That He gave—The word “gave,” in the Greek is didomi, which denotes “a gift.”
Allow me to say that again: a gift!
It Really Is Christmas!
My brother is the coolest, bestest Christmas shopper around. For years—and I don’t know if he still does this or not—he went shopping daily for Christmas gifts. Not that he couldn’t find it all the first time out. No. Rather, he took a day (or part of a day) to shop for one person in particular. He didn’t say, “Saturday I’ll go Christmas shopping,” then head out with a list of names and some “suggestions.” He took his time seeking out the perfect gift for those he loves.
One could always bet on a personal, perfect gift on Christmas morning if their name was on his list.
God’s Christmas gift to us is like that. He’s not just buying stuff and wrapping it willy-nilly, then slinging it under our holiday tree. He sent His Son…the best He could send. Giving up His Son was an act of such unselfish love and desire; it truly was and is a gift.
It’s Not Just Greek to Me
So, let’s get back to the beloved verse.
His only begotten—Monogenes. It means, “one of a kind.” Or, “the one and only.” Typically used by parents of their “only child,” it is used here to show God’s only Son that is of a divine nature with Him. Yes, we are God’s children—adopted sons and daughters—but Jesus and the Father are one. “God of God,” the Nicene Creed says.
Very God of Very God.
Next Installment: From the beginning, always and forever, Jesus.
Award-winning national speaker, Eva Marie Everson is a recent graduate of Andersonville Theological Seminary. Her work includes
Creed: What Do You Believe?
Creed: Going on the Attack Against Evil Forces
