A Christmas Gift For The Whole Family
Christmas is a celebration of the love God demonstrated over 2000 years ago.
A Christmas Gift
For The Whole Family
What We Think It Is
What is the meaning of Christmas? This special holiday can represent a lot of different things to us. For some, it's a time to get stressed out by having too much to do. Others find joy in seeing all the lights, listening to beautiful music, going to parties, giving and receiving gifts, building a snowman, having a break from school, and so on. Some find Christmas a difficult reminder of the loss of a loved one. For others, it is a long-awaited chance to reunite with family and friends. Sadly, we tend to get so carried away with all the festivities that we miss out on the real enjoyment of this wonderful time of year.
What It Really Is
Despite all the feelings and experiences of this holiday, the true meaning of Christmas remains the same for each of us. It is a story of incredible love � so vast and so complete that many find it hard to believe and accept. Christmas is a celebration of the love God demonstrated over 2000 years ago when He sent His only Son, Jesus, to be born into our world.
If that's all there was to it, we wouldn't have reason to celebrate � but it is only the beginning. The Bible says God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have eternal life. (Jn. 3:16). It also says that each of us has sinned against God and therefore has been separated from Him (Rom. 3:23), and that the consequences for our sins is death (Rom. 6:23). So for our sins to be forgiven, there had to be a perfect sacrifice to pay that price by dying in our place (Heb. 9:11-15). Jesus was that perfect sacrifice (Rom. 5:6-8).
Why was it necessary for Jesus to come? Because He loves us so much that He was willing to die for us to make a way for our sins to be forgiven. And the Good News is that Jesus did not remain in the tomb, but He rose from the dead, proving that He had conquered sin and the grave (1 Cor. 15:56). Therefore, it is through Jesus that we are able to come to God and receive not only forgiveness for our sins, but a new meaning and purpose for our lives. And not just for this life, but for all eternity!
What It Means To Us
This Christmas you will not find a greater gift than the gift of love Jesus offers you. His gift of love has already been paid for with His own blood. You don't have to work to earn it. He offers it freely. All you have to do is accept it willingly and gratefully. And you can do that right now by praying this simple prayer, or telling Him in your own words:
"Dear Jesus, thank You for willingly coming into our world to pay the price for my sin. I accept Your gift of love and I desire to show You my gratitude by turning away from my sin and living my new life for You. I invite You to be the Savior and Lord of my life. Amen."
If you or any member of your family has prayed and received God's gift of love this Christmas, please let us know so that we can celebrate with you and share with you more about the Savior and eternal life. You'll find the address on the inside of the front or back cover of this magazine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tony Goss is a full-time music minister in a congregation in Illinois, USA, where he lives with his wife and two small children.