What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received? When I was a kid, I received two G.I. Joe tanks and the Star Wars Millennium Falcon in the same year!
What’s the worst Christmas present you’ve ever received? I once received a $100 savings bond and a boy cabbage patch doll…really!
First, boys don’t play with dolls. They are called action figures. Second, I’ve never received that $100.
We have all received gifts we’ve wanted and didn’t want. We’ve also received gifts we needed. I remember receiving socks and clothes for Christmas from my relatives -needed items, even if I didn’t necessarily want them. Clothing — gifts as a kid I would never have given myself.
I’ll never forget my parents looking at me and saying, “Now what do you say to your Aunt?” “Thank you,” I sheepishly said. Those gifts of clothing were taken for granted every time I put them on, but they just kept on giving even if I wasn’t truly grateful.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
God displayed His great love for us when He gave us what we really needed and could not get on our own.
1 John 4:9 says, “God showed us how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.”
Jesus is the perfect gift we need in any season. He is the gift that is Christmas. I pray every gift you receive this Christmas points you to being truly grateful for the gift of Jesus, the true meaning of Christmas.
Galatians 1:6-9 tell us that some come presenting a confusing and different gospel that isn’t really the gospel at all. This world will tell you Christmas is about parties and presents. Your flesh will tell you Christmas is about getting what you want or deserve. The devil will tell you Christmas is about anything other than Christ! Never fall for an imposter Christmas!
Remember the first five letters in Christmas – CHRIST! Christmas is the Christ mass or the day we worship that Jesus Christ our Savior was born.
Questions: Have you thanked God for his gift of Jesus lately? Have you taken for granted the gift you so desperately needed and could not give yourself?
Has an imposter Christmas whimsically charmed (deceived) you away from the real Christ? Are you consumed with the festivities and holiday traditions of this world or Jesus, God’s gift to the world.
He is the one whose name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.
•
Stephen Harrison is the lead pastor of Family Church at White Hall.
Editor’s note: Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing for this section may submit articles to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Please include your phone number and the name and location of your church or ministry.