This image on the outside does not look all that great , which is the only part that is visible to us, it does not look all that flattering does it? However if it were discovered that inside the gift box was a million dollars then we would love the box a lot more! We might even lie, cheat, or steal to get it. I've often said that Jesus is the greatest gift of all, and nothing could be more true, but do we as Christians live and act as though we have the hope of eternity? The Christian life isn't a promise of an earthly wealth or a free pass from life's heartaches. Still because of Jesus we have become the objects of God's favor! As Christians the riches we posses are never ending, here are two of the riches we have:
1. We have the forgiveness of sin! "She will give birth to a son, and you will give the name Jesus, because He will save his people from their sins." Mt. 1:21
2. We have Emmanuel God with us!- Behold, the virgin will conceive and bear a son, and they shall call him Immanuel, which means, God with us" Mt. 1:23 All because God gave himself in flesh through his son Jesus. Jesus was born through the power of the Holy Spirit! He lived a perfect life in obedience to the law. Died the death of a wicked criminal, even though He was, is and will forever be without fault and rule forever in purity and justice! The story is far from over, He conquers death and overcomes the punishment for anyone who accepts such an amazing gift on their behalf, and turns and follows this Jesus to live a life devoted to him! God gave the greatest gift in history! I have a confession to make, my life does not even begin to come close to expressing the devotion and commitment that is due in response to such an unparalleled gift! I've been thinking a lot about how I don't share the gospel message on a daily basis, and I'm convicted. I love giving people material gifts, so why would I not be even more willing to tell them about Jesus who not only, is the reason for this season, but who has made my life worth living! Is Jesus on your Christmas list? Everything belongs to him, but one thing Jesus asks, no rather requires of us is to share who he is with a dying world! Since I live in the Bible Belt, it is tempting to convince myself that everyone around me has heard and received the Gospel, but there are plenty of "pew warmers" who've never had a personal life changing encounter with Christ. So how will share truth of Christmas, in the few remaining days of 2010? 1 Peter 3:15 Is Jesus on our Christmas Giving list? He already gave himself as a gift to us!
