Receiving the Gift

When we think about the Christmas season, a lot of things come to mind for many of us. Some may find it difficult, others may find it exciting and look foward to spending time with family and friends. Christmas can also be busy, the hustle and bustle of shopping, getting groceries to anticipating the gifts under the tree. Apart from all of the festivities that Christmas brings, I want to talk about someone who has more meaning than all of the traditions and gifts. (Don't get me wrong, I love the Christmas season and family traditions that come along with it). But most of all, I know that none of these things satisfies. I want to talk about receiving the greatest gift of all, and that is Jesus Christ. This is ulitmatley what Christmas is about, we celebrate Christ's birth, coming into the world as a babe in a manger who is the Saviour of the world. We see in the Old Testament the prophecies that the Messiah would come. One example is found in Isaiah 7:14, which says, "Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign; The virgin will concieve and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel". Then we see another example again in Isaiah 9:6, which describes Jesus' character as, "Wonderful counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". Then after 400 years of silence, a suddenly happened! The Messiah came into the world. The prophecies that had been spoken have finally come to pass. The hope that the Israelites were longing for had come, they truly received the greatest gift of all. Jesus fulfilled all that He promised them and for all humanity in generations to come. He truly is Immanuel God with us!

As I spent time reading the account of Jesus' birth I couldn't help but wonder how Mary felt during this time, all the emotions running through her mind and how this promise would ever come to pass. But as the angel Gabriel appears to Mary in Luke 1: 26-38, he says, "Do not be afriad Mary; for you have found favour with God. You will concieve and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the son of the Most High" (V: 32). Mary questions Gabriel further by asking how this could this could be possible since she is a virgin, and Gabriel tells her that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and the power of the Most High will overshadow her. What a beautiful promise! And what a joy to know that the promises of God will come.

So, what gifts are you asking God for? Do you truly believe that He is the God of His promises?

Friends, I want you to know that no word from God will ever fail, as Gabriel told Mary in Luke 1:37. This isn't just words on a page that we read, but full of the promises of God. We hear the saying often that God is faithful to complete what He promises. And that saying is very true. So as we go through another Christmas season, be reminded that it is Jesus alone is the greatest gift we could ever recieve, which is better than gifts under any tree. Let this be a season full of God's joy upon your life. I know that this time of year can be extreamly difficult for many, and I encourage you to surround youself with people who will come alongside you. And know that you do not have to journey through life alone. Jesus is the truest gift. And is the giver of good gifts. I pray that you will open up your heart and recieve the gift that Jesus has for you, but most importantly, that you will allow Him to lead you because Jesus the Messiah truly knows what you need.

And if you haven't accepted Jesus into your life, what an amazing oppourtunity to do so right now! You can say this prayer down below 🤍

Jesus,

You know that I'm a sinner, I humbly ask that you will come into my life. Please forgive me from my sins, I believe that you are the true Messiah and that you died and rose again. I turn away from my sin and want to follow you as my Lord and Saviour. I cannot make it through life without you, I pray that you will guide me and fill me with your Spirit.

Amen.