Free Holiday Gift

There is no better gift in all the world than the free gift of salvation. God has offered us forgiveness of 

sin and eternal life and the only responsibility we have is to receive it by faith. You see, this gift of salvation (Deliverance from sin and its consequences) has been given purely through God's grace stemming out of God's supernatural love for all of us. 

Ephesians 2:8 New International Version 1984  

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves
it is the gift of God—

Through Jesus we can appropriate this gift causing us to reconciled back to God, adopted into His family, and be in His presence in heaven for all eternity. Jesus made this possible through His atoning work on the cross.

We have all been at one time separated from God. Yet for those who receive His love and free gift of salvation  are now considered His friends. Here is what Jesus tells us about love and friendship:

John 15:12-14 New Living Translation 

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 

You are my friends if you do what I command.

The reason why it is so important for us to know about God's free gift is the fact that sin separates us from Him, and unless this sin is covered, we will remain separated from God for all eternity. For those who reject Christ and continue on in sin will experience spiritual death.

The Bible explains it this way:

Romans 6:23 New Living Translation  
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through 
Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace

Isaiah 59:2 New Living Translation

It’s your sins that have cut you off from God.  Because of your sins, he has turned away

and will not listen anymore.

The Good News:

Jesus laid down His life for us sinners. This was part of God's plan before the beginning of the world.

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, 
Christ died for us.

Mark 10:45 New International Version 1984  
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life 
as a ransom for many.”

 

Ephesians 1:4-5 NIV

For he chose us in him (Jesus) before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  In love  he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

Why celebrate Christmas?

The birth of our Savior (the incarnation of the second person of the Trinity) is at the heart of each  

years Christmas celebration. This is a great opportunity for us to celebrate as well as remember

why Jesus was sent by God to come into this world. Please take the time to read Isaiah 53 to get

a fuller understanding why many people refer to Jesus as the “Suffering Servant”. Then read

Matthew 26:36-42 along with Matthew 27 which reinforces the idea that Jesus not only came to

save us but to suffer for us as well. When I think about idea of Jesus suffering I view Christmas

not only as a celebration of His birth but the recognition of Jesus’ willingness to carry out God’s

plan of salvation. He carried out God’s plan even though He was well aware of the pain He was

going to have to endure leading up to and then culminating at the Cross. To me this powerfully

enhances the meaning of Christmas to the point of an unmatched heartfelt gratitude toward Jesus.

Christmas is a special time of year and carries with it a purpose for us as well. When I see all the

Christmas lights I am reminded that Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus also tells us to be a light

to the world so others can hear about God’s wonderful plan of salvation. We are to spread Jesus' 

message of Hope to all who have “ears to hear”.  

The Bible speaks about this light:

John 8:12 NIV

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. 

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 9:4-5 NIV

As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when 

no one can work.  While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

John 12:46 NIV

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should 

stay in darkness.

Matthew 5:14-16 

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Isaiah 42:6 NIV
"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep 

you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles

Acts 13:47 NIV
For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, 

that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' [ Isaiah 49:6] "

Here is what we are commanded to do:

Matthew 28:18-20 New Living Translation  

 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father 
and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have 
given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Our Hope is this:

John 3:16 New International Version 1984  

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.

So even within all the activities we get involved with during this Christmas holiday, let’s always

remember to share the joy and hope that we have in Jesus. 

Let’s remember to be the light of world.

1 Peter 3:15 NIV 
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to 

everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this 

with gentleness and respect

Jesus paid the price for our free gift and for this I am forever grateful.

Just Sayin…………………..Dave