The Greatest Gift

Matters of Faith

By Dr. Bascom Ratliff, pastor

Parker, Beagle, Fontana United Methodist Churches

Scripture (NRSV): Romans 6: 23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

During this season of gift-giving and gift-getting, I am reminded that the greatest gift of all is Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate on Dec. 25. The gift of Jesus comes with other gifts. For example, through him we receive access to the Holy Spirit. We have his teachings and assurances through the Gospels. We receive redemption and forgiveness through Christ’s sacrifice. What great reasons to celebrate a divine birth!

Yes, we have received a great number of wonderful gifts through this gift of Jesus Christ. However, one of the greater gifts we receive from Jesus is that, through him, we are adopted as God's children and given access to God's love and eternal life. Being adopted by God into his kingdom assures us of an eternity of love and acceptance.

It's important to understand that God's gift of Jesus and family is a free gift. It is a gift that is available to everyone who confesses their sins and accepts Jesus into their lives. It is not based upon our good works or financial contributions. It is quite simply a wonderful gift for those who acknowledge the soul saving life of Jesus Christ.

As we await the celebration of Jesus's birth, our hope is renewed and refueled. We have God's promise of foundational love and inclusion.

The Christmas message clearly communicates that the very best gifts we can give anyone is love and care and time. So I encourage my readers to think about giving time as a gift this year. Taking the time to write a note or taking the time to visit someone can be a great expression of love and the importance of our relationship with others. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, especially during this Christmas season, is our gift to a loving God and our keeping with his commandment that we share with others.

It is important to tell others that we love and care for them. It is good to acknowledge them and the importance of our relationship with them. Verbally expressing a kindness or an appreciation as part of this umbrella of gift giving shows our love for one another and reflects the generosity and kindness of God.

Finally, I encourage you to continue sharing the good news of Christ. Attend church regularly. Be always thankful. And make it a point to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the wonderful gift that God has given to all of us.

_________________________________________

If you are ready to worship and serve a loving God who welcomes everyone to God’s banquet table, please come worship with us. We will give you a warm welcome, a hot cup of cocoa or coffee, and a homemade cookie. And, most important of all, we will give you an ample sample of God’s love.

_______________________

We will have Sunday morning services during the months of November and December at 10 a.m. at the Parker, Kansas United Methodist Church.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month of January 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Beagle, Kansas United Methodist Church.

We will have Christmas Eve services at Parker UMC at 7 p.m. on Dec. 24.

All are welcome in God’s House.  Come and celebrate with us.

Dr. Bascom Ratliff  (913-710-5748)

Pastor: Parker/Beagle/Fontana

United Methodist Churches