17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! (Romans 5:17)

Have you ever regifted a present? Or have you received a gift you were pretty sure had been regifted? Whether you’ve given or received a regifted present, it probably felt awkward; after all, the gift was originally intended for someone else.

What if a regift could be a great gift? What if it’s the best gift? Receiving a regifted Christmas present can feel awkward. But when we really ponder the Christmas story, we find that it’s all about God regifting, in the most beautiful, non-awkward way. The Apostle Paul wrote, “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Galatians 4:4-5). The gift of Christmas is: humanity invited to become children of God. However, it’s a gift already given thousands of years ago. Adam and Eve were created as God’s children and designed to enjoy relationship with their creator. They walked and talked with God until they sinned and ruined the communion he created them to enjoy. Their relationship with their creator became fractured.

But God was not content in allowing his creation to live separate from him. Each Christmas we celebrate the reality that God is regifting the invitation to become his children. What Adam and Eve lost in the garden, Jesus begins to regain in the manger. Paul made the point by writing, "For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17). The greatest gift ever given, that humanity squandered, is once again being offered through the life of Jesus the Messiah. It’s life, hope, righteousness, and sonship, that is regifted to humanity through the birth of Jesus.

REFLECT + RESPOND

Take a moment today and reflect on the regift of Christmas - the gift of sonship. It’s such an extravagant gift, God gives it twice!