'Tis the Reason to be Jolly!

     "And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11.

     What was your greatest Christmas present ever? Honestly? I would have to say that mine was either a PS3 that I got fifteenth Christmas, or being able to read the Christmas story from the family Bible at Grandma and Grandpa's last year. Now, lots of us have been told that we shouldn't be worried about the presents, because Christmas is all about Jesus. That is completely true, but we should also take the time to be thankful. That's the reason people started giving gifts in the first place. The early Roman's were so thankful to their "gods" that they would share their happiness with others in the form of giving them a gift. If the Romans were able to be that thankful, why can't we Christians who have been given the ultimate gift, a relationship with Jesus Christ, be thankful enough to both give and receive gifts?

     When we give gifts, we are trying to model the "Giver", God the Father, who sent the only son that he had to die on a cross for sinners that hated Him. But when we receive gifts, we model accepting Jesus Christ into our lives. That is getting a present should look like. We should always remember that Christ gave us the greatest give of all. No matter what gift you get this year, try to be as thankful as you can be. And when you remember whose birthday it is, tell Him how thankful you are that He gave His life for you, because he loves you more than you could ever imagine!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!