The True Gift of Christmas

 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)    
    Soon it will be Christmas morning and there will be something special that is stirring in the air. Families will gather, and children will be eagerly awaiting the opening of presents. Many people look forward to this one day more than any other, and each one for their own reasons. For some, it represents the happiness of their youth; back to a time when there were no cares or worries. For others, it is a chance to carry on and to give to their children and continue that tradition of generations passed. And, still for others, it can be a time of stress, anxiety, and worry, because there doesnt seem to be enough to share with others.
    
    I find as I get older, the hope of receiving Christmas gifts has long since been replaced with a heart to share a gift with others, and the true spirit of this special day continues to grow within me.
    
    In a way, I think that God feels this way too. You see, long before the world was even formed, He had everything planned perfectly. This included the preparing of a perfect gift that He was to give to us. And that gift was His son, Jesus. And although many people have refused to accept this gift, they will one day bow down and worship and acknowledge this mighty gift that was prepared before the foundation of the world. (See Rev 13:8)
    
    Weve picked this day in December to acknowledge the birth of a Savior, who was born in a stable, clothed with rags, and was laid in a feeding trough for animals. It doesnt sound like the proper setting for a king, much less the God of the universe. But such was the origin of the sacrificial life that Jesus was to live in Human form. And such was the love of the Father to offer the most sacrificial thing He possibly could have given; the life of His Son on that cross of Calvary for the sin of the world. 
    
    What strikes me deep within my heart is that He gave the sacrificial gift to us. Why did He do this for us? Its not because we deserved it, because the fact is, that we didnt. We were His enemies, because we were yet sinners.
    
    But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NKJV)
    
    Christmas is a happy time, and it should be, but it isnt about the gifts that are under our trees, or even the lack of gifts. We shouldnt put so much value into these things because they are temporal, and they will all burn up one day anyways. All that will be left of that, which was given, is the love that we share with those who God has placed in our lives. And that means everyone! 
    
    And we cannot say that we love God, or that we love our neighbor, if we are not willing to offer them that same gift that was offered to us. And that is the Gift of Eternal Life. Its Gods gift to give, and it is ours to share with others. And it is for anyone who will receive it unto themselves. And like all the gifts under the tree, it will be of no value unless the person, to whom it was offered to, is willing to receive it.
    
     I pray a blessing of Gods Holy Spirit upon anyone who reads this writing, and is willing to allow God to use him or her. Lord, give each person who says, yes. to being used by You, a power and love that surpasses any fear, lack of ability, or doubt. Give them boldness to share Your gift with others about salvation and a relationship with You, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name.
    
    Hey Christian, lets celebrate the gift of life with each other. The gift of eternal life, because this is the life that we are to be focusing on, not this temporal one here on earth. Lets share the gift of having a relationship with the God who made you. Now thats something that is worth celebrating&And the best part of all, especially in economic challenging times, is that it is 100% free.
    
    Here is how to receive the Gift. It is contained within the Word of God, and it is everything that you need to know to be saved. 
    
     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. John 3:16 (NIV)
    
    Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 (NIV)
    
    That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)
    
    For it is by grace you have been saved, through faithand this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
    
    STUDY QUESTION: What must we do to be saved according to Romans 10:9-10, and Acts 4:12? How have we been saved according to Ephesians 2:8-9, and why is it not from our works? Why did God give His only Son to die for us according to John 3:16?
    
    PERSONAL INVENTORY: Have you accepted the free gift of Salvation? Are you willing to accept Gods written Word that Salvation is by Grace (Unmerited favor), and that it is simply by faith, according to Ephesians 2:9?
    
    APPLICATION: If you havent accepted this free gift as of yet, I would encourage you and invite you to receive it today. If you have, then share it with others.