Every good and perfect
gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights… James 1:17
No quiet town of
Bethlehem surrounded us. Wrapped in home-made robes with crowns, itchy beards,
shepherds crooks, and angel wings, our family stood in the cold, wind, filling
our slot in our church’s live Christmas nativity scene on a busy Christmas Eve.
Long lines of cars drove slowly by, filling the air with exhaust fumes,
but the message was the same as on that first Christmas. God’s gift to the
world had come—Jesus Christ was born.
The cast of characters
for the first Advent were a strange group. Mary and Joseph were poor and
obscure, but exceptional in their obedience to their God-given task. Angels of
annunciation sang. Shepherds left their flocks. Wise men from the east sought
the place where the new King was born. All had need of the Christ
Child's gift.
Playing roles in the
church tableau gave the opportunity for reflection on the true “gift” of
Christmas. It is not available in any store, but is free for the taking to all
who truly desire to know the King of Kings, the Giver of every good and perfect
gift.
God knew what we
needed before we were even aware. He provided us the perfect gift, His Son,
born as a child. Jesus up in world of lost and dying people, sinless, yet
willing to die for our sins, risen to life that we might be freed from the
power of sin and receive the gift of eternal life.
Whether we're rich,
poor, well-educated, unemployed, suffering, or abundantly blessed, we all have
one need in common. We need salvation from the curse of sin. Paul tells us in
Romans that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” But we are
also told that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The gift of
God is “eternal life in Christ Jesus.”
Knowing the story of
Christmas, acting it out, singing the songs, even knowing the scriptures can’t
save us.
A gift is only of
benefit when accepted by the intended receiver. So it is with God’s gift of
Jesus Christ. If we never take the time to accept Him as our Savior and Lord,
we don’t possess the gift.
This year, concentrate
on the gift of God's Son. He specializes in giving perfect gifts.
© Copyright
November 29, 2012, by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman
About the author:
Norma
Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction
Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and
poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and
in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers
and Romance Writers of America. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains
of New Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.
Connect with
Norma:
Book Links:
A wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome! Have a wonderful Christmas season!
DeleteThanks for an inspiring way to start my Monday!
ReplyDeleteConnie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm glad it was inspiring! I needed it too!
DeleteNorma Gail, thank you for this lovely post and reminder for this Christmas season. I'm just now reading due to our mother being in a the hospital neurology unit due to a cerebral hemmorage. Thank you Jesus she is better and at home now.
ReplyDelete