On Christmas Eve 2025, Pastor Sam Torres delivered a heartfelt message at Faithway Church, reminding everyone gathered that amidst the festivities, music, and traditions, the heart of Christmas remains Jesus Christ. He posed a simple yet profound question: What will you do with this gift, the greatest gift of all?
Receive the Gift
The angels announced to the shepherds, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, KJV). This declaration was not merely about the birth of a good teacher or moral example, but about the arrival of the Saviour every person needs.
Pastor Torres emphasised that the best response to the gift of Jesus Christ is to receive Him personally. Salvation is offered freely to anyone who calls upon the Lord in humility and sincerity. As Scripture promises, “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13, KJV). It matters not one’s background, nationality, or past experience with church. The gift is available to all, and receiving it brings the joy of eternal life.
Be Thankful for the Gift
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15, KJV). This gift, Jesus Christ, is so magnificent that words scarcely capture its worth.
Gratitude is a natural and fitting response. Just as children are taught to say “thank you” when they receive a present, believers ought to express heartfelt thanks to God for sending His Son. We did not deserve this gift, could not afford it, and could never earn it through our own efforts. Yet God gave it freely out of love. Whether one has known the Lord for a short time or many decades, thanksgiving remains an appropriate and ongoing posture during the Christmas season and beyond.
Pastor Torres also highlighted the humbling nature of this gift. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, KJV). Salvation is not a reward for good behaviour but a gracious provision from God. This truth keeps pride far away and draws hearts nearer to the Giver.
We Share the Gift
After the shepherds saw the Christ child, “they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:17, KJV). They could not keep silent about the good news.
In the same way, those who have received Christ are called to share Him with others. Good news naturally spreads, whether it is the announcement of a new baby or the message of salvation. Pastor Torres challenged the congregation to make their lives a continual witness to the gospel, not only at Christmastime but throughout the year.
The greatest gift ever given deserves to be passed on so that others might know the Saviour too.
As the evening closed, Pastor Torres prayed that every heart would remain focused on Jesus amid the celebrations. May we each respond to God’s unspeakable gift by receiving it with faith, thanking Him with sincerity, and sharing it with generosity. This Christmas, and always, Jesus Christ remains the reason we celebrate.
