The Greatest Gift

The tree is lit, the gifts are wrapped, and yet the quiet question remains: what makes this day truly shine? We gather around Day 25 of our Christmas devotional and focus our hearts on the greatest gift, Jesus, whose birth brings a hope that never expires and a peace we can’t manufacture. Instead of rushing through the morning, we pause to savor the story of a Savior who chose love, obedience, and sacrifice so that we could know life without end.

Throughout the conversation, we return to the heart of the gospel: Jesus came knowing the road ahead and still chose us. 

Join us as we savor the meaning behind the celebration and let Scripture steady our steps. If this reflection encourages you, subscribe for more short, Scripture-filled devotionals, share it with a friend who needs hope today, and leave a review to help others find the message. Merry Christmas—and may the bright morning star guide your next step.

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Podcast Music by: prazkhanal
Song: Whip

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome And Devotional Series
• 0:45 Day 25 Theme: The Greatest Gift
• 1:53 Joy Of Gifts And True Meaning
• 2:58 Revelation 22:16 And Salvation
• 4:15 The Santa Story And Growing Faith
• 6:03 Refocusing Christmas Priorities
• 7:13 Prayer Of Gratitude

Transcript

SPEAKER_00: 0:00

Hello, hello. This is Jesse Morgan Devotions for the Christian Heart Podcast. Welcome, welcome. This year I'm bringing my 25-day Christmas devotional to life in a new way. Beginning on day 11 through day 25, each devotional entry now has a matching mini podcast episode, a simple 8 to 10 minute reflection designed to help you slow down and truly sit with the story of Jesus' birth. Each episode clearly follows the same day as the written devotional, so day 11 in the book is day 11 on the podcast and so forth. My hope is that these daily audio reflections make the journey to Christmas feel even more personal, peaceful, and meaningful. Thank you for being here. Let's go. The Greatest Gift, Episode 92, Day 25. Merry Christmas, everyone. Christmas Day is here. We all know that gifts and presents often take center stage during the holiday season, and honestly, I think it's okay to enjoy them. There's something special about watching loved ones open a gift that was chosen just for them. But even in the middle of all that joy, we should never lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. I remember one year when my dad jokingly suggested that we skip the decorations and gift giving altogether and just focus on celebrating the birth of Christ. My mom looked at him like he was absolutely crazy for a moment and then they both laughed it off. But now as an adult, the idea doesn't feel so far-fetched anymore. Because the truth is, the meaning of Christmas is enough for me now. I thank God every single day for the greatest and most irreplaceable gift we could ever receive: salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus was born to save us all. He came into this world, um, you know, knowing the suffering he would endure, yet he still chose obedience, love, and sacrifice. Through his life, death, and resurrection, he gave us the gift of eternal life. And I'm grateful for that gift more than ever before. And then in Revelation 22, 16, it reminds us of who Jesus really is, where it says, I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David and the bright morning star. Jesus is the foundation of our salvation. His birth marks the beginning of the greatest story ever told and the most profound gift humanity could ever receive. And I just think about that now. And I think about that funny story when I was little. Um, really, I wasn't that little. I think I was about 12 or 13, and it was Christmas morning. I woke up, I ran downstairs, and I didn't see tons of gifts out. Um, usually every year I go downstairs, the gifts are just laying out toys, everything's out. And then the Christmas tree also has wrapped gifts. And in the past, the way my parents always spoke to me about it was Santa left all the toys out. And then under the Christmas tree, wrapped presents were for my parents. So I always felt like I got two sets of gifts. So I remember I was 12, 13, I ran downstairs and like there was no like gifts just out. And I was a little shocked, but I saw the gifts under the tree. So then I remember like it hit like eight o'clock, and I my mom was downstairs starting breakfast. And I went to my dad, I said, Dad, I said, what happened to all the gifts from Santa? And my dad looked at him and looked at me and said, Jess, there's no such thing as Santa. And he walked off and my heart was broken. I went upstairs, I cried for like 20 minutes. I got, and then I went, came back downstairs for breakfast, got myself together, and then I was ready to open up presents. But I remember I was so hurt by that. I was a little older learning that Santa didn't exist. And when I sit there and I reflect that, I reflect on that, and think about myself now at 39. I have a little girl and married, like how that just does not matter anymore. And then also, you don't ever have to be disappointed or hurt by Jesus Christ, because Jesus will always exist. He'll always be here. There is a such thing as Jesus. There is not a no such thing, you know, like a Santa. And I just as I get older and think about that, I'm just so grateful for Christmas and what Jesus has done for me and my family and our lives. And the older I get, it really the the gifts don't matter. You know, this year, for example, I'm focused on my daughter getting stuff. I, you know, me and my husband were like, yeah, we're good. Um, and it's just interesting how times change and if your your belief grows and you really focus on what really, really matters. You know, so today, as we celebrate Christmas, let's remember that this isn't just a holiday, it's a birthday. Let's celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the greatest gift of all. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank you so much for this wonderful Christmas day. Father, thank you so much for Jesus Christ being born to the world so that then one day he could become the savior of the world. Father, we cherish this story within the gospels, we cherish this birth, and Father, we thank you so much for the unconditional love that you give us every single day, and how you give us mercy when we don't deserve it through your Son, Jesus Christ. Father, we love you and we praise you, and we just are so thankful for this Christmas day. In Jesus' name, amen. Merry Christmas, my friends. Have a wonderful Christmas day, have a wonderful rest of the year. I will be back second week in January. To next time. Thank you for listening. This episode is part of my Christmas devotional series inspired by my written devotional, 25 Days Till Christmas, a scripture-filled journey preparing our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I invite you to read along and reflect on his story in a deeper way. Details in the show notes for the written devotional. And it also says in Scripture, glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill towards men. Luke 2, 14. And don't miss the next reflection in this Christmas series by subscribing to the podcast to continue walking through God's Word this season. And a little bit about me. I'm Jesse Morgan, wife, mom, and devotional writer and podcaster who loves sharing biblical encouragement and the hope we find in Jesus. Till next time, Jesse Morgan signing off. Hello, my friends. I just wanted to come on here really quick and again say Merry Christmas and enjoy the new year. And 2026 is around the corner, as we know. And I just want to again say thank you so much for all the support of this podcast. It has evolved in the last two years. I am so thankful to God for allowing me to use a talent that I didn't really think I had before, which was speaking or talking pretty good, and be able to use it to glorify him. And I think every single person that has supported it has listened, even if you listen for five seconds, thank you. And I'm excited to enter 2026 and um maybe switch it up a little bit at times, but continue to storytell and to share God's word with you one step at a time. Love you all. Till next time, Jesse Morgan signing off for the rest of the year.