CHRISTMAS is the favorite season of many.
There could be different reasons, depending on age or status in life.
To an employee, Christmas could be the 13th-month salary or bonus. To a young child, it means receiving presents from ninongs and ninangs, and to many Filipinos, it means lots of food and reunions.
The spirit of festivity can be seen and heard in the streets, in music, more so in shopping malls. People are busy thinking about what best gift to buy for their loved ones. With our busyness, we sometimes neglect to focus on what’s the main reason for having this big celebration.
Among Christians, Christmas is the time to celebrate the birth of Christ (although we believe that this is not the accurate date of his birth). Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. He is the best gift ever given to humanity!
Let me help you unbox this best gift.
Matthew 1:20-21,23 says: “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus [f] because he will save his people from their sins.”
… “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel”[g] (which means “God with us”).” (NIV, The Bible)
There are three important things in the passage above:
1. Jesus came to the world as promised – Savior after 2000 years. Matthew:23 is actually a quote from the Old Testament in Isaiah 7:14. His coming was long thought and planned.
2. His purpose – ”because he will save his people from their sins” – for coming was the gift that all people need. We need salvation not just from eternal doom but from daily battles. Not just for the spiritual cause but even for personal wholeness. And lastly,
3. Jesus as the gift has the title Emmanuel – which means God with us. No one from the Bible was given the name or title “Emmanuel” because it carries the implication of being God himself.
This Christmas, I desire that you receive the best gift ever – Jesus – in your life by inviting Him into your life through prayer. Ask him to be your savior and lord.
Remember that the person you are inviting is Emmanuel which means God is with us.
Having him means having God’s presence in your journey of life.
Have you received the best gift ever?
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