Who doesn’t want to both give and receive the perfect Christmas gift? The stores are jammed with people finishing up their shopping - trying to find the perfect gift.
Kings traveled for months to see a baby born in a manager. They came bearing exquisite gifts. Gifts of worship, praise, and thanks.
Did something really happen 2,000 years ago - something everyone needs to know, an event that truly brought joy to the world and offered us an eternal future?
Penn Jillette is best known for his role as a magician. The illusion and magic act of Penn & Teller have entertained thousands of people.
An atheist, Penn Teller tells a story about a man who approaches him after a show. At the end, Penn asks this question.
“How much do you have to hate someone to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”
Penn says, “I mean, if I believed, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe that truck was bearing down on you, there is a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that.”
This is more important than rescuing someone from an on-coming truck. Some 2,000 years ago, the world received the perfect Christmas gift.
No shopping required, paid for in advance, never wears out, and loves us completely.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”
— Isaiah 9:6
God so loved the world, so loved you and me, he gave us the gift of eternal life - Jesus!
Amazing grace! I come with faults, failures, brokenness and wounds and he still claims me as His own. The greatest gift of the season is the reason for the season.
“Joy, unspeakable joy
And overflowing where no tongue can tell
Joy, unspeakable joy
Rises in my soul, never lets me go”
— Chris Tomlin, “Joy to the World”
Something spectacular happened in Bethlehem! I love this video of Francis Chan telling the incredible story of God’s love and redemption.
If you have opened this gift, you know what I am talking about. If you have not opened this gift, I pray you will open your heart to open and receive this gift - the only perfect Christmas gift.
Merry Christmas!
What does Christmas mean to you?
Great post - always good to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.
Thanks Catherine! Merry Christmas - reminders are good. Must be why Post It Notes are so popular. Thanks for reading and sharing.
Merry Christmas Jim! Thank you for the conviction of sharing about the amazing gift of Jesus. The consequences are truly a matter of life & death…something to truly take to heart! And what a perfect time to share Him with others - Christmas! Thank you for your wonderful ministry…may God richly bless you and your family!
Debbie, Merry Christmas! Thanks for reading and sharing…we are excited about our work and blessed to be in a position to pursue the dreams and passions of my heart.