What a wonderful Christmas. This
month the birthday of Jesus Christ was celebrated all over the world.
Celebrated in various ways, in many languages, by people of all races. For a
few hours many in the world stopped talking of security breaches, street riots, police shootings and war.
For a few hours they talked of peace on earth and good will toward men. Many people exchanged gifts and talked about the Prince of Peace.
Imagine
the scene in Bethlehem two thousand years ago. It was the night of nights, and
yet it had begun as every other night had before. But it was to become the
greatest, most significant night of history . This was the night when those who
sat in darkness would see a great light. This was the night God brought into
the world the One who is “the light of the world” John 8:12
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows
me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." May His light
shine in your life in the upcoming year. Looking back at all that is associated with the Christmas season these days, we might have missed the real purpose of the season. Christmas is Christ! It’s all
about Him-not us.
God’s
Christmas gift to you has three qualitites that make it unique. First, it is
the most expensive gift you’ll ever receive. It’s priceless, Jesus paid for it
with his life. Second, it’s the only gift you’ll ever receive that will last
forever. Finally, it is an extremely practical gift – one you’ll use every day
for the rest of your life.
Nothing
can ever match the gift God has given us in His Son. “Thanks be to God for His
indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15. Clearly,
God’s willingness to send His Son to be our rescue is a gift that words cannot
fully comprehend. This is the gift that we celebrate every Christmas – for Christ
Himself is truly what matters most.
A great
and meaningful tradition for Vicki and I is to gather with family around the table, next to the Christmas tree and listen as my 92 year old father in law reads the Christmas story. It is a gentle
reminder that the reason we give gifts is not because the Magi brought gifts to
the Christ-child. Rather, our gifts of love for one another are a reflection of
God’s infinitely greater Gift of love to us. We are reminded of the many blessing in our lives and remember that Jesus came
with a purpose, He came to show us who God really is. He came to teach us how
to live, walk and talk as spiritual people. But most importantly, He came so
that we might have a full, intimate relationship with the Father He knew so
well. Jesus’ job was to secure our salvation. That victory would cost Him His
life.
Therefore,
as we close our Christmas celebration let us remember the reason for the season and God’s incredible
gift to each of us. I was reminded this year by a pastor here in Florida to write Jesus a letter and thank him for all he has done and to express to him exactly what He means to me. We can all pause and review
God’s grace and blessings in our lives. We should recommit to knowing and loving
him better in preparation for the 2015. We need to give him our hearts our trust and our time, talent and
treasure. We really haven’t given Him anything
until we give Him ourselves. It's not to late, yes the opening of gifts may be behind us, but it is never to late to open the greatest gift in our lives, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
What
gift will you give for the New Year?
.
