Black Friday: what a happy day for those of us who love to shop and find deals! I typically use this day to stock up on my regular health and beauty products, especially the pricey ones. This year, I also ordered two extra pairs of my favorite readers and some stylish new school clothes for the grandchildren. Last year I really “struck gold,” when I found two patio-sized pots of healthy pansies for three dollars each.

After that joyous retail high, however, I was reminded of a quote from renowned pastor and author, Tony Evans: “There’s no high like the Most High.” Ah, perspective. That perspective got me thinking about the contrast between Black Friday and Good Friday. One is fun, but altogether temporal and secular. The other is simply the best day ever­—the day that ushered in the Age of Grace. There was no Big Sale on the first Good Friday, yet the price tag was exorbitant, and Jesus paid it all. He willingly gave His life so we could live eternally and purposefully in Him. And belief is all that’s required to redeem the gift…yet many leave it unclaimed.

A gift at no cost to us. Don’t we all love a free gift with purchase? Imagine…our salvation is the ultimate freebie. No strings attached. We don’t have to share our email, receive a newsletter, sign up for a membership, or spend at least $75 to get it. All we need do is believe, yet sadly that very simplicity causes some not to believe. Our prideful human nature would much rather earn salvation by being a “good person” or doing humanitarian works. But, ironically, it’s never about what we can do…always about what God has already done.

In my best auctioneer voice, I say, “Yes, ladies and gentlemen, for the low, low cost of believing, you can have righteous standing with God, a standing can never be taken away. You can be assured of a beautiful eternity. But wait, there’s more…your slate can be wiped clean of all sin, plus you’ll have the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to live your best life here and now.

I know. You think it sounds too good to be true, even gimmicky. I get it. I lived in that mindset for many years, and, now that I belong to Christ, I would never, ever turn back. Give yourself the Greatest Gift Ever this Christmas. Embrace the lights, the music, the trees, the merriment, the cookies, the “magic“ of it all. I’ll be doing the same. But while you’re at it, get yourself a Good Friday “freebie” to complement your Black Friday bargains. It’s truly the deal of a lifetime…