God’s Gift

Isiah 9: 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;

Isiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

Luke 2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The Gift of God was foretold back in Isiah chapter nine.  It was a dark time for Israel just like it seems like a dark time for many today.  But, throughout Israel’s history they looked forward to the Messiah being born.  Luke chapter two makes that hope a reality.  A Savior is born.  He is the gift given.   He is the Christ, or the Messiah, and He will save His people!  At the time of Christ’s birth, the Jews were ruled by the Romans.  Many were hoping the Christ would free them of Roman rule but that is not what God intended.  See God looked at their hearts and saw they had turned their backs on Him.  Yes, they still performed all the necessary religious rituals, but their heart was not in them.  Just like today many will flock to church during the Christmas seasons in hopes it will save them.  And many will give to charities in hopes to gain points with God.  Few will really understand the true meaning of why a Savior had to be born.

Matthew 1:20 tells us what the reason of God’s intended Gift “… an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  Sin?  Yes, sin because we have all sinned.  No one can say they are perfect.  It was God’s plan since Adam and Eve ate the fruit. 

The name Jesus literally means Savior.  Little did everyone know Jesus would have to die in order to be the Savior.  That is what Good Friday and Easter is all about.  In Hebrews we read about how the Jewish priest, the high priest, would sacrifice a lamb once a year for the sins of the people.  Jesus became that sacrifice once and for all by dying on the cross.  However, on the third day Jesus rose from the dead.  He is both God and man at the same time.  He was our sacrifice for our sin.  If we believe and commit to follow Him, we will have eternal life with God.  My Pastor said it best yesterday at church when he talked about God’s Gift-Jesus.  In John 3:16-17 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

So, will you accept God’s Gift?    It’s Free!  If you have any questions feel free to ask me or go to a local church. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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