One of the most fun parts of Christmas is giving someone a gift they weren't expecting and seeing their face light up when they open the gift. A gift given with the right intentions and a thoughtful heart solidifies a relationship between two people. It reaffirms the bond of friendship or love that exists. More importantly it tells the receiver you have been on my mind. You matter to me.
Our Heavenly Father sent us a gift on Christmas. The first chapter of John tells us that when Christ came he was full of love and full of grace. It was God's way of reaffirming His everlasting love for us. He tells us that we matter to Him and we are on His mind. God in all his power was walking the earth with His people fully God fully man. He had one purpose for Jesus... to punish Him for our sin.
We would look in horror if the recipient of our gift destroyed it right in front of us. Everything we thought we knew about the relationship would have seemed to be false. God sent us the Give of Christ and then 33 years later, the gift was destroyed. The difference is the gift was destroyed for a gift more valuable. God himself. The separation that existed throughout the ages as a result of rebellion was no lifted through the Gift of Christ.
The gift is available to all regardless of wether it is received. This Christmas as you work to prepare for trips and parties, take time to reflect on the Gift that changed the course of human history. It pleased God to do this even though it cost Him a son.
Have a blessed holiday.
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