The Greatest Gift
Christmas Devotional - Day 7
Listen along as you read today's devotional:
The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”
Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”
Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see Him.
Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”
— John 4:9-13,28-30, 39-42 (New Living Translation)
“Oh my goodness, you have to taste this. It’s amazing,” I said as I cut off a generous portion of my perfectly-seasoned steak to share with my wife.
“No, that’s fine.”
“Seriously, you really need to try this,” I told her. She reluctantly took my fork.
Her eyes widened as she tasted the bite. “Oh wow, that’s delicious. Now I wish I had your plate.”
You’ve had this experience, or one like it. You order a drink, a dessert or a meal and you just can’t stop talking about it. You post pictures on social media. You tell your friends about this amazing restaurant.
You’re a food evangelist.
Traditionally, when we think about Christmas, we think about Jesus Christ coming as an infant into the world — and we should, for it was a turning point in history. But if you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, you know there is another point in time to treasure and remember as you wait on the Lord: the day He came into your life.
In John 4, we get a glimpse into a Samaritan woman’s turning point. She shows up at a well in the heat of the day longing to have her thirst quenched, but she meets a man named Jesus who tells her strange things … He offers her a drink that will make her never thirst again. He tells her all about her past, even though she’s never met Him before.
Then, she believes in what He’s saying. She believes He’s the one who’s come to save God’s people. And she immediately leaves her jar and runs back to the village to share about it.
It’s impossible to hold back a true experience with Jesus. Just like the Samaritan woman had her village, there are people around you who need to taste the water that will make them never thirst again.
Who in your life is struggling and needs encouragement? This Christmas season makes a perfect segway into sharing about the hope you have received through Jesus.
And when you share, you can celebrate with joyful hope the greatest gift:
Jesus, our King and Savior, has come!
If you have faith in Jesus, your sins are forgiven.
God is always with you! He wants to walk “hand-in-hand” with you through hardships and joyful moments.
God has promised Jesus will return and restore the world — there will be no more sorrow, pain, or brokenness.
Watch: Reflect and Pray
Reflect:
Who are the people around you who are longing for something to fulfill their deepest desires — people who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus? Ask God for opportunities to share about Jesus and your testimony with them. Your testimony is the story of what God did in your life; it can provide an example of God’s grace and kindness to those around you. After chatting, invite your friend to join you as you celebrate God’s gift this Christmas season.
Celebrate today knowing that Jesus came and is coming back. And on His return, like the wise men in Matthew 2:11, you will have an opportunity to bow down and worship Him.
The best is yet to come.
Merry Christmas!
Pray:
Jesus, thank You for coming to earth and living the sinless life I could never live. Thank You that because of Your death and resurrection, You made the way for me to be forgiven and to know You. Thank You for the gift of knowing You and being transformed by You. Holy Spirit, show me opportunities to tell others about the gospel and what You’ve done in my life. In You, I find peace and joy. You comfort me with Your presence and encouragement when I endure hardships and pain. You’re always with me. Lord, give me boldness to share my testimony with the people in my life. I want to bring you praise this Christmas season. Amen.
Join Us:
If you’d like to learn more about sharing the hope you found in Jesus, join Cru’s email series “Know Your Story. Share His Story.” Through thought-provoking content and curated resources, you’ll gain the tools and insights to confidently share your faith. With each message, you’re not just learning; you’re growing into a powerful messenger of the gospel.
Ben McGuire serves as an International Sending Coordinator with Cru® serving staff and interns in Europe. He lives outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife, Jill, and their three children.
