Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Christmas Day is just a few days away. This will be a time when we need to pause to remember the wonderful gift that God gave us through His Son, Jesus. Yet I wonder how that will be for most people.
I understand that over the years Christmas has become a time of gift giving. Stores are overcrowded with people trying to find that one gift that will tell someone how much they care. Now we even find people going online and ordering that special gift. Sometimes finding that right gift can be tough.
Vicki is one that shops a year in advance when she finds that perfect gift for one of the grandkids. She just says they will really like this when they are a year older. Then we try to figure out how we are going to keep it hidden for a year!
At Christmas there are organizations that have gift drives. This is to provide Christmas gifts for children who might go without a gift. I really like to go with Vicki when she shops for these kinds of gifts. She will look at something and her face will just light up as she says – “This will be the perfect gift! They will love this!”
There is no doubt that gift giving is a big part of Christmas. It is evident all around us as we approach this wonderful day. All around us we hear of gifts being purchased and given at this time. I really feel that this can be a wonderful expression of what God has done for us.
At this time we must remember that Christmas isn’t about the gifts we give but about the gift God has given us in Jesus. We truly need to remember that God’s love for us goes beyond what we can purchase in a store to what He has given us through His Son, Jesus. The gift of His Son continues to lighten the hearts and souls of people all across the world.
The angels appeared to the shepherds and told them of the ‘good news of great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’ (Luke 2:10-11). The child born, the Son given wasn’t just for Mary, Joseph or even the shepherds. It was for all the people.
I know that God sent His Son into this world as a gift for us. He is the gift that truly makes a difference. It is the gift that lifts us out of the condemnation of sin and brings to us the justification of life (see Rom.5:18).
Like John said in John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” That my friends, is the gift that keeps on giving! It doesn’t ever stop. It just keeps on giving regardless of our age or situation. It is the gift that brings eternal life.
The shepherds came and saw Jesus and told all that the angel had shared with them then went away and shared all that had been told to them. After they left, Mary was overwhelmed. Luke 2:19 says -- 19 “But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.”
I believe that we must remember this Christmas that Jesus is the gift that changes lives and hearts, then be willing to share Him with those around us. Hold Jesus in your heart but don’t forget to share the love of Jesus with those around you!
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!
Christ only, always,
Bro. Paul
Brother Paul Nachtigall is the preacher at Highland Baptist Church. He can be reached at bropaul@centramedia.net.
