Did you notice the exuberant joy being expressed during these past few weeks as people searched and found special gifts to give for Christmas? I not only observed it in others but experienced that kind of joy myself.
Each time I found and purchased a gift joy exploded in my heart as I thought about the joy it would bring to the one who would receive it. Though each gift given had a special meaning and purpose there were a few that made it difficult to wait until Christmas to give…but I did.
Then, each time I received a gift joy overwhelmed my heart as I considered the time and money others had to sacrifice in order to give to me.
This joy of giving and receiving always reminds me of the most special gift I have ever been given. Though that particular gift had been purchased a few thousand years ago I didn’t actually receive it until September 1983.
I thought it was hard to wait until Christmas to see others receive the gifts that I had purchased for them! Can you imagine how difficult it must have been for our heavenly Father who had to wait so long for me to receive the gift He had for me?
John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever shall believe on Him shall have everlasting life.
The Father gave joyfully and His son, Jesus went to the cross willingly! Hebrews 12:2 says… “for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross”.
The joy that was set before Jesus was in the access that He gave us to the Father. As sinners we were separated from God but the innocent blood of Jesus was poured out on the cross to purchase our redemption. He gave His life so that we could live eternally with the Father.
So, if you haven’t received this most costly gift, purchased so long ago, receive it today. The Father awaits with a heart filled with joy knowing how much you will enjoy the gift once you finally receive it.
All you have to do is acknowledge that you need a savior and that Jesus died to save you. Then ask Him to forgive you for being a sinner and ask Him to come into your heart so He can be Lord of the way you think and act. Get to know Him more by reading the Bible…His love letter to you.
When we give joyfully it reflects the Father and Son’s image. What a way to celebrate Christmas (the birthday celebration of our Savior)!
Joy to the World, the Lord has come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
Blessings,
Dr. Terry