Copyright 2009 by Nick Diamantides
Staff Writer
Billions of people throughout the earth celebrate Christmas by giving gifts to their loved ones. But did you know you are one of God’s loved ones, and that He has a Christmas gift for you?
It all began one night in the ancient days, when angels— in a supernatural display of sights and sounds— broke the news to a small band of nomadic people: the gift had finally arrived. The setting was the Roman province of Judea approximately 2,000 years ago.
The ancient writings declare, “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For there is born to you this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
“ ‘And this shall be a sign to you: You shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger’ ” (Luke 2:8-11). An instant later, a multitude of angels appeared saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, and good will toward men” (v. 11-12).
Thus, the angels heralded the first Christmas gift— God’s gift to the human race: the birth of Jesus Christ. But the angel said Jesus is the “Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Christ the eternal Lord, has always existed. He became a human in order to bring us to God. If you’ve missed that, you’ve missed the true meaning of Christmas.
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was only the first phase of God’s gift to us. Christ came in order that we might receive the gift of eternal life. That is one gift we all need. The Bible says that we are separated from God by our sin: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The Bible also says, “Your iniquities [sins] have separated you from your God” (Isaiah 59:2). And, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). In other words, because of our sin, we are in a horrible predicament: cut off from God and condemned to die.
The Bible, however, also explains, “but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23b). God’s gift was costly. Jesus died on the cross in order to take the penalty for our sins. He paid the debt in full.
While the gift was costly to God, for us it is free. It is available to anyone who will accept it. If you are not yet a Christian, God is offering this gift to you, and He longs for you to receive it. Jesus said, “My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40).
If you wish to receive God’s gift for you, all you need do is ask. Admit to God that you are a sinner, ask Him to forgive you, and tell Him you believe Jesus Christ died for your sins. Tell God that you want to receive Christ as your Lord and Savior. You can do that right now. If you do, and you mean it with all your heart, God’s Word guarantees your salvation. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
If you are already a Christian, take the time this Christmas to dwell in His presence and become more aware of His great love for you.
May each of you who read this be blessed by a special touch from God during this holy season.
