THE GIFT
Accept or Refuse
There is no greater gift than the gift of life. Eternal life to be exact. We can choose to limit our life to the earthbound experience, or to accept Jesus Christ and His forgiveness of sins and live eternally with Him in His Father’s house. The gifts we give to each other this Christmas pale by comparison. They will not last forever. We may have to go to some inconvenience to give these gifts but none of them will require our death.
Jesus’s birth was for the purpose of presenting a spotless lamb to be given as a sacrifice for the redemption of mankind. God was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). He subjected Himself to all that we experience living on earth so He could show us how to live… He was tempted as we are and did not sin.
Have you ever been betrayed by a “friend”? He experienced this as Judas betrayed Him. Have you ever had your motives misunderstood? He experienced this as His own people called Him a blasphemer who made false claims. Have you ever felt that someone close to you who should understand you does not? He experienced this as Peter rebuked Him for wanting to die on the cross. (Matthew 16:21-23).
Jesus went through all of life’s experiences so He would know firsthand what the human experience felt like. These experiences allowed Him to fulfill the role of our High Priest who makes intercession in heaven (Hebrews 4:14-16). It is good to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. However, we must not lose sight of what the celebration is really about. How would you feel, if while celebrating your birthday those celebrating it forgot about you and focused instead on some man who is said to wear a red suit and come down chimneys; if the guests at your party gave gifts to each other, and did not remember why they were celebrating.
Let us not lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. We are celebrating the sacrificial birth and life of Jesus who came all the way from heaven to suffer and die for a world that was not worthy of His great sacrifice. If you have not yet accepted the gift of eternal life which Jesus offers to anyone who will receive it, be sure to do it today. Just admit that you are a sinner; ask Him to forgive you of your sins and to come into your heart. You will receive eternal life. Tell someone about your decision for Christ. Your best life is ahead of you as you walk with Jesus. Thank you Jesus for all that you have done for us.