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The Holiday season is once again upon us and we see everyone scurrying about gathering presents, food, and all the things they have in their hearts to do for their families during this time. Many families use this time of year to look for ways to give to others so that they too can enjoy the Christmas season. For others, this is a time to extend forgiveness that they may have withheld from others throughout the year. But, for some families Christmas is a stressful time for many reasons; some are wondering how they will provide for their families, some families this will be their first Christmas without a loved one that is no longer with them, and then some are lonely and Christmas tends to remind them of how alone they really are. Even with all the many different facets of this season, it is still the most magical time of year.
As I look around at all this, I can't help but think about the greatest gift ever given to all of us, JESUS. He leads us towards the life God always intended for us and frees us from the snares that satan has set for our destruction. He rescues us, He restores us to our intended condition, He never leaves us or forsakes us, and He is always there to help change us and to help strengthen us if we will yield our lives to Him. There has never been a greater gift of love displayed than Jesus; from him leaving the comfort of heaven to walk with us, to Him dying on the cross. He did nothing to save Himself, but He took everything that we deserved on Himself to save us. He is so good.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8 NIV).
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the gift of your son. None of us have ever had a child knowing they were born to die, but you did. That was why you sent Him. You knew the death and agony that awaited Him to fulfill your gift and purpose for humanity. So, that we would be freed from satans lies to kill, steal, and destroy. There is nothing we face that was not finished on the cross that day if we would only chose to partake of it. You have extended the gift of your son to each and everyone of us to partake in. Help us to receive Him fully as you intended. In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen!