Peter Howard
Jesus: The Greatest Gift of All
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4
The story of Christmas is not just the story of a baby been born in a stable. The story of Christmas starts at Genesis and goes all the way through to Revelation. Christmas began in the Garden of Eden when God offered Adam and Eve the gifts of forgiveness and reconciliation. They were also given a garment, made for them by God.
At the beginning of the New Testament, Jesus comes to earth as a baby. This act was needed to save us, but more importantly Jesus came to show us what God was like. It is only by getting to know the giver of the gift that we can truly appreciate the gift of salvation.
The letter to the church of Laodicea in Revelation points out to us the true state of our lives. We may not recognize it but we are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. It is only Christ that can clothe us. This Christmas, it is not the present under the tree that will change our lives. Our lives can only be changed when we receive from Christ, that which he offers give us. Reach out and take the gift that God wants to give you.
Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:17-20