John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
The word “Christmas” begins with "Christ": the virgin-born Christ child, our Savior. This baby, born in the little town of Bethlehem. was not merely a beloved baby born of Mary, but the only Son of God. By God’s immeasurable grace, He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was born into this world as a baby yet He never ceased to be God.
Dr. Billy Graham in a devotional thought said: “Jesus Christ in His infinite love did not begin when He was born in a stable and laid in a manger; He left Heaven’s best to come to this world to be the Savior of mankind. He was offered as a free gift. God’s gift to the world was despised and rejected 2,000 years ago.” He came freely knowing that He would suffer persecution and ultimately death on the cross.
In the life of every person who has rejected Him since that time, there has been and will be, an emptiness that cannot be filled with anything this world has to offer. Only when we accept the free gift of eternal life through Christ can we know the true meaning of Christmas, the forgiveness of sin, and life everlasting. Those that don't know Jesus as Savior can only celebrate a holiday made frantic with gift buying, decorating the house, partying, and trying to fill the emptiness in their lives with more “stuff”.
What do you ask a child this time of year? “What is Santa going to bring you?” “Have you told Santa what you want for Christmas?” Then after Christmas the question is, “What did you get for Christmas?” We ask our spouses, “What do you want for Christmas?” or try to find something they don’t already have or want. After the big day we often put these gifts up never to use them or return them for some other stuff we think we want. The questions seem to follow the theme of “What do you want?”
Lists are made, remade, revised and we run around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to buy everything we think everyone wants. Too much food is cooked, eaten and thrown away. Travel is a madhouse as we travel to shop, visit family and friends, or try to find an escape from it all.
Why do we do all this buying more stuff, cook and eat too much, travel to far places? What are we giving that will last and be meaningful in the future?
What do we give Jesus who gave His all? He gave up his heavenly home to come to earth, his throne to live as a carpenter and wandering teacher, left His father who loved him dearly to be persecuted, despised, beaten and crucified. Did not have a home to call his own, possessed one robe, and depended on the graciousness of friends to have a place to sleep.
God gave His all for us. By giving Him our all this Christmas, we will be giving Him all he desires from us. He wants our love, obedience and fellowship. He created us to be His children to honor and praise Him and he pursues us and never gives up that we will accept Him as our Lord and Savior.
How can we give our all? One way is to give His message to all around us so that they can receive the Gift of God – salvation. Our church gives us wonderful opportunities to give to others for Jesus told us that to give to others is like giving to Him if we do it in His name for His glory, not ours.
What have we given this Christmas to God? Have we shared with those who have less than we do? Do we remember those who are grieving, sick, lonely or depressed? It is not too late and remember that the spirit of sharing and giving doesn’t end on December 25.
Have a blessed and giving Christmas.
Pictures are from 1st Baptist Church Adel, GA
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