“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
This month, we join millions of Christians, and billions of other people around the world, in celebrating Christmas. Christmas is a special time, and a memorable holiday.
Christians, and those who are not familiar with the Christ of Christmas, celebrate this holiday. Special foods are prepared. Great distances are sometimes traveled to be with family and loved ones. Gifts are given and received. Some gifts are gladly received, while others are returned or exchanged the week after Christmas.
Often in the midst of the busyness of Christmas, the true meaning of Christmas can be minimized or even overlooked: The Christ of Christmas.
For followers of Christ, Christmas provides an occasion to focus on the love of God, and in particular, God as a giving God. The verses below convey detailed revelation about the Lord Jesus Christ, the gift of God.
- One’s earthly, sinful state can be reconciled with God and given eternal life by means of receiving the gift of God, Jesus Christ.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
- God’s salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, the gift of God, not as a result of any human works, deeds, or behavior.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
- God’s gift of Christ is so incredible that mere human descriptions of Him fall short.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15).
The gift of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, makes possible our greatest need: forgiveness of sin. But there’s more! God adds eternal life, the kind of life that exceeds our grandest earthly desires, wants, needs, and expectations. And, unlike temporary physical life, it’s permanent.
If you have trusted in the Son of God, Lord Jesus Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection alone for the forgiveness of your sin, you currently have eternal life, a life you will retain forever. Before, during, and after you enjoy Christmas food, some wonderful gifts, and spending time with family and friends, don’t forget to thank God for His special, eternal gift to you: Salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Bible verses are taken from The New American Standard Bible, 1995.
Pastor Cecil Price
December 10, 2023