Christmas is a joyful season. It’s a time of giving, receiving and showing love. God showed His love to us by giving us the greatest Gift we will ever receive His Son Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) KJV
And through Jesus we can receive these gifts:
■ The gift of salvation – Salvation is a gift of God’s grace; it is received through our faith in Jesus Christ. It’s not something we can earn or achieve through our own efforts, but rather a free gift offered by God. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) KJV
■ The gift of peace – We live in a world that does not offer us any peace but Jesus came to give us peace. The peace that He gives is an inner peace that keeps us calm. Regardless of the daily stress we go through or the chaos going on around us, we will remain in peace. “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 of joy – The birth of Jesus brought great joy to everyone. We can experience the same joy the shepherds and wise men experienced when they heard the good news about Jesus Christ was born. It’s a deep lasting joy that can sustain us through the ups and downs of life, and a joy that will last for all eternity. “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10) KJV
■ The gift of humility – When Jesus was born, He chose a barn as His place of birth, a feeding trough, as His crib to demonstrate His humility. If Jesus humbled himself to such an extent, He expects us to be an example of His Humility by being humble and not exalting ourselves. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6) KJV
■ The gift of hope – Jesus has come to give us hope. In a world filled with uncertainty and despair, Jesus’ birth brings a message of hope that transcends all circumstances. He reminds us that no matter what we may be going through or have gone through, we can always have hope in Him. “The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” (Lamentation 3:24) KJV
So be encouraged today and always remember: Jesus is 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 2:11) 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 [email protected]
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