By the time you are reading this letter, many of you will have already begun to shop for special gifts for those that you love. As you search for gifts you will consider the person who will receive it. Perhaps you will consider many things such as the correct size if the gift is something to be worn. You might even consider the color…is this a color that this person would enjoy wearing or look good in? There is much to consider about the purchase. Perhaps one thing that you might also consider is the look on their face as they open your gift, a gift you have pondered over and tirelessly shopped for. You can almost picture how they will look as they open that perfect gift.

This year as you spend time thinking about and looking for perfect gifts for your loved ones, take time to think about another gift that was given long ago. That gift was given by God. It was and still is a gift that all men, women, boys and girls need. It is the gift of salvation that was made possible by the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This was the most perfect gift that has ever or will ever be given.

Perhaps as you think on this perfect gift of Jesus, you can recall the time when you reached out and accepted the gift of salvation that comes from God. If so, take time to thank God for the eternal life that you have and then share the news of this perfect gift with someone else this Christmas.

If you cannot recall a time when you accepted the gift of salvation, why not take the time right now to bow your head, confess to God that you are a sinner, and ask Jesus to come into your heart and forgive you of your sins. Take the time to accept the perfect gift that God has given.

&8220;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.&8221; John 3:16 New King James Version. Now that is the perfect gift.

Gary Jones serves as pastor of Fourmile Baptist Church in Wilsonville. He can be reached at 669-6681