Christmas will be here before you know it. Everywhere you go, gorgeous displays of holiday lights and festive decor remind us that Christmas is near.

You may have started your Christmas gift shopping by now. Did you put Christ on your gift list? 

You’re probably thinking, “How can I ever repay such a gift to Jesus?” After all, he came to earth and gave us the greatest gift of all—his birth, life, death and ultimately his resurrection. He gave us the pathway to forgiveness of sin and a way to be closer to God. 

However, the Bible contains a “wish list” of gifts that Jesus wants from you.

Once someone came to Jesus and asked him, “What is the greatest commandment?” 

In Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus answered him by saying, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”

First found in Deuteronomy 6:5, this is at the top of Jesus’ wish list. It’s what God wants most from his followers.

In verse 39, Jesus continued: “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Another item at the top of Jesus’ wish list is the Golden Rule, which is found in Matthew 7:12. 

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” 

Additionally, we are asked to love our neighbors (Romans 13:9-10) and to put our trust in God (Proverbs 3:5).

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, give thanks for the birth and life of Jesus Christ. And as you enjoy celebrations with family, friends and neighbors, make sure to take time to give Jesus what he wants the most.

As the new year approaches, make sure to give the gifts of loving God and others—gifts that will last the whole year through.

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