Get the appA Gift for All | 5 Christmas Reflections About JesusSample
My Best Gift for You
"This is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son" –John 3:16 NLT.
“These are for all of you,” Minda said excitedly, distributing small packs of candies to me and my coworkers. “It’s a popular sweet in my hometown!” The friendly custodian of my workplace in Manila had just visited family in a distant province. We were touched that she’d remembered us. But that’s our tradition in the Philippines. When away from friends and loved ones, we prepare gifts for them—our pasalubong—gifts that show we care about them.
The giving of pasalubong, which comes from the Filipino word for “being welcomed,” is particularly poignant during Christmas. Many Filipinos come home from work abroad, and their gifts show how much they value loved ones.
The good news about Jesus Christ is the best gift we can share with others. John tells us that “This is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NLT). For the apostle Paul, this good news was the best gift he could give people. The commitment-driven passion of his life was to bring the gospel to everyone (Romans 1:14). Paul said, “This Good News, is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes” (John 3:16 NLT).
The truth of the salvation and forgiveness God offers is the best pasalubong we can give others. Let’s tell them how much He welcomes them. –Karen Huang
- How does sharing the gospel show others you care for them?
- To whom can you give this “pasalubong”?
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for the gift of Your Son. Please help me to share this gift with others.
Scripture
About this Plan
Today, as recipients of this great gift of God, we can keep it to ourselves or, like the shepherds and my grandmother, use every opportunity, including palagarams (a traditional snack from Telangana), to spread the joyful news of Jesus. Our simple acts of love, our generosity, and our kindness can go a long way toward showcasing Christ to others. When we let our light shine, many will experience God’s greatest gift and glorify Him as the shepherds did centuries ago. This Christmas, what you do with God’s gift, matters.
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We would like to thank Our Daily Bread Ministries - Asia Pacific for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://santapanrohani.org/
