The Gift of God

It’s hard to believe Christmas 2025 is just a few days away. In fact, it’s hard to believe we have lived through the 25th year of the third millennium. Eternity seems so close when you read the words of Jesus. It is exciting to be a part of the church, especially one which sees beyond, into the next generation. I was blessed by the Christmas program put on by Pastor Jill and the Kidz Church and Littles. Having grown up in church, I know it is something the children will remember as they grow into adulthood, and even more importantly, the salvation they have embraced along with the wonder of the Christmas story. Thank you, Pastor Jill, and all the others who worked so diligently to bless our young people and reach them with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Nathan’s message today began with the simple, yet profound message shared at Open Door Christian School’s last chapel service of 2025, The Gift of God.

God, our Heavenly Father, is the true and greatest giver as evidenced by the beloved scripture, John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Yes, Jesus was the wrapped gift sent to us that night so long ago. Luke 12:2 “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Jesus came wrapped, not in pretty paper and shiny bows, but as the precious Lamb of God sent to take away the sin of the entire world if we will simply believe and confess Him as Lord. Of course, you cannot have Christmas without a tree. There was a tree in the life of our glorious Savior, but not one dressed in lights and sparkling Christmas balls, but a rough, wooden cross of suffering and shame where our Lord Jesus hung to bear the curse in our place. Galatians 3:13 “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree.” Under your Christmas tree, the gifts are beautifully wrapped, but what is important is what is inside! So, what was in that first gift wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger? The gift of God is eternal life! This is the gift that Jesus came to bring to all who will believe. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Mankind was never created to die, for God is eternal. Likewise, God created us to be eternal. He created us to have abundant life – life to the full until it overflows, and if you have the Son, Jesus Christ, you have this life. We were created to be God’s family, His greatest treasure. (John 1:4, I John 5:11-12, John 10:10) You were created for eternal life. One of the simplest and most profound definitions of eternal life can be found in John 17:3. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” This is the message of Christmas. Jesus came to open the door for us to know the Father. Those who believe are welcomed into God’s family. Jesus took our unrighteousness and gave us His righteousness. Through this miracle of salvation, we can have the same relationship with the Father that Jesus has. Oh, of what great value is man to God!

As you unwrap your Christmas gifts and enjoy time with your family this year, remember that our Father God is the greatest giver of all and He has given you an extraordinary gift, His Son Jesus Christ. Giving your life to Jesus will be the greatest gift you receive in this life and that which is to come.

Man’s chief end is to know God and enjoy Him forever!

A.W. Tozer

There, poor sinner, take my garment, and put it on; you shall stand before God as if you were Christ, and I will stand before God as if I had been the sinner; I will suffer in the sinner’s stead, and you shall be rewarded for works that you did not do, but which I did for you.

Charles Spurgeon

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.