The Gift from Heaven

By Dr. James Yu

On a cold and dark winter night, many people stayed indoors, gathered around a warm fireplace to enjoy a sumptuous dinner under beautiful, decorated roofs.

At the same time, a young man carrying a heavy bag went about and delivered essential goods or money to impoverished households. No one ever saw his face, and rumours have it that it was an elderly benefactor sending the gifts. People believed it was heaven’s grace, sending an angel to help fulfill their needs.

The flow of time never ceases, and love endures through it. When the young man grew old another continued his work. Thus began the tradition of giving gifts on Christmas Eve.

But why Christmas?

How it All Started

Giving is in God's nature. On the very first Christmas, God gave all of humanity the greatest and most precious gift, His only begotten Son.

All that need most in this world is provided by God, and life is a journey of learning to receive God’s gifts and while passing them on to benefit others. Unfortunately, human nature focuses excessively on self-interest, and many resort to unjust means of acquisition even if it harms others. This is sin, and not the purpose God intended for our lives.

We often see a large building with a set of scales representing justice on it in big cities. You say, “That’s the courthouse!” You are right, and it is here that criminals are judged guilty and sent to prison.

Some may say, “Those who were caught are simply the unsuccessful criminals, whereas those who were not caught continue to enjoy freedom, wealth, fame, and the lifestyle they want.” This hardly seems fair. Yet, there is true justice - the Bible clearly states, "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Taking more vitamins or hiring the best lawyers are not exactly the best suggestions to deal with such issues - only looking to God’s love can help us.

The Bible also says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), meaning no one can truly be declared innocent. Sinners are condemned to eternal death in hell and suffer the torment of unending fire. However, the Bible reveals a better plan from God: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). This means God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to take the place of sinners and dying on the cross for them. After death, He was buried and rose from the dead on the third day and ascended to heaven. He then sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in all who believe in Him, forgiving all their sins, as if they had never sinned. These believers were made whole and righteous like God’s Son, becoming His children and receiving eternal life.

Eternal life is not just “endless life on earth” and we normally imagine immortality. Living in this world still, even with an endless lifespan, is full of suffering - natural and man-made disasters and environmental pollution surround us.

Eternal life is being in the presence of God forever, entering the Father's house as His children, and enjoying His endless love. It is a wondrous love and the greatest blessing.

The word “Grace” is written on one side of this gift, meaning it is something we do not deserve but are given. On the other side, “Mercy” is written - meaning we are spared the punishment we deserve. At the centre of the gift is the cross - Jesus died for us shed His blood to achieve reconciliation between sinners and God. By believing in Jesus Christ’s redemption for us and His resurrection, we are declared righteous by God. God has been pleased and favours us, embracing us into His family.

This heavenly gift is the gift of eternal life, a blessing that God wishes to give to everyone.