CHRISTMAS, the time of year that brings people together - worshiping, laughing, cooking, spending time together and gift giving. I love this time of year! The reason we give gifts at Christmas is to remember when God gave us the greatest Gift of all, JESUS CHRIST. John 3:16 says "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 ULTIMATE GIFT'. God has given us many other gifts, but in order for us to receive them, we must first receive Jesus as our personal Savior, then and only then, are we able to receive all the other gifts God has given.
According to John 14:16, we have been given the Gift of the Holy Spirit. He is our Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby. Healing is another Gift that God has given. In 1 Peter 2:24 it tells us that we were healed by the stripes Jesus bore for us. Once the gift has been given, experiencing that gift simply becomes a matter of believing and receiving. God has also given us the Gift of peace. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." We can have peace in the midst of trouble and despair. Another Gift we have been given is supernatural provision. All of our needs can be met according to God's riches in glory - Phil. 4:19. God has given us the promise that He will take care of us and meet our needs. God has also given us the Gift of love - His love. Nothing can separate us from God's love (Rom. 8:35-39). No trouble, hardship, or persecution... Too often, we leave God's Gifts unopened. Unless we unwrap God's gifts - unless we put them into practice and experience them for ourselves - they will not be of any benefit to us. One thing I know for sure is that we come into this world with nothing and we leave this world with nothing. Eternal life has been offered to each one of us as a GIFT. There is life after death if you are a born again believer. After the physical body passes away, those who have made Jesus their Lord will live with Him forever.
I encourage you to take the gifts that God has given you, unwrap and enjoy them, and make them a part of your life all year round.
JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!
