Ancient Words For Today - 2
Christmas has always been a special time of year for me. I can remember, as a child, the wonder and excitement and great anticipation I experienced as Christmas approached. I loved
the festive lights and decorations our family would hang up together, the fresh
pine wreath on our door, egg nog, Christmas cookies and the special
holiday foods that were so good. I especially remember the Christmas tree
in our living room, decked with colorful lights, glittering tinsel, and
all types of ornaments. The best part was all the wrapped presents underneath the tree branches, always carefully placed surrounding the
nativity scene with baby Jesus in the center of it all. Sometimes we
would go to church on Christmas Eve and hear the scripture verses that tell about the birth of Jesus. We would sing Christmas carols about when the angels announced the birth of Christ and the shepherds and kings came to visit baby Jesus and give Him gifts, and all the animals that were in the stable.
In great anticipation, I would go to bed on Christmas Eve and rise up very early Christmas morning to see which presents had my name on them. I would pick them up, feeling the shape and weight, shaking them and pondering what sort of presents they were. Later, when the entire family was gathered together, we would open all the presents and everybody would be happy and joyful with what they had received. I also remember the warm feeling I got as others unwrapped the presents that I had picked out or made for them.
Later in life, I learned about the most precious and wonderful Christmas gift ever given by the greatest person who ever lived. That person was Jesus Christ, the very God of Heaven, who came down to earth and was born in a lowly stable, because there was no room in the inn. The priceless gift He gave us is
eternal life, available to anyone that wishes to receive it.
This gift cost Jesus everything He had; He died on a cross, giving his very life as an exchange to pay the penalty for the sins that each of us has committed, so that we could be forgiven our sins and live in His presence forever.
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
He was buried and rose again on the third day and ascended into Heaven where He sits on the thrown at the right hand of the Father awaiting the day when each of those who believe in Him are received into Heaven. Jesus offered His gift of eternal life because He loves us more than can ever be imagined or understood, and He wants us to spend eternity in His presence. The gift of eternal life that Jesus offers was also given by Our Heavenly Father as the ancient scriptures tell:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
God continues to offer His Most Precious Gift; eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. Have you received His gift?
If you have received Jesus as your Savior, rejoice with us now
in the true spirit of Christmas. If not, our prayer is that you will ask Jesus
into your heart and receive God's Special Priceless Gift!
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)