The Father’s Gifts

THE FATHERS GIFTS

By Carolyn Dale Newell

 “But the father said to his servants, “Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.

 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry…”

Luke 15:22-23 (NKJV)

Christians are familiar with the parable of the prodigal son.  The sinner has repented and comes to God.  The gifts that the father gives the prodigal may not appear to be extravagant, but we have to understand the culture of that time.

The best robe was the finest clothes that were only worn on very special occasions.  The ring was a signet ring which gave the prodigal authority to make decisions concerning the father’s estate. Sandals were never worn by slaves, so they symbolized sonship.  The fatted calf was only killed for a great celebration or festival.

The gifts symbolize the lavish blessings that God bestows on us. He has given us eternal life and clothed us in Christ’s righteousness.  We are adopted as sons and daughters, not slaves. Yet, we complain, we want more, because we are pursuing the things that the world offers rather than God’s glory.

God wants us to be holy and humble. He adores our worship and our witness to an unsaved world.

God comforts us when we are sorrowful.  He strengthens us when we are weak.  He gives us His divine peace and joy in the middle of the raging storm.

God never promised us a trouble-free life. Actually, Jesus told us that in this life there would be tribulation.  He said that we must bear our cross.  Scripture calls for a sacrificial life.

When you face the struggles and the sad times, look for God in the situation.  You will see that He is giving you the very best.

Heavenly Father,

Forgive us when we gripe about the small stuff. You generously bless us and we thank You. Draw us away from the cares of this world. In Jesus’ name, amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read Matt. 16:24, John 16:33, Rom. 12:1-2.

HIKING THE TRAIL

 Although it may not seem like it right now, but God is giving you His very best. Our part is to trust Him.

Copyright 2015 Carolyn Dale Newell.

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The Gift

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.