Christmas is a time of giving, receiving and showing love. God showed His love to us by giving us the greatest Christmas gift we will ever receive: His Son Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) KJV
And through Jesus we can receive the following spiritual gifts:
• The gift of Hope – Jesus not only came to bring hope, He is our hope.
That hope is something we can rest in no matter what our circumstances are. Even though some of us may feel lonely or isolated during the Christmas holidays, it’s important for us to remember the hope that Jesus brings. “All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
• The gift of peace – The birth of Jesus brought peace into the world. When we live in the peace of Christ, He gives us an inner peace that will keep us calm in the midst of all the chaos going on in the world today. “I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27) NLT
• The gift Joy – When Jesus came into the world, He brought great joy for all people. The joy that Jesus gives is not a joy that comes and goes; it is consistent. It will make us rejoice when we’re feeling down and out and make us laugh when we feel like crying. “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11) KJV
• The gift of humility – Jesus came into the world in a humble way. He was born in a stable to show us how to be humble. God calls us to humble ourselves by submitting our lives to Him in the spirit of humility. When we do this, He will exalt us in the right time. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6) KJV
God sent His Son to be born to provide salvation for everyone. Accepting Jesus as our Lord and savior is the only way we can be saved.” Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) NIV
So be encouraged today and always remember: Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus. For He is truly the real reason we celebrate Christmas. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 11:2) KJV
Merry Christmas!
Minister Sherry Ivy is a Minister of the New Providence M. B. Church (Healing & Yoke Destroying Ministry) in Macon Mississippi, under the leadership of her husband, Pastor Willie J. Ivy Sr. you can contact her via email at minsivy@yahoo.com
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