Celebrate Everday
I Timothy 1:15-17 NKJV
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
In the Old Testament there are about 400 Prophecies about the Messiah.
Some of those Prophecies are not just about His life but His death.
But which was the greater Gift,
His Birth or His Death?
That’s a tough question.
If it hadn’t been for His miraculous birth the precious gift of Eternal life would not be possible.
If not for His death and Resurrection Eternal life would not be attainable.
Both are gifts, but one can not happen without the other.
Any thoughtful gift takes time to prepare.
Some of my most cherished gifts are the ones that were made with love and consideration. I have every hand written and handmade cards my wife and sons have ever made and given to me. I know they took time and effort to bring me their best.
All of them are special and unique.
They remind me of their love for me.
Even in those old cards with misspelled, crooked words, with funny hand drawn pictures makes me understand how much I need them. Not just the consideration and love from these gifts, but the hands that created them.
I didn’t see the importance until I watched my sons grow into men. At the time they were just small tokens of their love for their mother and I.
I didn’t fully appreciate the love and time behind them. I just accepted the gift with appreciation and left it at that.
During the Season of Christmas we accept the gifts presented to us with joy and happiness.
We may take the time to sing songs of faith about the Birth of the Messiah.
But when the lights in the tree go out and the bustle of life comes to a calm, do we still appreciate those gifts?
The Apostle Paul understood the Greatest Gift to all of humanity.
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”!
This sums up the love of the Father.
I read that and I’m sure Paul said it with boldness and all authority.
But I can also hear Paul saying this in appreciation and assurance.
When we can take a step back and truly search our hearts of why this babe was born in a Manger then we can appreciate the reason He was given to us as the ultimate perfect gift!
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 NKJV
This is the whole reason for His Birth.
This was the reason to show power and authority of Heaven through miracles and healings.
Even His persecution, death and Burial sum up the reason Jesus had to come.
He gave Graciously and abundantly.
God gave to us the most needed gift
Gave is the past tense for give.
The definition of give is
the free transfer of someone or something.
The free gift of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. This baby in a Manger the free Gift of Salvation would be transfered.
The transfer of eternal life given to us all by this Precious One in a Manager.
Paul proclaims that he is the chief sinner.
I think we are all in competition for that title.
But along with that free gift of Salvation comes the Mercy of the Father expressed through this very Son!
Our gift in Christ had to be presented to the world as a baby. That babe would grow up in an imperfect sinful world while not sinning. He would bravely carry His Cross to accomplish what He was born to do, SAVE SINNERS!
We celebrate the birth of our King only one day out of the year. How often do we thank the Father for sending His Son to Redeem us and save us from His wrath?
God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
This year ask the Holy Spirit to soften your heart.
Ask for a sensitive ear to His call, with ears to see His mercy and grace not just this time of year but everyday of the year!
Celebrate the Holy and Precious Birth of Jesus Christ Our Messiah, our Savior everyday!
Pastor Ed
