Monday, November 28, 2016

Giving Good Gifts


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:

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas Bookstore: http:// lpcbooks.com/product/land-of-my-dreams/

5 comments:

  1. A wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing.

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    1. You are so welcome! Have a wonderful Christmas season!

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  2. Thanks for an inspiring way to start my Monday!
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. Norma 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.

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