It always brought excitement to my heart when we went and picked out a Christmas tree, then mother would help us decorate it. It was so much fun to turn out the lights and look at the Christmas tree with all the beautiful lights and decorations. Oh yes, and those beautifully wrapped gifts with our names on them. Those events remind me of something in the Bible.

Many years ago a gift God gave us arrived in a manger not under a Christmas tree, (Luke 2:7, 12,). That gift grew up, helped in his dad’s carpenter shop, (Matthew 13:55), later did many wonderful miracles, (John 2:33). Taught the things of God, was falsely accused, humiliated, mocked, severely tortured, beaten, (Matthew 27:29), nailed to a cross, (Matthew 27:38) suffered and died a horrible death, put in a tomb, but arose from the grave in three days, (Mark 8:31, 1Peter 1:3), forty days later ascended up to heaven, (John 20:17, Ephesians 4:10). Now sits at the right hand of the almighty God, (Matthew 22:44). That gift can provide forgiveness of sins, (Matthew 9:6, John 1:12&13, Acts 4:12). A new life here and now with love, peace and joy, (John 1:2). A future out of this world, (Titus 1:2, 2:13, 3:7). Let us receive Jesus Christ into our hearts and exalt Him, (Romans 6:21-23) and really understand this reason for the season, (2 Corinthians 9:15).

See you in church next Sunday.

Brother J