For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17 NIV)
A Christmas Morning Tradition
On Christmas morning there is a standing tradition in our home: Jesus gets the first gift. Our family offers gifts from the heart in gratitude and honor of the newborn King;
after all, the celebration of Christmas is the celebration of the Messiah’s birth.
Some would argue the accuracy of December 25 as the correct date for the Savior’s birth; nonetheless, this day has been set aside in remembrance of the Nativity. Hallelujah! Now that is something to celebrate!
Gift Ideas
What can I give Him? Not only is He a man that has everything, but the Creator of it all.
In the past, our family has given a variety of gifts: education, relationships, job decisions, future plans, aid to those in need, a book written…
This year, I am giving the Christ Child my empty nest. Yes, it became official on
September 5, 2021, when our daughter married. She was the last to take flight, and in doing so, a vast horizon of possibilities opened before me. There is much I can fill the nest with; however, may my nest be filled with what the Messiah desires.
What gift will you offer Him? May it be: one submitted from your heart, wrapped in praise, ribboned in prayer, covered by the Father’s glory.
Perhaps, you have not yet received the gift of Jesus. Truly, He is the gift of salvation to every people, tribe, nation, and tongue that believes. The Messiah was sent from the Father that none would perish but have eternal life. May you choose this Christmas to open the gift of salvation brought forth through the Christ Child.
A gift like no other! The first gift of Christmas.
Prayer
Father,
I acknowledge Jesus Christ as the sent Messiah, and choose to receive the gift of salvation through Him. Renew my heart with the love of Jesus, and my mind with Your perfect peace, as the presence of Your Holy Spirit fills me now.
I receive Your gift of eternal life. A gift like no other! In the celebration of Christmas, please receive this gift I offer to You. I give unto Thee the gift of ____________________.
I hope You like it!
Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to the King of kings and Lord of lords!
Amen
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
(2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV)
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25 NIV)
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