By Dr. Don Bierle, FaithSearch President
Why do we celebrate Christmas with gift giving? Because the truth about Christmas is about life, now and forever – “…and they shall call His name Immanuel” which translated means, “God with us” – a precious Life indeed!
Part of appreciating a gift is to look at the care taken to wrap it. In this issue of the Paraclete, I point out some of the meticulous care of God’s first century wrappings – evidence that authenticates the gift inside.
Jesus is more like the gift of a great fitting pair of gloves than an ornament to admire. You have to “wear Him” to fully appreciate how valuable He is. That’s why Jesus Himself said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). “Putting on” this heaven-sent gift of Christmas enables us to live life right now to the fullest.
The problem with most Christmas gifts, though, is that they don’t last. We don’t either! The gift of life Jesus offers, comes with a guarantee: recipients are promised an eternity with God, beginning now, and continuing after death into eternity.
The gift of Jesus is about love and hope: “…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).
Typically, on Christmas eve or Christmas day a gift under the tree marked with your name becomes yours. When that gift is distributed, you remove the wrappings and discover its contents are thoughtfully just right for you.
Likewise, I invite you to remove the enticing commercial wrappings surrounding Christmas as it is packaged today. You will discover God’s gift of His Son. This Christmas gift also has your name on it. Today you can discover the forgiveness and joy which the gift of Jesus can bring to your heart. You’ll find He’s just your size! The Bible says that “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
As a child of God you are given new life: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” (2 Corinthians 5:17). As a child of God you are also forgiven and set free from bondage to sin and death: “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:31-32, 36).
What a life-changing gift Jesus is to us! I invite you to use this prayer to open your heart to Him if you have never experienced His love and forgiveness:
Dear God,
I want to unwrap the truth about Christmas and experience the abundant life which Jesus came to give. I acknowledge that my sin has separated me from You. I now turn from that sin and by faith accept Jesus Christ as my Savior. Thank you for the gift that lasts – life forever with you in heaven. Until then please give me the courage and strength now as a disciple to let Your Word guide my life. Amen.
