Christmas Is Only The Start

Christmas will soon be here. People around the world will be thinking about what gifts to give those on their list.

For me, this year is different. My thoughts keep blending the story of His birth with the one of His death and resurrection, for the wondrous gift God gave us is incomplete without them.

God sent His Son as the greatest gift ever given to every person ever born—a wondrous, one-of-a-kind gift that God himself planned and executed for us too—a gift we would later know as “The Way”, for His life, death and Resurrection opened up THE way for us to spend eternity with God. When and if we choose to follow it—and Him—it takes us to our Heavenly Father and eternal life with Him, in a Kingdom the Bible tells us is so glorious, none can comprehend it! There truly is no greater gift than that and the one who made it possible.

This Christmas, as we celebrate His birthday, let’s not leave the day with Jesus in the manger. Let’s unwrap our Heavenly Father’s gift and see afresh the magnitude of this eternal, precious gift He gave us--truly a gift like no other. For those who believe God, it contains Hope and His promise to adopt us so we can become His child. As we keep digging deeper into this wondrous gift, we also find a new life along with a new heart … and even beautiful new “clothes” made from His Righteousness. We discover Peace that can help us successfully ride out even the toughest of storms! And Joy … Love … Wisdom, when we need it … and so much more!

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (Jhn 14:6 NIV)   

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (I Cor 2:9 NLT)

“Father, help us look past our traditional gift giving this year so we can better appreciate throughout the year, the depth of your love and sacrifice when you gave us the precious gift of your Son.”