Gifts

Hello Everyone,

I am sure that we can all agree young and old alike that one of the most exciting times of Christmas is the receiving and giving of gifts
First there is “The receiving of gifts”.

John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
John speaks of those who received Christ. The Greek meaning of the word “receive” means “to welcome” or “to accept.”

John is making it clear that we are to welcome Christ into our lives. This receiving is not just for part or some of our life but rather it is for every area of our life.

Christ must also be believed. To believe in the name of Jesus means to put faith in Him as a person and in what He represents.

This simple act is life changing and transforming because we become children of God! God has given us an incredible gift. By faith, in Christ, we can become children of God.

When we accept Christ we are adopted into God’s family. John says that through Christ we are given the right to become children of God. Literally we are given permission to join God’s family.

By faith in Christ, we become a part of eternity.
Our citizenship is changed and we gain an inheritance in Heaven.
Our position in life is changed. We gain a dwelling place in Heaven and divine grace from God the Father.

Then there is “The giving of gifts”.
One of the greatest joys of Christmas is found in giving. It is truly better to give than to receive. I don’t always enjoy the shopping or the wrapping of gifts but I love to give the gifts.

The same may be true for you. You love to watch others tear through the wrapping. You love to watch their face light up. You love to hear the words “It’s just what I wanted!”

It might surprise you but this applies to Christ as well. There is great joy when you give a gift to Christ. What does Christ want from you?

Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways,

The greatest gift you can give to Christ is yourself So, where are you with your preparations for Christmas?

Are there some areas of your heart that need to be cleaned?
Maybe you need to rearrange some things to make more room for Christ in your life?
Perhaps your heart is empty and needs some of God’s blessings for decorations.

Have you received the gift of Christ and have you given Him your heart.This year the wonder of Christmas can come alive for you in brand new ways if you will open your heart and allow God to prepare you for Christmas.

All for Jesus
Phil