THE ETERNAL CHRISTMAS GIFT

The verdict is still out on whether to ban every radio station that plays Christmas music before Halloween! I certainly understand the rationale. Who wouldn’t want to quickly usher in a season that promotes peace on earth, good will towards men? But as Christians, do we need a special season to give the gift of Christ who was born to take away the sins of the world? You already know the answer and that’s why I posed the question for several reasons…

FIRST, WE LIVE IN A FALLEN WORLD – Though our hearts should break for the things that break the heart of God, we are called to be a “light” to a fallen world. The world is looking for illuminating answers to their dark issues. And without hope and purpose, they continue to stumble and succumb to the often inescapable darkness that claims their souls. This season provides us with the opportunity to give the greatest gift of all – Jesus. He is a lover of their souls and a light that leads to salvation.

NEXT, WE LIVE IN A FALSE WORLD – My child asked me the other day what was the definition of “virtual.” As best as we could, my husband and I tried to explain that though things may appear real and true, virtual is only a close second to the real thing. That made me think about our society and how we depend so much on the “close seconds.” Some of us aren’t even aware that the real thing is there for the asking. As Christians, we know from the apostle Paul (and from our own experiences) that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). That’s not meant to be a sobering thought. Why? Well, because Paul was sharing with Timothy the reality and the hope of being a Christ follower. Things happen. That’s just reality, but there is nothing false or virtual about Christ’s provision, plan and purpose for those who seek Him with their whole hearts.

FINALLY, WE LIVE IN A FICKLE WORLD – The latest, greatest gadgets guarantee only one thing – soon enough there will always be another one to replace it. And if you have children…make that, know children…make sure you hold onto your receipts five minutes after the gift unwrapping frenzy Christmas morning! We want what we want in the moment and grow tired of it in the next. Sadly, this has become part of our human nature. But what of the gift that never wears out nor fades away, that never leaves us nor forsakes us, that is constant, sustainable, on time, relevant, trustworthy, faithful, believable, gracious, forgiving and unconditional? God’s gift to the world will never become obsolete because of His Son’s unchanging love for us. He tells us “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelations 3:20). God’s gift to the world is eternal life through Jesus Christ. His Son waits graciously and patiently at the door of our hearts to offer this gift simply for the asking.

So the next time you’re out doing what you do this Christmas season, remember that in a fallen, false and fickle world, the gift of a Savior is eternal!