaningful than the one that began as a baby in a manger.

But remember — it’s not just that He was born. It’s that He kept His promise to be God with us—Immanuel. It’s that a Savior has been born to you and for you.

He came for you.

He was born for you.

He was killed for you.

He rose for you.

That is the greatest gift we could ever receive.

So if you’ve never truly opened that gift — today is a good day to do so. And if you already have, let it renew your wonder, your gratitude, and your worship.

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Anyway, I was just thinking…