The Best Gift

As Christmas is just a few days away I sit here and think about all the gifts I have received through my 45 years of life. I mean there was that great Barbie house and those awesome roller skates! My husband is also a great giver, Amazon has sent many boxes to my house this week alone, which I am sure will be awesome! But which is the best gift I have ever received? Well, the gift that I immediately go to is my salvation. If you have read my blog before you know that Mama led me to Jesus when I was 5 years old. I can tell you, the gift of Jesus' love is the greatest gift ever. No amount of money, Amazon cannot deliver (even with free shipping and next day delivery), a kiss because of a gift from Kay Jewelers, even if he went to Jared's, can compare to the gift of salvation. Salvation, being made right with God, a relationship with Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and a future in heaven with Jesus! Nothing else compares!

Jesus came to the world as a baby born of a virgin. A baby born to die for our sins, to set us free from those sins, to give us eternal life in heaven with him. Jesus was born to give us the opportunity to have a relationship with him. No other leader, teacher, so-called king, any fake god with a little "g" has ever done or will or even can do what Jesus did for us. Not only did Jesus come to die for us but he rose from the dead after 3 days, he gave us the Holy Spirit as our guide and comforter. Jesus loves us unconditionally even on our bad hair days and when we yell at our kids and husbands even when we cheat on our diets he loves us even when everyone else thinks we are unloveable.

If you have never received this gift, it is free, it is for everyone. Some people think they have to "get right" before they can accept this gift, some think that they have to "clean up their act" or even know someone special to get this free gift. Friend this is just not true, Jesus is waiting to give you this free gift. Jesus already knows all about you, what you have done, where you have been, all your secrets even the skeletons in the closets, he even knows how many hairs are on your head (which is really a miracle considering how many of mine go down the shower drain daily!) and only God knows my natural hair color! There is nothing about you or me that surprises Jesus, we are fully known by him, he fully accepts us, all we have to do is fully accept him. Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." 

If you want the best gift ever, the gift that nobody can ever take away from you, no returns, no exchanges needed, the gift of love, eternal life and a lasting relationship with the Savior of the World, it can be yours.

There are a few things you need to know before you accept this gift. First, we are all sinners and sin separates us from God.  Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Second, you need to know that God loves you, because of his great love for you, God sent his only Son Jesus to die for our sins. Romans 5:8 says, "God demonstrates HIs own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Third, we cannot get rid of our sin problem on our own, only God can rescue us from our sins. He is willing to do this for you just because he loves you! Titus 3:5 says, "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy."

It's God's grace that allows you to come to Him for that free gift of salvation, efforts to "clean up your life" simply will not work. You cannot earn the gift, it is a free gift. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast." You see sin has a penalty that must be paid. The gift to you is that God's Son, Jesus paid the penalty for sin for you and me when he died upon the cross of Calvary. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord."

The only thing left for you to do is accept this free gift, the best gift ever! Life changing gift, it is a gift that gives for eternity. Jesus is waiting for you right now. Romans 10:9-10 says, "If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." 

If you are ready to accept this gift of eternal life from Jesus right now you can say this prayer or a prayer like this in your own words:  Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe you died and rose from the grave to make me a new creation and to prepare me to dwell in your presence forever. Jesus, come into my life, take control of my life, forgive my sins, and save me. I am now placing my trust in You alone for my salvation and accept your free gift of eternal life.

If you just prayed this prayer and trusted Jesus as your personal Savior let me be the first to congratulate you. I rejoice in what God has done in your life. It is important for you to share with someone about this important decision you have just made. Please tell a trusted friend, pastor, or family member. Please feel free to send me an email, I will pray for you as you take the next important steps of obedience and as you enjoy your new life as a child of God.

As we all celebrate Christmas, let us not forget we are celebrating the best gift of all, Jesus Christ. Share this gift with everyone!

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus, as the best gift ever! Help us this Christmas season to remember the true reason for the season. Help us to share this precious gift with everyone. We love you Lord, thank you for loving us so much.

Merry Christmas from my Family to Yours! 

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