AS THE GIFT WAS GIVEN!
Sunday’s Monday
Way back when; I wrote a Christmas poem titled As The Gift Was Given and God has had this on my mind for the last three days. I had a different subject selected for today, but God wouldn’t give me the words and as I struggled with my thinking, God kept inspiring me with the thought, this is not my blog, it is His, and if I will just do as He desires the words will come. So, today’s subject is, As The Gift Was Given, which is comparing Christmas as we see it today with Christmas as God meant it to be. I got to tell you, I’ve thought extensively about this subject and I’m just beginning to understand what took place the night Jesus was born. It is something so vast, so deep and so outside our grasp that many of us choose simply to believe what we grew up with. Fact is the Christmas that we know today has few similarities with the actual gift God gave to and for man. Let’s take a look at what might be considered the greatest act of love ever witnessed on this earth.
Luke gives a compelling account of the story of Jesus in his writings but the only thing we seem to grasp is a savior was born. We seldom hear John 3:16-17 (KJV), when reading the Christmas Story 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved, and I never heard Zechariah’s Prophecy from Luke 1:67-79 focusing on 73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us and 74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, during Christmas. Which could mean it is conveniently not read of as it requires something of us to receive this gift.
As the gift was given, God gave us a savior and regardless of what we’re raised to believe, it came with strings attached. However, the burden is not on the receiver, it lies with the giver. To give a gift in the nature of God requires follow-up, to give as God gives is never a one and done, we must become available to the receiver. I believe every gift God has given to me is covered in His love, as it is from His heart that He chooses me to bless with good things. God doesn’t give just because, or because you gave Him something last year, He only gives out of the purest love for you. Something within me is disturbed, when I hear people say, I want to give you something to remember me by when I’m dead. Now to me, that is blatantly admitting that I haven’t lived toward you the way God wanted me to, otherwise, you could never forget me. When these words leave your mouth, your eyes should immediately fall on the scriptures. Luke 1:74 (KJV), that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear. Me, myself, and I are the enemy that keeps me from loving as Jesus loves and Jesus came to free me from that.
Christmas has always been my favorite time of year for many reasons but as an old man, I see my childhood best, was the love that only came at Christmas. People, we didn’t even know would visit us and be extra nice. We had a man that would come from the Methodist Church to be Santa Clause to us, and it meant the world to me. Can’t remember his first name but I’ll never forget how Mr. Rudisill would light up my life in that red suit. Shoot! I’m 72 and thinking of those feelings still brings tears to my eyes. He cared, He loved children and we felt it more than we saw it. He left me something to remember him by and placed it in my heart. Is it any wonder, why we anguish over Christmas? What gifts to get or how much to spend? Trifles that will certainly not last and only be remembered for a short while. But Mr. Rudisill had the answer, he gave me a part of himself and locked it in my heart.
God has given us the most perfect gift (JESUS) to share with everyone, not just those within our circle we impress with bobbles and trinkets. Gifts, not just for special occasions but for sharing every day, “with everyone”. Check this out! Not only did God love us enough to send His only son to die for us, but He also gives us other gifts to share with everyone else. How many times have you heard this thrown in with the Christmas Story? Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV), 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such, there is no law. Try passing these out as you go about your day and see what happens around you. People change! God gave Jesus out of love expecting us to first love and serve Him but then to share His love with everyone, hoping they will in turn receive and share the same. That old saying kill them with kindness is wrong, kindness doesn’t kill, but in many cases, it can heal! Sow the fruits of God’s Spirit and reap a happy harvest!!
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
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