Special Message
The Greatest of Gifts
At Christmas, we set aside time to pause everything, to remember each other more and celebrate. Even though the world and its afflictions may oppose us, we have many reasons to celebrate... It's a time to come together, a time to rejoice, a time to be generous and give gifts to as many as we can. And why? Because of gratitude... Because the greatest gift has already been given to us. God gave us His Son for the purpose of saving us. It is written in the Holy Scriptures:
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
At this time of year, when a considerable part of the world sets aside time to celebrate the birth of the Son of God among men, people become more sensitive, more receptive, and renewed with hope. At this point, it's interesting to observe how giving and receiving gifts affects people's hope. Some expect to receive and are pleased to be remembered, others hope their gifts will be appreciated and will bring joy to faces and hearts. Thus, it's important to remember that the greatest gift, the one that keeps our greatest hope alive, came into the world in the following way:
"18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS." (Matthew 1:18-25)
In light of this, it is wonderful to remember that God's gifts are irrevocable. That God gave his Son and that He cannot be taken from us. That there is only one possibility of not having God's Son, since He was given to us and is God with us. The only possibility is that we fail to receive the greatest of gifts. Whoever receives the gift, has the gift. Whoever does not receive it, remains without the gift. For example, as we read, Joseph was about to leave Mary secretly, but he listened and obeyed the angel and received her, ultimately also receiving "which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost", the Son Jesus.
Therefore, we need to receive Him! God's word shows us that some received Jesus and others did not. It is written:
“11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" (John 1:11-12)
Thus, this Christmas, receive the greatest gift: let Him into your heart, your home, your life, your family, your health, your finances, and your present and future plans. Let Jesus enter, dwell within, and reign forever.
To that end, let us pray like this:
My God and my Father,
I thank You for giving me Your Son to save me.
I do believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died on that cross to pay for my sins and who rose from the dead by Your power.
I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
I ask that my name be written in the book of life and that I may live eternally with the Lord Jesus.
Amen.
So, truly blessed, follow the Lord Jesus to the end! Glory to God.
May God bless you and keep you, in Christ Jesus.
Merry Christmas!
Missionary Ricardo.
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