The Gift God Knew We Needed
Everywhere we turn there are reminders of how we should be celebrating and spending time with family. For some, Christmas is a wonderful and joyous time, while for others it’s the most difficult time of the year. Whatever your circumstances, Christmas is a time to pause and reflect on the most important gift God has given us, His Son Jesus.
Merry Christmas to you!
It's a wonderful time of the year, isn't it? It's by far the biggest, most planned for and celebrated holiday of the year. But unfortunately, for countless people it's the saddest, most depressing time. It's a reminder of loneliness and inadequacy, and how much they may have fallen short. Maybe they can't afford to buy gifts or they've had disastrous arguments with friends or family, or they're struggling with depression. It's the time of year our world emphasizes celebrations with family, and experiencing closeness, friendship, and giving - it’s supposed to bring us warm feelings of love and tenderness. If you doubt what I'm saying, just watch some TV commercials or go into a mall.
The world tries to manufacture love.
Many feel anxious, depressed, and lonely, just wishing the season to be over. Our culture today tries to manufacture these joyous, warm feelings by selling you all kinds of products and experiences that are vying to be your source of life and joy. They offer all the celebrations and benefits of Christmas, but they want to deny and do away with the whole reason that Christmas exists. They deliberately leave out the only true source of where this joyous feeling comes from: the Person of Jesus Christ.
See, Jesus is not just a figment of our imaginations. He was a real child and the only Son of God, born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. Every time we write the date on a document, a form, a check, or a letter, we are giving testimony to the birth and life of Jesus.
Jesus is the only true source of joy.
Real life, real love, real warmth of the heart can only be found in Jesus. My friends, God knew we needed that kind of Life. That's why He sent Jesus to us to bring us real Life. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” John 16:6 (NIV). And all that He is calling us to do is to trust Him. John tells us in his gospel, that by believing Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, we may have Life in His name.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10b (NIV)
This Christmas season, let’s not get caught up in trying to manufacture joyous feelings. Instead, let's embrace Jesus and experience His Life to the fullest. My friends, that's my prayer for you today.
Have a wonderful and Merry Christmas.
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