Christmas gifts for your grandchildren usually have a short lifespan. Sure, they may love them at first, but over time the new wears off, the excitement fades, and something newer and shinier is destined to take their place. Knowing this, and experiencing it myself, this past Christmas I spent some time thinking about what kind of gift I could give that might have some staying power.
I’ve often thought about what I would grab if my house ever caught on fire. In years past, my guitars would have been high on that list, and in fact I used to put one of my favorite guitars under my bed so that in the event of an emergency, I could reach it effortlessly.
But that was B.C. – before Christ. While I still love my guitars, and use one of them in particular for leading worship of the Lord, I have to admit that my priority list for what I would grab in the case of fire has changed. Now, instead of my guitars, without any question, I’m going to grab my Bibles.
With this in mind, my decision on a gift for my ten-year-old grandson became much easier. I remembered Jesus words as recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke – they all read exactly the same:
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
(Matthew 24:35 ESV)
While I could and did give my grandson toys – Jesus’ words are eternal. And of course, not only are Jesus’ words eternal – but He is! And when we hear the Gospel message and come to believe that Jesus came into the world to die for our sins (because we know and admit that we are sinners), and that He was buried (meaning He really died on a real Roman cross), and that He was raised on the Third day (meaning He was resurrected and ascended to the right hand of the Father) – then the apostle John tells what will result:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
(John 3:16 ESV)
So, not only are Jesus and His words eternal – but when we believe – so are we!
If I knew that I would only have one more chance to see my grandsons, and I had the opportunity to leave them with only one thing…there’s no doubt in my mind, that I’m leaving them with the living Word of the Living God. In the case of my oldest grandson, that’s already been taken care of, because the gift for Christmas I decided on was a new Bible. I wrote several things in the front of it, but I came across an amazing quote concerning the Bible, and though I do not know who the original author was, I wrote the following in the blank front pages:
“This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here, heaven is opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully.
It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the Judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward faithful labor, and condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.
‘Tis the Book that has for ages,
Lifted man from sin and shame
That great message on its pages,
Will forever be the same.
Never compare the Bible with other books. Comparisons are dangerous. Books speak from earth; the Bible speaks from heaven. Never think or say that the Bible contains the Word of God or that it becomes the Word of God – it IS the Word of God. Supernatural in origin, eternal in duration, inexpressible in value, infinite in scope, divine in authorship, regenerate in power, infallible in authority, universal in interest, personal in application, inspired in totality.
Read it through. Write it down. Pray it in. Work it out. Pass it on.
It is the Word of God.”
The Bible, like Jesus and the eternal life that He offers through His finished work on the cross, are all gifts that last forever. In retrospect, there could not have been a better time to gift God’s Word to my precious grandson than on Christmas – the day that God gave us the greatest gift this world has ever known, “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
Having a hard time deciding on a gift for that person who has everything? This Christmas – why not give the gift that lasts forever?
Last modified: May 17, 2022