THE GIFT
And she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths,
And laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7 (NKJV)
As we wrap our gifts this Christmas, focus on the gift that Mary wrapped in swaddling cloths, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the true gift of salvation to all who repent (Acts 2:38). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23). This gift of eternal life is more precious than anything we can wrap in shiny silver or gold paper. It is the gift that rescues us from eternal damnation. While Jesus Christ spoke to the woman at the well, He said, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water” (John 4:10).
Even the faith we place in Christ and the grace by which God saves us are gifts. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Eph. 2:8).
Salvation is so much more than eternal life in heaven. A Christian is never alone. God is always there providing for us, protecting us, and purifying us. He hears our prayers and calms our fears. His love for us is without measure.
Christmas is a very busy time. Make time for Christ this Christmas season. There was no room for Him at the inn when He was born, but Christ must be a priority in the life of a Christian. Praise Him and meditate on the excellent gift that He has given you.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of salvation, the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We praise Your holy name! Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read these verses and notice what each one says about the “gift of God”: Acts 8:20,
Rom. 5:15-18, James 1:17.
HIKING THE TRAIL
As you find yourself in conversations about gifts, even at the check-out, tell people about the gift of God – Jesus.
Copyright 2012 Carolyn Dale Newell.
A Mountain of Faith 