Dave’s Monday Blast – December 16, 2019
In its purest sense, Christmas is about giving. Modeling this beautiful idea is God the Father. Galatians 4:4 informs us that at “just the right time,” God sent forth His son, sacrificially gifting humankind with the means to our salvation. We celebrate this priceless present by remembering the first gift.
Last week we shared the following 3 thoughts about the nature of God’s gift:
1. The gift from heaven came humbly wrapped. (Luke 1:35; Luke 2:6-7)
2. Jesus was the perfect sacrificial gift. (Matthew 20:28)
3. The Son of God is the most precious gift ever given. (1 Peter 1:19)
This week:
4. God’s gift to us is eternal. So many of the presents we open on Christmas Day quickly become old and useless. But Jesus and the salvation He offers us will never change or pass away. When we accept Him as our Savior and Lord, we too will live forever with Him in heaven (Revelation 1:17-18).
5. This Christmas gift is both personal and universal. Jesus came to offer Himself as the sacrifice for sins to all who would believe in Him and call on His name for salvation (Romans 10:11-13). Although this offer is given to everyone, each person must choose whether to accept or reject God’s gift of His Son. This is a gift we can share with others and keep ourselves. (Like purchasing a new jacket for my son but wearing it anytime I want.)
The Denison Forum comments: “You will likely receive many gifts during your lifetime, but the one who arrived on that first Christmas night in a stable is the only one that really matters. He’ll love you unconditionally, cleanse you from all sin, and one day bring you home to Himself in heaven. No wonder Paul exclaimed, “Thanks be to God from His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).
