The GIFT

 Merry Christmas!

"But the angel reassured them.  “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone!  The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem!"(Luke 2:10-11 Living Bible).

I'm praying that you are enjoying the day with those you love, and if they are far away I hope you have been in contact.  I can hear Oleta Adams in my head, "I don't care how you get here, just get here if you can!" 

This scripture tells us so much about God's love for us.  Let's talk about it.

First, an angel is talking to human beings!  Hebrews 1:14 says, "Surely the angels are no more than spirits in the service of God, commissioned to serve the heirs of God’s salvation."(Phillips). God loves us enough to have everything we would ever need already set up for us.

Second, it's all about that Joy!  God wants you to have Joy!  Psalm 16:11 says, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of JOY; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."(KJV).

Third, it's for Everyone!  John 3:16 says, "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."(KJV).  Are you a "Whosoever"?  I am!  So glad God doesn't discriminate.  He wants everyone to accept the wonderful GIFT he offers.  2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost."(CEV).

Fourth, The Savior was born!  Only a human could pay the ultimate price for humanity.  Adam got us into this mess, but Jesus brought us out!  Romans 5:17-18 says, "The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to be king over all, but all who will take God’s GIFT of forgiveness and acquittal are kings of life because of this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s sin brought punishment to all, but Christ’s righteousness makes men right with God, so that they can live."(Living Bible).

Have you accepted the gift?  Yes, you have a part to play.  How would you feel if after thoughtful preparation someone you love refused the gift you bought them?  They refused to open it.  Refused to use it or benefit from it.  If you are like me, you'd think twice about ever giving them anything else.  Aren't you glad I'm not God? 

God gave you His best gift not knowing if you would even accept it.  He will permit you to live in poverty and lack, in sickness, and pain even though Jesus paid for you to have prosperity, and health.  He will even allow you to go through hell on earth, and then go to Hell, which was never created for you.  Don't do that!  Please don't miss out on abundant life through Jesus Christ.

Love and prayers, Cynthia