The Christmas Gift

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (II Corinthians 9:15)

Christmas isn’t just about the gifts, or is it?  We all know it’s better to give than to receive. Sometimes we spend months looking for just the right gift to give. We often take the time to wrap it with colorful paper, ribbons and bows. Presentation is everything! Once in a while we’ll try to get the recipient to “guess” what’s inside. There’s just something about gift giving that can be so exhilarating!

Matthew Chapter 2 tells us, “When they [Magi] had come into the house they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” These were precious gifts fit for royalty, which had been transported for hundreds of miles. The wise men had followed a bright star which had originated in the East, and had led them to the specific dwelling place of the Christ Child.

One of my favorite passages of scripture is in the 4th Chapter of John. Jesus had a Divine appointment with a woman in Samaria. His disciples had gone into town to purchase food and provisions. While they were gone, Jesus remained by Jacob’s well, weary from the journey. The woman came out at noonday to fetch water because she was an outcast in the community. As she drew the water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink”, to which she replied that Jews don’t normally have social contact with Samaritans. Verse 10 is the best part! Jesus said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” Jesus goes on to explain in verse 14 (after her rant about Abraham and their shared heritage) “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, “but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst…” 

Christ had extended her the favor of grace. Verse 15 tells us she wanted that gift right then and there! She was tired of her old life and knew He had something real to offer. She basically said, “Show me where to sign-up! I’m ready!” Romans 6:23 tells us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The woman at the well knew she was in sin and would face her Maker. God’s Righteousness demands a payment for sin. Jesus shared the good news with her that God’s Gift was indeed standing before her. He offered her eternal life in exchange for eternal separation from God. God in the flesh offered her the greatest token of His love.

Jesus meets us right where we are – ready to give us The Gift of God. Of course, it’s available anytime – not just at Christmas! James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” No one knows how to give gifts like Our Heavenly Father!  Matthew 7:11 states, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, now much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who as Him!”

Your greatest gift is what Jesus has already prepared for you… He is just waiting for you to accept it!  God sent Jesus in the flesh  -  Emmanuel  - “God with us” - 2000+ years ago.  

Make this your best Christmas ever!

To view a presentation by the Billy Graham Evangelical Assoc. on how to become a Christian, please visit this link: http://bit.ly/hHxb7z   (Steps to Peace with God)

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.   Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

The Christmas Gift

Christmas: Great Expectations? Keep it real…

123RF Stock Photo

It’s that time of year when expectations run high… but often don’t quite measure-up with reality. 

This Christmas has been a little different than most for our family.  My Dad has been facing a serious health issue since the fall, and that has put everything in a new perspective.  My Mom and I have spent days in and out of the hospital with him, and it has taken a toll on her health as well.  Caring for aging parents can be time consuming, emotionally draining, and physically challenging.

We all have unmet expectations when it comes to the holidays.  

Now might be a good time to reevaluate what is really important this Christmas.  Faith, family and charity are my favorite things to focus on during this time of year.  Here is my take on each one of them:

FAITH -   Jesus is certainly the Reason for the Season.  The babe in the manger born in Bethlehem came into this world to fulfill prophesy foretold long ago of a Savior – Christ the Lord.  He is our Prince of Peace during times of turmoil and uncertainty.  Jesus is the “indescribable gift” from the Father above.

(II Corinthians 9:15).

FAMILY -   Now there is a “loaded” subject.  We all have them, but sometimes we don't like them very much.  Often during family gatherings tensions arise between siblings, parents and children, and spouses.  Every family has their danger zone when it comes to relationship pitfalls.  Placing unrealistic expectations on your family can cause depression, anxiety, and anger.  Be sure bathe your holidays in prayer.  Extend grace where needed and use self-control liberally.

CHARITY -  Nothing makes you feel better than meeting a need and helping someone less fortunate than yourself.  Giving emulates the character of Jesus.  This is the season for gift giving and donating your time, energy and finances to worthy causes.  Share with others what the Lord has blessed you with.   Remember, it is not the size of your gift – but the heart motive that matters.

Oftentimes family gatherings are a flashpoint for tensions.  

Norman Rockwell - Google Images

It might be stressful to deal with an ex-spouse or ex-in-laws.  Things don’t always go as planned, so be sure to stay flexible and non-confrontational if possible.  Don’t assume wrong motives.  Allow extra time for yourself in order to avoid a melt-down in the middle of cooking, cleaning and socializing with your extended family.  Ask others to help with food preparation, gift-wrapping, decorating and cleanup.

Give yourself permission to “let something go” that was on your to-do list without the guilt. Every year isn’t going to be a Norman Rockwell Christmas – and that is OKAY.  

Recognize that not everyone is going to want to do what you want to do at Christmastime.  Give and take is essential with a large family as much as with a small one.  Feelings will get hurt and toes will get stepped on.  It’s OKAY.  Focus on the major things and don’t fret over the minor things.  Making memories that will last is honorable – but not at the expense of your sanity or your relationships.

Remember – JESUS is the Reason for the Season.  Everything else is filler...

Here are some of my Christmas posts from previous years -

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

Mary Did you Know?

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Christmas: Great Expectations? Keep it real…

Christmas – What Gift Do You Bring Him?

If you are in a spiritually uneven marriage, the holiday season can be stressful and uncertain. 

However, the Prince of Peace wants you to focus on Him.  Jesus desires your love, devotion and obedience.  But we also have to recognize His Deity, as did the wise men of old.

  

The customary Christmas story in Matthew chapter 2 is set in the hill country of Judea, about five miles southwest of Jerusalem in the area surrounding the town of Bethlehem.   

Micah 5:2 refers to Bethlehem as “…little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

Matthew 2:1-2 records details of the magi’s visit from the East to pay homage to the newborn King as follows:  Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

Traditionally we celebrate the magi’s worship of our Lord – otherwise known as Epiphany – in January, but I wanted to highlight it during this season of giving.  The three gifts offered represent Jesus Christ as our King, Priest and Prophet.  Scripture references are Daniel 9:24-27, Deuteronomy 18:15, and Psalm 110:4.  

Some church historians, particularly in the West, have named the three magi in Scripture as: Melchior, a king of Arabia who most likely was the oldest of the kings; Balthasar, a king from Saba (present day Yemen); and Caspar, a king from Tarsus (present day southern Turkey).

Their unusual and highly valued presents were Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.  Gold was a gift befitting a king. In the book of Exodus, the tabernacle in which God Himself dwelt housed various items which were either crafted from solid gold or overlaid in gold.  Gold itself is symbolic of royalty and wealth, and is representative of heaven’s grandeur on the streets of gold mentioned in the book of Revelation. 

Frankincense was a chief ingredient in the incense which was to be burned continually in the tabernacle.  In the book of Revelation the prayers of the saints are rising to God’s throne as burning incense. 

Myrrh was a chief ingredient in the anointing oil used in ceremonial rituals to dedicate kings and prophets to the Lord’s service. It was also used in the burial process along with other herbs and spices to preserve the body as mentioned in John 19:39.

Matthew 2:11 states, “And when they (magi) had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

You say, “What can I bring Jesus?”  I’m not royalty… I’ve not traveled thousands of miles to see Him… I don’t have an extravagant gift to hand Him.  Ah – but you do. His desire is to have your heart this Christmas season…

We often sing the more popular stanzas in Christmas hymns and omit the others.  Read the entire hymn below to get a deeper glimpse into the wonderful sentiments of the author.

We Three Kings of Orient Are

We three kings of Orient are; Bearing gifts we traverse afar,

Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again,

King forever, ceasing never,  Over us all to reign.

Frankincense to offer have I; Incense owns a Deity nigh;

Prayer and praising all men raising, Worship Him, God on high.

Myrrh is mine: its bitter perfume, Breathes a life of gathering gloom:

Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and sacrifice;

Alleluia, Alleluia!  Sounds through the earth and skies.

~ John Henry Hopkins, Jr.  (1820-1891)

 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit Spiritually Uneven Marriage

Christmas – What Gift Do You Bring Him?

It's a Birthday Bash, and You're Invited !

Our family recently celebrated two birthdays:  my mother turned seventy-five (a milestone), and my sister's birthday is the same day!  This year was indeed a special one!  There's nothing I like better than baking their favorite cake, picking out just the right card, and of course, finding the perfect gift to give!   One of my favorite verses to quote for a birthday is Psalm 118:24, "This is the day which the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it."  I like to imagine Father God, sitting in heaven, looking down on my "birth" day saying, "Look at my daughter...isn't she beautiful? Today is the day her family celebrates her birth! That which I have created brings Me such joy!"

Psalm 139:13-17 declares, "For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb.  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.  My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.  How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!"

Gifts are, of course, the grand finale when it comes to the birthday bash!  Despite our best efforts, we can't make the recipient take the gift! That is something that they have to do.  God extends a free gift to us as well.  He offers us eternal salvation through His son Jesus.  No strings attached.  It's a gift that cost Him everything - but it is ours simply by accepting what Jesus did to secure that salvation, namely, His death on Calvary.  John 3:16 tells us, "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."  Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."  And again Paul states in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  

Sometimes I wonder why someone wouldn't gladly accept a free gift, especially when it comes to their eternal security.  I'm glad God gives us the opportunity to tell others about Him.  When I was still a "newbie" Christian, I purchased bibles for my entire family and gave them as gifts on their birthdays. I don't even know if they have opened them and read them, but nevertheless, I gladly and enthusiastically gave the gifts!  My part is to sow the seed, someone else waters, and God brings the increase (I Corinthians 3:6).  God loves a cheerful giver, and I don't think that just applies to tithing.  The act of giving gifts emulates our Father in Heaven, Who is the greatest giver of all!  I truly enjoy giving a gift and watching the reaction when the recipient opens it!  After all, I spent precious time searching for just the right gift.  Then I carefully and artfully wrapped the gift, using bright colored paper, silky ribbon, and a big fluffy bow. Sometimes I get so excited, I can hardly wait! 

In James 1:17 we see that, "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." I don't know about you, but I only want those gifts that my heavenly Father sends my way!

One thing is for certain, birthdays are fun and we look forward to them.  But nothing compares to receiving our greatest gift in person - a greeting by the Lord Jesus Himself with open arms extended - welcoming us as He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your lord." 

Now that's a celebration I can get excited about!

                                           

      

It's a Birthday Bash, and You're Invited !