Gift of Christmas

It's the last Sunday before Christmas. Stores have had Christmas displays for several months, but last minute shoppers were out in force this weekend finding bargains. Tuesday afternoon will likely be the same, as some wait to get gifts until the last minute. No matter what material positions are under the tree this year, we can't forget the true gift that was given 2,000 years ago.

Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Ever since Adam sinned, death has been a constant for all mankind. Everyone inherits the sin nature, and therefore earn our wages. A simple look at the Ten Commandments, and honestly judging ourselves, will show our sins.

However, the Creator of the universe, the King of kings and Lord of lords, willingly humbled himself and came in the form of a helpless baby. The One who knows every star by name, and had angels announce His arrival, had to be fed, carried around, and changed. Later on, this same Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and made it that His perfect life is seen as ours. This gift of everlasting life is for all who repent of sin and trust in God alone for salvation.

Just like gifts under the tree this Christmas, we can't do anything to merit or deserve them. If we did, it would just be a form of payment. However, in response to this gift, we can show thanks by telling others, giving thanks to God, and doing His will. Unlike material gifts, this one will not grow old, outdated, or appear somewhere else as a white elephant gift. We also don't want to wait until the last minute to receive it.

Every day, more than 150,000 people die, and we don't know when our time will come. Some people say they will repent on their death bed, but they may not get that chance. Don't do like last minute shoppers, today if you hear His voice, don't wait.

I'm thankful for this gift in the quad life and pray it will be the focus of your celebrations this week. Have a very Merry Christmas!