His Great Gift

 

Dear friends,

It doesn’t appear that we will have a White Christmas this year. I was glad we didn’t have any snow last Thursday. The way the wind blew we would still be digging out. I remember Christmases past when we had those conditions and they aren’t fun.

 

As I sit here in front of the keyboard, the question arises, “what do I write about this week?” It is Christmas week, so I suppose something seasonal would be appropriate. The words of the Christmas story from the gospel of Luke will be read in homes and churches leading up the celebration of the birth of Christ. It is a story that never grows old. Children are drawn to the baby in the manger, while those who are older are reminded that the baby would grow to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

 

To some, however, it is just another holiday off from work. For others, it is all commercial hype, and fancy light displays. And let us not forget Santa Claus with his reindeer and toy laden sleigh. It certainly is the season of giving, but the Gift of God in the person of Jesus Christ is the supreme example of an underserved gift.

 

As the scripture says, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God”.

Enter the Lord Jesus. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1John 2:2). There is no way that mere humans can ever be able to atone for their sins, because no one is sinless.  “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).

 

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19). That word repent means to stop sinning and turn to the Lord.

 

Romans 10:9-10 reminds us, “If you declare with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

 

You see, Jesus is much more than an infant in a stable. He is the Savior of the World. Glory to God for His great good Gift!

         

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Jerry