The Gift That Keeps Giving

December 14, 2025

Dr. Paul Cannings

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
(2 Corinthians 9:15, NASU)
It’s that time of year when warm sentiments and goodwill fill the air. It’s also the season
when people go to great lengths to express their feelings in tangible ways. Flyers,
promotions, and commercials appeal to every shopper for every imaginable item. We
have special days like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the days in between—all
devoted to shopping. And as we all know, for every gift there is both a giver and a
recipient.
A gift often says a great deal about the giver and how they feel about the recipient. It’s
rare to receive a thoughtful gift from someone who holds unfavorable sentiments toward
you—and if you do, it may have come from the Dollar Tree (no offense intended!). Most
gifts have a limited life span and become fading memories. A meaningful gift, however,
will cost something—time, thought, and money.
But there is one gift that stands above all others, the gift Paul describes as
“indescribable.” He understood the magnitude.
The gift: Jesus Christ.
The cost: His life.
If we attempted to describe this gift, we would quickly find ourselves overwhelmed. We
might begin with words like: Historical yet Current, Aged yet Relevant, Expensive
yet Affordable, Unchangeable yet Dependable. Try describing this gift aloud for one
minute, and you’ll likely reach the same conclusion as Paul—indescribable. Unlike
ordinary gifts, this one grows more meaningful with time, depending on the recipient.
Every gift, regardless of the cost, invites a response from the recipient—whether a
simple “ooooh” or “ahhhh,” cherished devotion, or even disregard. Scripture recalls
responses such as gold, frankincense, myrrh, an alabaster jar, and even a heartfelt
expression of gratitude from a single healed leper.
As the savor of Thanksgiving meals still lingers in our memories, let us not diminish the
real gift by treating it like common gifts, decorations, food, or fun. Unlike any other
holiday, this season carries far greater significance. And unlike any other gift, this one is
Undeserved, Unsolicited, Unchangeable, Unspeakable—yet tragically, it can remain
Unclaimed. That is why we must seize every opportunity to evangelize. It’s like the
unclaimed jackpot in Florida—someone is walking around a millionaire and doesn’t
even know it.
The challenge: Make Jesus the reason for the season by doing something that draws
attention to Him—or simply by telling someone about Him. Remember, you may be the
only Jesus some people will ever encounter. Reflect Him well.

Celebrate Christ!!!
From Pastor and Eve Cannings