Breathingbook

This is a post I first wrote for Christmas 2009. The witness of Jesus Christ is still contained within it. Blessings!

Merry Christmas to all. What a day to reflect upon the very first occasion of giving gifts to celebrate the birth of our Savior! I know that many people choose not to participate in celebrating Christmas, but if it was good enough for the three wise men on the very day of Christ’s birth, then surely it is also good enough for me. Long live Christmas!

The expression of giving gifts, in my very humble opinion, should be an act or expression of “love” – not an obligation as if it were works.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God. He that loves not knows not God; for God is love. 1Jn 4:7,8

Far too many have decided to be unloving in this world – as God’s Word says – in the last days, the love of many will wax cold. Whether our love is expressed in forgiveness, a gift, a loving smile or hug, all of those things are dearly needed in what has become a very selfish and cold world.

It is not the price of a gift that distinguishes it’s true value. An encouraging word, a homemade object, a smile, or perhaps consider the sacrifice of one’s life for another upon a cross? All these are precious gifts to those who can receive them.

Our Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins and gave His own life as a ransom for many. It is sad how embittered souls can harm themselves and others, chewing upon their own wounds, and rehashing bitter feelings of days gone by, instead of forgiving and placing all in God’s loving hands. Pray this day, dear saints, for those enslaved souls to be set free by the blood of Jesus, for on some day in days to come, we will all need those kinds of prayers. As believers, is it not true that we often share in the same types of grief?

…of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 2Pet 2:19b

On Jesus’ birthday, the angelic host gathered to sing praises to God in a distant field. Humble shepherds took in the spectacled sight – trembling as they watched – and then with haste went to see the young babe who laid in small manger. Magicians from the East, of the legacy the likes of Daniel, came following by faith a single star in the sky, to offer gifts to the Child who was born King.

Such began the life and true story of our Lord Jesus Christ, Savior and God.

Jesus’ life and ministry are laid out in the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and each one relates the story of how God willingly humbled Himself to be born into this world as a man. Although He is able to create vast worlds with just a Word (Jn 1:1-3; Eph 3:9; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2; Rev 4:11), He willingly choose to demonstrate His great restraint and power to all through His life of love, generosity and meekness. Through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice upon the Cross brought He all the saints of Old and New, who’ve ever hoped by faith in the Messiah, and at the same time initiated the New Covenant – based upon forgiveness – and better promises than that of the Law of Moses. Through His resurrection, brought He salvation to every soul who receives and believes in Him for life eternal. If you do not know Jesus for your self, simply ask Him to come into your heart this very moment and it shall surely and swiftly be done for you (Jn 3:16-18; 10:9).

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21

I call Jesus, Lord, God, Father, and Savior. He is the Prince of Peace, the Word of God, the Wonderful Counselor and Almighty God. May the healing presence of the Holy Spirit bless your wounded heart this Christmas Season, and with the gift of love that can only be brought through Jesus Christ, bring you great and everlasting peace.

Peace out,

Loris

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