A beautiful gift wrapped under the tree brings anticipation, wonder, and intrigue; and the very best Christmas gifts bring so much more.
Anticipation, wonder, and intrigue were also felt on a night many years ago in Bethlehem. But this Christmas gift was not lying under a tree or tied with a shiny bow. It was lying in a smelly barn and wrapped in cloth.
Although the calendar says that December 25 has come and gone ,and you probably no longer have any beautiful gifts under your tree, the Christmas gift that was given that night continues to be given to anyone who will receive it.
Through Jesus’ death, we were given the ultimate gift of eternal life. But that special night, God gave us a precious gift when His only son was born on this earth. He wrapped up the gifts of love, joy, peace, and hope in a special tiny package; a baby with a purpose.
John 3:16-17 (NIV) says, “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
This one verse shows God’s love for us, brings us joy and offers us both peace and hope.
God loves you so much that He sent His only son to this earth for a single purpose. He sent Him to “seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10 NIV),” which would be accomplished through his death and resurrection. This gives us hope of eternity.
Luke 2 tells us of the gifts of joy and peace.
10 ”Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.“
14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Jesus’ birth brings us joy, but also peace in knowing that our trials on earth will one day pass away and we will be with Him.
If you are struggling with joy and peace this holiday season, God can restore those to you. He has given these to you as a gift. No matter what you are facing, it is possible to have joy and peace in Him despite your circumstances. He loves you and has proven that love to you by sending His only son for YOU!
He did it for YOU!
These gifts of God weren’t just meant for that night long ago, they are still available to all who believe and have a relationship with Him. God freely gives these gifts to each and every one of us who will accept Him as Savior and Lord.
If you have not accepted Christ, all you have to do is ask Him to forgive you of your sins and be Lord of your life.
Whether you have never accepted Christ before or if you just need a refreshing of His spirit, unwrap this gift today.
Lord, I thank you for loving me and sending your only son to this world. Thank you for the gifts that you have given me through the life that Jesus lived. From His birth to His death, He had a single purpose, to “seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10 NIV).” I ask you to forgive me of my sins, and I ask you to be Lord of my life. Lord, I want to live in your joy and peace with the hope that one day I will spend eternity with you. Amen
If you did pray that prayer for the first time, I encourage you to each out to another Christian. We can’t live this life alone and need other believers to come alongside us on our journey.
Comments