We all have a gift. This gift is from God. Those who have opened it are called Christians. Perhaps one reason some people are so offended about the greeting “Merry Christmas”, is because it is a reminder of the gift they have left unopened. There it is under the nicely decorated evergreen tree forgotten and neglected. It may even get moved later on, after New Years Day, placed in a box with all the Christmas decorations and trimmings. “Perhaps I will open it next Christmas” many will explain.
If you are struggling with what to give your fellow employee, a partner at work, a family member or even the delivery person at your doorstep, consider helping them remember the gift they have left un-opened under their tree. The gift of Christmas is for everyone no one is left out.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, “ 2Peter3:9 BSB
Helping someone un-wrap the gift of Christmas is the best gift you can give. Perhaps what you share may be something like this.
“Do you know why we celebrate Christmas? It’s the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Some people have trouble with that right off the bat. You may be saying to yourself I don’t need a savior I’m fine. I’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, I have a good job and a family, I love them, I provide for them and do my best not to cuss around them and behave properly. God is love and I think He will let me into heaven. What kind of God would send a good person to hell anyway?
That’s right God is love and He has given you a gift.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 WEB
Perhaps the reason you don’t un-wrap this gift is because you don’t realize how much you need it. Like a person floundering in the ocean at risk of drowning any moment you flail away and dismiss the rescue boat that has pulled up beside you. I felt the same as you once and then one day I realized what Jesus Christ did for me. His love and concern for me, and for my soul compelled Him to die an agonizing death on the cross. He did not have to, He chose to die on the cross. He said Himself
“ No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” John 10:18 NLT
There must have been a very good reason for Him to do this. God says we are all condemned.
“all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” 2 Thess NIV
There is no one without sin – we all fall short and we are all destined for eternity in hell.
“As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous–not even one” Romans 3:10 NLT
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23 NLT
Everyone has broken the Ten Commandments no one has lived a perfect life, except our savior Jesus.
“but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” This is a free gift. We are not able to save ourselves. Nothing we do will save us from God’s perfect and just penalty.
“We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.” Isaiah 64:6NLT
Only the grace and mercy of God can save us.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” Eph 2:8 ESV
God sent His son that
“we may have life and have it more abundantly” John 10:10 KJB
That we might be spared the penalty of sin which is death and eternal separation from the God of justice, who is also the God of mercy. Jesus received our penalty for us and as a sinless offering has fulfilled the demands of justice.
“And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” Romans 3:23-25 BSB
We celebrate Jesus birth like the angels did when the shepherds heard their singing in the heavens. Jesus is our reason to celebrate. The Bible says
“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” Phil 2:10. NLT
He is uniquely qualified to be our savior, these are his qualifications:
- He is God, Jesus is the triune God in the flesh.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1NLV
“ and the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NIV
“Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28 BSB
- He is the fulfillment of prophecy.His birth was announced ages before he came. From the first book to the last, the Old Testament is filled with prophecy of His birth, His life, His death and Resurrection. The most recognized prophecy is from Isaiah.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 ESV
- His birth was miraculous. He was indeed born of a virgin.
“the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah 7:14 NLT
- He lived a sinless life although tempted as we all are, He overcame temptation.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Hebrews 4:15 BSB
- He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind and raised the dead. His miracles were witnessed by many and were a testimony of who He was.
“Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.” Acts 2:22 BSB
- He died on the cross fulfilling prophecy.
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 ESV
- He was raised from the dead, having fulfilled the demands of justice He was the first to be raised to life.
“For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.” Psalm 16:10 NLT
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1Cor 15:20 NIV
“But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,” Hebrews 10:12 ESV
He appeared to many before returning to heaven as His friends watched him leave.
“He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep” 1Cor 15:5-7 BSB
When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” Luke 24:51 BSB
- Finally He sent the Holy Spirit to testify of the truth and to indwell all believers with the power to share His message of love, life and liberty.
“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” Luke 24:49 NLT
What is keeping you from opening this gift from God? Let me help you un-wrap it. Can I pray with you?”
“If only it was that simple you say” well sharing the truth of God’s gift gets easier as you practice and believe me I have not had enough practice. So let us as Christians pray for each other that we have the opportunities and the Holy Spirit power to follow through with helping others un-wrap Christmas. We experience such joy as we watch our loved ones open their gifts. How much more joy is experienced by the host of heaven as they watch someone un-wrap God’s loving and merciful gift to us!
“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 ESV
Joy and gratefulness abounds as we repent and embrace the Love of Jesus and His precious gifts. For the gift of God is one that opens up an abundant gift of many.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,” Gal 5:22 KJB
I am praying that this post was helpful for you, and you will un-wrap or help someone nearby un-wrap the gift of Christmas!
References
https://gotquestions.org/is-Jesus-God.html
https://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/rejoicing-in-heaven/
http://coldcasechristianity.com/2016/why-we-know-the-story-of-jesus-isnt-a-legend-video/
Bible Versions Used
BSB – Berean Study Bible
WEB – World English Bible
NLT – New Living Translation
NIV – New International Version
ESV – English Standard Version
KJB – King James Bible
Momeaning 