Now Naaman was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy (2 Kings 5:1).

Today is Christmas. It’s the usual time for giving and receiving gifts. Unfortunately, not everybody may enjoy the blessings of a well-parceled gift. Many households lack the means. Some parents will disappoint their children, while others will overwhelm their children with lots of it. In some homes, there may not even be a good meal. But I dare say that we have all received the best gift of our life this Christmas. It is the grace of God in Christ Jesus to the world. The baby in the manger in Bethlehem is the reason for Christmas. Unfortunately, He gets lost amid the commercial activities that characterize the season. Let me explain.

Naaman was the army commander of Syria. He was a great man and highly respected, but he had leprosy (2 Kings 5:1). He was an accomplished man, but he had no inner peace. There was a need in his life, and he desperately needed healing. Thank God for his Jewish servant girl. “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy” (2 Kings 5:3). Naaman went with gifts but got offended when Elisha prescribed a simple cure for His ailment (9-12). His servants prevailed on him to comply with the prophet’s instructions. Reluctantly went and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times and came healed (13-14).

Naaman’s story is like that of every human being. Many people have everything they need apart from peace. They pretend to be happy, but deep down in their hearts is a deep void that needs filling. It is the absence of God and the reign of sin in their lives (Rom. 3:23). It is a universal disease that separates man from God (6:23). Like Naaman, people may have everything, but they have leprosy.

That is why a child was born in a manger in Bethlehem some two thousand and eighteen years ago. It is His birth the world celebrates today (Is. 9:6; Lk. 2:11-12). Jesus is God’s gift to the world – the cure of our sin disease. He is for everyone in this world regardless of race, social class, status, color, or gender (Jn. 3:16; Titus 2: 11).

Therefore, no one lacks a gift this Christmas. COVID-19 may deprive you of a gift you crave, but you have the best Gift in Jesus. Your children may not receive what you promised them, but it will be your best opportunity to explain to them the real purpose of Christmas, and that will be your best gift to them, ever.

The servant girl in Naaman’s household gave her master the best gift when she introduced him to the prophet of the God of Israel. So, introduce somebody to Christ, the manger child. He is Immanuel, God with us – the Savior of the world (Matthew 1:20-22)

Merry Christmas Everybody!