The Gifts of Christmas

Jesus didn't just give His life as a ransom for many, but He also left behind gifts for His followers. This Christmas, consider how Jesus provides us with not only the gift of salvation, but life everlasting.

For believers, we have the gift of salvation. This is the gift of the Cross. This is the main gift given by Jesus to His followers. This is the gift of life only found through the Savior. The only other option available is death. As a Christ follower, we must keep the cross our central focus.

When we examine the other benefits or I'll call them gifts, we realize how much greater the sacrifice was to bring man back into fellowship with God. There isn't enough weight given to just say they are other gifts because they are ONLY found within THE GIFT of Christ. In some ways, you could say it's the gift that does keep on giving. So let's examine the Gifts of Christmas

Some of these other gifts of Christmas are found in the Holy Spirit. When Jesus ascends, He said He wouldn't leave us or forsake us (a gift). This is the Holy Spirit. By reading John 14, we can get lost in the abundance He bestows on those who love Him. To review them, let's begin with verse six, then work our way through the entire passage:

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

So in which ways do we experience these gifts (blessings)? The passage in John 14 includes the following:

1. A Place: I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)
2. He Will Return for us: I will come again and receive you to Myself (John 14:3, 18)
3. Know the Father: ...and from now on you know Him and have seen Him (John 14:7)
4. Greater Works: the works that I do he will do also (John 14:12)
5. Answered Prayers: If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:14)
6. Receive a Helper: that He (the Helper, the Holy Spirit) may abide with you forever (John 14:17)
7. Take up Residence within: We will come to him and make Our home with him (John 14:23)
8. He will Teach us All things: He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)
9. Gift of Peace: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you (John 14:27)

Jesus provides us with confidence and assurance. He provides His followers with Peace.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

So while we spend time wrapping gifts to give to others, the best gift we can share with another is the gift of love. That is found in sharing THE GIFT with another: Jesus.

If you haven't received the free gift from Jesus, let today be that day for you. How can you receive Jesus and His gift?

Jesus gave this gift to those who follow Him. He didn't attribute salvation and the gift by name only ("I am a Christian") but towards one who follows (we call them a Disciple). We call ourselves followers because it's not just receiving, but also putting your faith into practice. It's a process that's confirmed both verbally (mouth) and through receiving Him in your heart (which only God can judge). Read more about What is the difference between a Christian and a disciple?

For now, you must simply respond to Jesus:
...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:9-10

Simply pray: 
Jesus, I believe you came, you died and rose again for me. I thank you for the cross and ask you would come now to take residence within me. Give me faith to not only believe you at Your Word but to follow You. Teach me Holy Spirit your ways. And lead me toward life eternal. Amen.

Now that you have received the gift, congratulations, you just received the ONLY, one, true and holy gift given from above: Jesus. Spend time with Jesus. Cherish Jesus. Grow with Jesus and share your gift with others. It's free and accessible to everyone who will call on His name.

Blessings and Merry Christmas,
Dave