“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 NKJV
The Gift that keeps on giving
The world seems to going all out this Christmas, as there has been a pent up demand for celebration. After nearly two years of being locked away, the world is all about gift giving, as everyone is looking for that special gift. In all the lights and the din of Christmas revelry, we have all but forgotten that moment so long ago when a humble couple, heavy with child, meandered through the night to the little town called Bethlehem.
“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:1-7 NKJV
As I write this, my mind is spinning as I try and comprehend all that transpired on that night. The Creator God, the very hands that placed the stars, formed man from dust and built woman from the rib of the man, was now lying in a stone hewn manger, humbled in the very flesh He had designed.
Nearby certain poor shepherds, the ones responsible for caring for very special sheep, were nearby. The sheep they cared for were those used for sacrifice. When one was chosen, it was wrapped in swaddling cloths and placed in the stone manger so it wouldn’t be damaged, as the sacrifice had to be perfect.
These men, unclean by way of vocation, were the first to receive the gift, as the angels heralded the arrival of God made low.
God so loved the world the He gave His only begotten Son. Christ was given to die for our sins, the sacrificial lamb to end all sacrificial lambs, fulfilling the promise sin the garden.
And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.””
Genesis 3:15 NKJV
Jesus came into the world as the gift that keeps on giving, as He not only died to pay for our sins, but was buried and rose again, that we have newness of life. Through Christ, we have eternal life and freedom from condemnation.
We are forgiven, given a blank slate, that is blank into perpetuity, kept unspotted, by God’s grace.
Brothers and sisters, as we celebrate this Christmas season, let us remember that the Lord has given us the greatest gift already, and it is one that does not need batteries, will never break, and will increase in its influence in our lives as time goes by. It will never get old, and will, indeed, make us new.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
II Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
James 1:17 NKJV
Have a Happy Sunday!
Musings from an idle mind 
Our God has a “yes” face. May the giver of all that is good train us up in righteousness and generosity. Thanks Bernie!
LikeLiked by 1 person