Sunday, December 25, 2011

Gifts


The average person gives and receives many gifts at Christmastime.  We all tend to do it for many different reasons: because it's a tradition and that's just how we always do it, to show our love and appreciation for one another, because it's fun....

Here's something to consider though.  For every gift that is given, somebody has to be willing to accept it, to receive it.

Chances are, if you're reading this, you have already opened all of the gifts for you...at least so you think.  For some of you there is still one more gift waiting for you.  It's label reads, "To: ___________  From: God".  God says it's for whosoever - that's you!  You can put your name in that blank!

The gift is Christ and the salvation He wants to give you.  You've broken His law (sinned) and thus God can't let you into His perfect Heaven because He is a just God.  However, God loves you so much and wants you to live in Heaven with Him forever so He planned a way for somebody else to be able to pay the price for your sin.  He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for you, paying the price for your sin so that you don't have to...but it's a gift, and a gift does you no good until it is received.  Will you leave that gift?  Are you unwilling to accept it, to receive that gift - the greatest gift of all?

The Bible says, "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

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For those of you who have already accepted the gift of Christ and the salvation He offers, have you taken time to reflect on that recently and to thank Him for it?  Are you living in such a way as would please the Giver of that gift, He Who loves you so much?

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Merry Christmas to one and all!