When I was around 7 or 8 years old, I wanted a BB gun really bad. I was ecstatic when I opened that present that year. Up to that point in my life, that was the best present a boy could open on Christmas morning (and yes, I got into a lot of trouble with that BB gun).
Do you think you will receive a lot of Christmas presents this year? Did you buy a lot of presents for your loved ones and friends? Did you “nail” the perfect gift for a loved one?
Why do we give presents at Christmas? Do we give presents because it is expected? Do we give presents out of love? Are we more worried about the presents we receive?
Have we lost sight of what the real meaning of Christmas is? Do we remember that we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Are we remembering why Jesus came down to this earth in the first place? Are we making sure our children remember the true meaning of Christmas?
Please remember that we have all sinned, we have all fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Our sin, no matter how small or insignificant separates us from our Loving God. God is perfect, righteous and Holy. He cannot tolerate sin. But God made us in his own image. God loves us. He doesn’t want our sin to separate us from Him.
The Bible says that without shedding of blood, there is no remission (or forgiveness) of sins (Hebrews 9:22). Someone has to pay the price for our sin, for our rebellion. Jesus Christ, was born of a Virgin, He lived a perfect, sinless life. Then he suffered and died a horribly cruel death on the shameful cross for us. Jesus died for our sins. He took our punishment for us. His blood was shed for our forgiveness of sins. Then on the third day, Jesus rose from the grave.
The sacrifice of Jesus is an amazing gift that God gives us. It is free, but it was very costly. It cost God tremendous pain. It cost Jesus unbelievable suffering. Isaiah says that Jesus was beat beyond recognition. Think about that for a minute. I was beat up a time or two when I was younger, but never beyond recognition.
Jesus willingly gave His life for you. All you have to do is receive this free gift through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ the Lord. I heard a pastor on the radio recently who said that there are only two religions in the world. True religion and false religion. The Bible says that there is no other name under heaven by which men can be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the only Savior (John 14:6). If you are not trusting in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are trusting in yourself to save you. You cannot save yourself.
So today, ask God to forgive you of your sins, repent by turning away from your sins and put your full trust in Jesus Christ to save you. Don’t put too much emphasis on the presents you receive this year or great presents from the past. Receive the greatest present of all time. Receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Let Jesus wash away your sins.
Please go to What’s Next for more information.