By Catherine Akansinguza
A gift is something given freely without expectation of repayment. It represents love, care, compassion, and honour for the recipient. Gifts make us feel cherished, reminding us that someone holds us in their heart. The joy of receiving a gift often comes from knowing that it was chosen to bring a smile to our face. Special occasion like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries are often marked with gifts, yet none compare to the gift that God has given humanity.
The intent of God’s gift
The Bible tells us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This verse, familiar to many, may still prompt us to ask: why did God choose to give us His only Son?
The answer lies in His love. Jesus Christ is a gift from God, intended to offer eternal life to all who believe. Just as people give gifts to celebrate milestones, God gave us Jesus to proclaim a new era, one of salvation and hope. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19).
In Jesus, God gave a gift overflowing with grace, healing, and freedom.
A gift of forgiveness, new beginnings
God, in His mercy, chose to forgive humanity, though we had strayed from Him. When Adam ate the forbidden fruit, humankind was separated from God’s presence. Yet, God gave His Son to suffer, die on the Cross, be buried, and rise on the third day to bridge that separation. This sacrifice was the beginning of a new chapter for all, offering eternal life and direct access to God.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Through Jesus, we are privileged to approach God anytime, anywhere, by faith.
If you have yet to accept this gift, consider it now. This is not an ordinary gift; it is a complete offering, abundant with life. As we begin to embrace Jesus, we discover life in all its fullness. The Apostle Paul wrote: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Let us cherish God’s gift and share it with others so that they, too, may know His love.
Prophetic Corner
By Priest Isaiah White
The story of God’s enduring presence is further captured in the prophetic promise of a miraculous birth during the reign of King Ahaz. In Isaiah 7, God assures Ahaz of deliverance from the invasion threats posed by the alliance between Israel and Syria. This passage reveals God’s unwavering commitment to His people, embodied in the name Immanuel, meaning “God with us.”
Historical context
This prophecy unfolds at a time of political instability, as King Ahaz faces threats from opposing forces intent on dethroning him. In the midst of panic in Jerusalem, God sends the prophet Isaiah to reassure Ahaz, saying, “It will not happen; it will not occur” (Isaiah 7:7). God calls Ahaz to trust in His divine protection instead of relying on foreign powers.
The sign of Immanuel
God offers Ahaz a sign of reassurance, but Ahaz declines, claiming he does not wish to test God. In response, Isaiah delivers the well-known prophecy: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). This name serves as a promise of God’s presence and faithfulness to His people, even amidst their failings.
A dual fulfilment
Biblical scholars often interpret this prophecy as having dual fulfilment. In its immediate context, it pointed to a child whose birth would signify Judah’s imminent deliverance. Yet, it also foreshadows the birth of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfilment of this promise.
Isaiah 7 conveys a powerful message of hope and trust in God’s faithfulness. The promise of Immanuel reassures believers of God’s active, steadfast presence, offering protection and salvation even in the bleakest times. This prophecy not only addresses historical events but reveals God’s enduring nature and His redemptive plan through Christ.
In the gift of Jesus, we see a promise fulfilled, and we are reminded that God remains with us, always.
