The Greatest Gift I Ever Received
Most Christmas seasons since salvation I have read from the book of the Luke. But being in Isaiah in my daily reading this year, I just stayed put. It seemed so very appropriate, being that Isaiah is the prophecy of the coming of Christ and the return of Israel to the pages of redemption. Isaiah (nor any other writer in the Bible) sugar coats the word of God. It’s just there, in black and white, what is coming for the future. In my tender hearted human form, it is heart breaking to read of the judgement of Israel and the abuse of modern powers against them who actually think they’ll defeat God. The end of the story is absolutely amazing and victorious… but the suffering before is a hard truth for me to read. It caused me to think on how the world embraces the baby Jesus. Oh the world oooo’s and ahhhh’s over the pink cheeked Christ child in the manger. But very few pages actually celebrate the birth of Jesus. His death garners far more attention. And though the reality of that is far harsher than anything we’ve seen on the world’s stages and screen, the purpose in was the greatest gift that any child of God has ever received.
Skip Retail, Go for the Details
I have been ridiculous this year in shopping for my family. Like every other year. I get so wrapped up in the gift giving and counting to makes sure everyone feels “loved” the same, that I lose focus on the greatest gift I have ever received. My relationship with Christ. That’s what came from the cradle to the cross of God’s son. Mary was filled with the God when she carried the Christ child. The Spirit came upon God’s children in the Old Testament. But after the resurrection, and ascension, in a field under the ministry of Peter, the Spirit indwelled the body of believers and we, who have accepted the truth of the gospel, now carry God with us!!! Glory to God in the highest what an amazing gift!
Acts 2:17-23 KJV
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: [18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: [19] And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: [20] The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: [21] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. [22] Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: [23] Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
The only “returns” in this Story is Jesus’ return!
I panic on every clothing purchase that the size will be off and the fit won’t be there and we will need to return items after Christmas. I detest returning stuff. I’d almost rather pay for twice and just order it again! But nobody will complain about the Return of Jesus Christ. Well, I guess that’s not true, the unsaved will. But not the believers! Unlike the first time Jesus came to earth, there will not be any suffering by Him. He’s King of kings and LORD of lords and every knees going to bow in His presence.
His Presence will be the Present!
I love the Christmas story! I love gathering my grandchildren around at Christmas (and my grown children) and reading from the book of Luke, the story of Jesus’ birth. But this year, it’s more important than ever that they understand we celebrate His birth, but there is joy in our lives, even in this evil world, because of His death. He died so that we could experience His love and wisdom and guidance within us and most of all His peace!!!!!
I pray you have that peace this season and always. I’d love to share it with you. But it is a gift, that unless it is received and opened and experienced, it’s no better than the shirt that doesn’t fit.
Put on the Gift God gave you!
Colossians 3:9-11 KJV
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; [10] And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: [11] Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Merry Christmas, from The Jesus Chick
