The Gift That's Freely GivenНамуна

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) The Father invited both local, lowly shepherds and wealthy wise men from the east to be the first to look at the free gift of the newborn Messiah. The shepherds arrived fresh out of the field just as they were bearing no gifts other than their amazement, wonderment, and praise to God. The wise men arrived after a long journey bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, representing His deity and royalty, and pointed to His future sacrifice. In these visitations, we see the beauty and truth in the fact that Jesus came for ALL people, Jews and Gentiles, the poor and the rich, the wise and the simple.

Rejoice today because Jesus, the good news of great joy, is here! He is the free gift of salvation to all of humanity. He is God with us. He is our sacrificial Lamb who provided all we needed for forgiveness, redemption, and sanctification. This Christmas, remember that we celebrate more than His birth. We celebrate all who Jesus is and all that He came to do. Like the shepherds and wise men received the tidings of good news and had a response of worship, let our response to Jesus today be worship. Let us join with the multitude of heavenly hosts in singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)