You are God’s Christmas Gift!
By Tom Shanklin
Jesus is God’s gift to the world! He was born of a virgin and lived among us. He lived a perfect, sinless life. Then, He demonstrated His love for us by dying on the cross for our sins and rising again. Jesus is the perfect Christmas gift!
But today, I want you to see that if you are a born-again Christian, you, too, are a gift to the world. The world needs you, and you are God’s Christmas gift to your family, friends, and others this year.
Notice what the Holy Spirit, through the apostle John, says about Jesus:
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14, NKJV).
Jesus was the Word made flesh. Jesus came not only to bring us the Word but to BE the Word.
Here is the message I want to bring to you today: God also wants you to be the Word made flesh. God wants you and me to not only speak a message but BE the message.
Now, there will never be another Jesus. That’s why He is called the “only begotten Son.” He only was born of a virgin. His Father was not a natural man but the God of glory. And yet, God’s plan was not to produce one son and stop there. His plan was to produce many children for His glory.
Notice what the scriptures say about Jesus:
He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:11-13, NKJV).
We, too, are born of God! We have been made new creatures in Christ, and we have the capacity to be partakers of the divine nature. That means that the glory of God, which Jesus brought into the earth, is still here. That glory is in us!
When Jesus was on the earth, some men said to one of His disciples, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” I believe that people are still desiring to see Jesus. That is why it is so important that we accurately reflect Jesus today.
We are to be kind and compassionate like Jesus, to bring healing and hope like Jesus, and to lift people up rather than tear them down.
Jesus was known as a friend of sinners. He was often criticized for eating with sinners. He loved them the way they were, and He brought them the Good News of forgiveness and healing.
After He died and rose again, He did not change His mode of operation. He did not say, “Go into all the world and ridicule people for their sins.” Or “Go into all the world and make people live by your standards.” No, He said, “Go and preach the Good News.” Let people know that their sins have been forgiven, and teach them how to follow Jesus.
We are called to be like Jesus. We can be a blessing to the world by reproducing His life in our actions and speech. It’s not only the message that we are bringing to people but the way that we live. It’s how we treat people. It’s how we walk in love.
While Jesus was on the earth, He said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5, NKJV).
But now He says to us:
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NKJV).
Jesus wants people to not only hear our good words (the Gospel) but also to see our good works (our lifestyles). The way you live gives credence to the words that you speak.
Now, before you get under a heavy burden because of times that you have failed, let me say this: Don’t get under condemnation because you are not perfect. Let’s get real! We have all missed it and have wrecked our witness in some ways.
No, don’t be condemned. Repent! Then, receive forgiveness and go forward. Then, you can testify of the God who forgives imperfect people and gives them a fresh start. Then, you can go forward and bless the people by doing good works.
People see Jesus when you help someone who has been sick or has lost their job or when you show kindness to someone who looks different than you or thinks differently than you. They see Jesus when you help someone clean up their yard or fix their house, when you do practical things, showing love in tangible ways.
This is demonstrating Jesus instead of only talking about Him. When you love people and show genuine love, they will receive you. And when they receive you, they will be much more apt to receive Him.
You and I may be the only Bible some people ever read. Let’s make sure that they are getting an accurate translation.
So, this Christmas, let your light shine brightly with kindness and care for those around you. You and Jesus are the best Christmas gifts ever!
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