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)

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is a white elephant gift exchange where you can steal someone else’s gift or go for an unopened present. It’s always a blast to watch people maneuver to get the gift they really want, rather than leaving with something lame.

It reminds me of the very reason for this time of year. It’s the season when we celebrate God’s greatest gift of all—His son Jesus Christ. Because of what Jesus did for us, we’re blessed to have the greatest gift exchange ever. You see, Jesus didn’t just come to be born in a manger; He was ultimately destined to die on a cross for all of us. Because of what He has done, this great exchange has already happened. Now, all we have to do is receive the gifts, by faith, He exchanged with us.

Here are just a few of the gifts that we get to exchange:

For SIN, we received FORGIVENESS.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. (Eph. 1:7)

For DEATH, we received LIFE.
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins…. (Eph. 2:1)

For DEPRESSION, we received JOY.
…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 14:17)

For ANXIETY, we received PEACE.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

For LACK, we received ABUNDANCE.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. (2 Cor. 8:9)

For SICKNESS, we received HEALTH.
But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. (Is. 53:5)

For DEFEAT, we received VICTORY.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 15:57)

Wow, those are some pretty amazing gifts. Just think about it. God loves you so much that He wants you to experience His gifts of forgiveness, life, joy, peace, abundance, health, and victory. I’d say that we’ve got a lot to be thankful for as we reflect on this year and look ahead to the upcoming year.

Say this:
Father, I thank you for the greatest gift of all, your Son, Jesus Christ. Because He is the Lord of my life, I am grateful to participate in the great exchange. Thank you for taking my sin and giving me forgiveness. Thank you for freeing me from death and for giving me life. I’m grateful to no longer suffer from depression because you’ve given me joy, and the joy of the Lord is now my strength. I’m thankful that I am no longer anxious about anything but that your peace permeates my life. Lord, I thank you that I no longer suffer lack, but that through you, all my needs are met. I’m thankful that sickness and disease have no place in my life and that my body is healthy and full of life. And Father, I’m thankful I always have the victory through my Lord, Jesus Christ, who has made me more than a conqueror. In Jesus’ name. Amen!



Beth and Jeff Jones Ministries
All rights reserved.