This is the time of year that we celebrate the gift that changed everything for all of us.
That gift was the Son of God. The event was the birth of Jesus. We can never let that become something we think of as just a nice story. That changed everything for everyone. It changed everything for you and for me.
Help us reach others with the encouraging message of the gift we have.
WHAT THIS MEANS
Because of Jesus’ birth, because He died for our sins and was raised again, we are a part of God’s family, we are redeemed from the curse, and our story has changed forever.
This gift from God brings with it promises from His Word and now we can confidently say:
-I am a child of God. (John 1:12)
But as many as received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:
-I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood. (Ephesians 1:7)
In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor,
-I have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16, Philippians 2:5)
16 For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.
5 Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]
-I have the peace of God that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)
And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [a]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [b]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
-I can do all things through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:13)
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [a]infuses inner strength into me; I am [b]self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].
-I am more than a conquer through Him Who loves me. (Romans 8:37)
Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors [a]and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.
-I am the head and not the tail. I am above only and not beneath. (Deuteronomy 28:13)
And the Lord shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you this day and are watchful to do them.
-I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
I can do all things 1through Him who strengthens me.
-I am never alone. (Hebrews 13:5)
“God has said, ”Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
-I have a great life planned for me and when I seek God, He will show me what to do. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.
-I have favor with those around me. (Psalm 5:12)
For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.
-I don’t not lack for anything. (Psalm 23:1)
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not lack.
– My steps are ordered by the Lord. (Psalm 37:23)
The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way.
– I have wisdom for daily living. (James 1:5)
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraides not; and it shall be given him.
These promises (and more) are all part of the greatest gift that changed everything for us!
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OUR GIFT TO YOU
Download your FREE MP3, or request your FREE CD of THE GIFT: The Story of Christmas. Listen in as Joe shares the Christmas story with his family. Let this encourage and remind you of the gift you have received from God.
Get a copy for yourself and some to share with those you love.
The Take Away:
The gift God gave has to be received. More than that, it’s not just something that happened a long time ago. God’s gift to you includes involvement in your daily life. You and your family will never be the same!
