A Wrapped Gift For You

Christmas comes with a lot of expectations. We look forward to the gifts, the lights, the songs, the family gatherings, and joy. The first Christmas came with some expectations also. The people were looking for a Savior, the Messiah. They expected Him to arrive with great fanfare and celebration. Instead, God chose a humble means of revealing the promised Messiah. Angels spoke, yes, but to shepherds in the field. They promised a gift wrapped in swaddling clothes. The gift was for them and for everyone who would believe. The gift would become their Savior, Messiah, and Lord. All they would have to do is believe and act in faith upon this news.

Luke 2:10-12 says, “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.'” Christmas began with a gift wrapped in swaddling cloths. This gift is a baby who is also a Savior and at the same time He is Lord. The gift is “for you”. Believe in this gift, act in faith, and let this gift bring you great joy!

How We Are Known

I read an article yesterday in which various people described what they feel certain behaviors tell them about people. For instance, how someone treats service personnel, especially when something goes wrong, tells us about the character of the person. We all tend to exhibit good character when things are going well. But sometimes, we reveal a darker side when things are not going so well.

Daniel 12:3 says, “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Living life like God has designed for us to live, according to His might, is the way to shine His light. Abiding in the power of the Holy Spirit will enable us to exhibit godly character, even when things are going against us. The light of godly character will shine brightly forever. Leading other people to turn to God from self-centeredness extends His light even further.

Giving Thanks

I have noticed that many young parents have decided not to instruct their children to give thanks when they receive gifts or when someone does something nice for them. They even boast about this decision on social media and among friends. While I understand their reasoning, I think that this is a disturbing trend. Giving thanks is not only polite, it is mood and attitude altering. When we give thanks for some kindness given to us, our attitude improves and certainly the attitude of the “thanks” recipient lightens and enlivens. On the other hand, failure to give thanks leads to ungratefulness and a feeling of entitlement, thinking that we deserve everything given to us. In reality, we deserve very little and should acknowledge the gift and the giver.

I Chronicles 29:12-13 says, “Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.” Every good gift comes from the hand of our Heavenly Father. Often, God uses people to deliver His gifts to us and we should, therefore, thank them. Remember His gifts and give Him the thanks that are due to Him.

Eagerly Anticipating the Call

We eagerly anticipate receiving some calls. It might be a call with a job offer that we had applied for. Perhaps, we are waiting for a call to announce a new birth from an expectant couple that we are close with. Perhaps we have made an offer on a new house and we are waiting to hear if our offer has been accepted. At these times, we look at our phone constantly, set the ring volume to high, and even keep holding the phone in our hands. In

Isaiah 65:1 God is quoted as saying, “I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me, I said, ‘Here I am, here I am,’ to a nation that was not called by my name.” God is always ready to hear us call upon Him. He is eagerly awaiting our call. He promises to answer our call, even when we have strayed far away from Him.

Resurrection of the Dead

We go through life, trying to make the most of it, while also knowing that some day life will end. Most people do not know or even consider what happens to them after death. Different philosophies and religions offer some description of the afterlife ranging from reincarnation to nothingness to another life working toward heaven to unresolved questions.

I Corinthians 15:42-44 says, “So it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.” For the believer in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, these truths describe our life on earth and our future in eternity. Now our bodies are perishable, dishonorable, weak, and natural. When we are raised with Christ, we will be given resurrected bodies that are imperishable, glorified, powerful, and spiritual. This new body and the life that we will live together when we are gathered unto Christ in heaven is certain and secured by our loving and merciful Almighty God.