The Gift That Keeps on Giving by Nicholas C. Christian, M. Div

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

2 Corinthians 9:15 NRSV

“15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

In 1977, the famous photography and global technology company Kodak launched its first advertising campaign using the slogan "the gift that keeps on giving, picture after picture". Since then, Kodak has leveraged this slogan during the holiday season in an attempt to remind consumers that Kodak's gifts hold the ability to bring their owners joy, peace, hope, and love "picture after picture." Kodak is not the only company to use this slogan. Other companies like Victor Radio and Hotpoint Appliances in the 1920s, Du Mont Electronics in 1948, RCA Victor in 1963, and even Godiva in 2016 have run advertising campaigns that feature the slogan "the gift that keeps on giving."

We are now on the cusp of the year 2021, and we still hear companies attempt to leverage this phrase to inform their consumer that the product they are selling will give them more than the joy they experience the moment they first receive it. This phrase's usage persists because companies have figured out that the value of one's purchase consumes people. Companies know that consumers want to get the best "bang for their buck," so they have strategically belittled the purchasing of products that only give the sense of joy, or happiness, hope, or love upon receipt, by highlighting their product that "keeps on giving it." The idea of purchasing a product that keeps on giving is ideal. Who wouldn't want to spend money on something that will continue to add value to their lives? Who wouldn't want to be the owner of a product or service that continues to bring them happiness and joy even after they have purchased it for the first time? The creator of this slogan was brilliant. However, while we search the internet and peruse through the stores this Christmas looking for the gift that keeps on giving, I want to challenge all of us not to lose sight of the real reason for Christmas; the indescribable Gift that keeps on giving. The Gift is one we do not deserve, cannot afford, but receive freely. The Gift is Jesus Christ.

 

In 2 Corinthians 9:15, Paul, too, references this indescribable Gift to the church of Corinth. In his letter, Paul emphasizes the importance of giving generously to one another. He discusses the truth that God supplies all the needs of Gods people, not so that the rich can get richer and the poor become poorer, but so that those who have their needs met can generously give to others who do not have their needs met, in attempt to help them along the way. Paul does not allow those who give to get “puffed up” about their donations or confused about why they give. Paul makes it clear to the church that we do not and are not to give, so that persons who see or hear us give, or persons who receive our gift, give us some level of praise or thanks for the blessings we give to them. Paul delineates that the reason we provide to those in need is to bring glory to the Lord our God. Paul suggests it is God to whom we are indebted, and our very decision to give willingly and generously to those in need is an act of recognition that we are in debt to God.

In other words, there are no gifts to give to one another if not for God. God is the creator of the heavens and earth. God is the only creator in history. God created so well the first time, every other being after God could only take from what God has already created. Nobody can give or take, use or waste, invent or make anything that does not leverage a resource that God already created. That is why the Bible reminds us that "the Earth is the Lords, and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein." Paul demarcates to the church of Corinth that Everything we have comes from God.

Yet, before Paul could finish his letter and before Paul can clean off his Quill pen, put a cap on his ink, and lift the letter to get rid of the excess Pounce powder, Paul had to give thanks to God the Father, for Gods Indescribable Gift.

So, my brothers and my sisters, in this season of Christmas where we have so often tied the giving of gifts to this holiday, we too must remember that the only reason we have gifts to give is because of God. Furthermore, we must not forget we give others gifts, not to be praised or get credit, but we give gifts so that Lord our God can be glorified. Lastly, we must not forget that Jesus is the reason for the season; He is the ultimate gift.

 

Thus, before we give or receive any gifts, we must remember to give thanks to God. We must not forget the indescribable gift that God has given us of grace, which is furthered revealed in Christ Jesus. He is the gift that keeps on giving. Jesus offers hope to the hopeless, peace to the restless, and joy amid sorrow. He is a mother to the motherless and gives a father to the fatherless.  Jesus has gifted healing to the sick and deliverance to the bound. Last but not least, Because he was born, died on calvary's cross, and still lives, if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Christ Jesus is Lord, the Gift that keeps on giving will give salvation to the sinner!

 

He is the gift that keeps on giving! That’s why I can sing

 

How sweet to hold

A new born baby

And feel the pride

And the joy that he gives

But greater still that calm assurance

We can face uncertain days

We can face uncertain days

Because he lives

Sing it with us

And because he lives I can face tomorrow

Because he lives all fear is gone

Because I know he holds the future

And life is worth the living just because he lives