No matter where we are, we are always with our Heavenly Father. Isn’t this what Jesus meant in His address to His disciples just before ascending to Heaven? “Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NIV)

It is common for teachers to receive gifts from their students. This usually happens at Christmas time, but often happens at the end of a school year as well. I had never, however, until that one day in early September, received a gift from a student on the first day of school…

It was several years ago, back when I was still teaching Grade 7. At recess on that first day of school, one of my students approached me with a gift. It was a piece of etched crystal, displaying the image of a tiger.

I knew this student wasn’t from a wealthy family, and the gift looked expensive. “It’s beautiful!” I exclaimed. “But it must have cost you a fortune!”

She smiled then. She told me that she had been so happy the moment she knew I would be her teacher that she had started saving her money. She had looked all summer for just the perfect gift for me.

I thanked her profusely then, and she went away with a special smile on her face. I have that tiger displayed in a prominent place in my living room. Every time I see it, it makes me happy — Happy to know that someone cared enough to spend an entire summer, as well as money she didn’t have, just to communicate that she was happy to be in my class. What a student. Wow!

It is not a Christmas story, per se; yet its message is for Christmas, and for always. When we do something special for someone, it makes a difference in their life — in the moment, and sometimes, even for years to come.

About 2000 years ago, Jesus gave us a precious gift. It was a gift He had been planning ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden (See Genesis 3:14-15). He left the riches of Heaven to come to this earth as a tiny baby (See 2 Corinthians 3:9). He would be tortured and mocked, He would be rejected, even by His own family and closest friends (See Isaiah 53). Nonetheless, He came, and this one action changed the course of history forever. As a result, we are no longer doomed to eternal death: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2 NIV).

Isn’t this the best present of all?

And perhaps the best news is that His gift will last forever! Will you do Him the ultimate honor today by accepting His Christmas gift to you? You can do so in one of three ways:

1. You can view our Salvation video;
2. You can visit our Savior’s Call webpage, available in 10 different languages;
3. Or you can email us, and we’ll be happy to help you accept Jesus into your heart!

Whatever way you choose, don’t wait! Do it today!

In His love,
Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Christmas With Students” devotional series, please click here.)