Faithbase

Well, hey, Faith Base, Merry Christmas Eve, Eve. You know, Christmas is a season that's filled with anticipation. It's filled with excitement that changes in levels as we grow from younger ages to older. But when it comes to the exchanging of presents and gifts, we never kind of grow out of that. There's an anticipation of giving and receiving gifts that bring both joy and warmth to our hearts. And I wanted to take a moment and just reflect on this deeper meaning behind Christmas presents and really how they can remind us of the greatest gift that was ever given to us. And so as you look at the presents, maybe your tree is much like, in fact, we've got three trees in our house, but we have a tradition, maybe yours is like ours, of exchanging presents during Christmas time. And it's a beautiful expression of love and thoughtfulness. It's also a little fun. And we take time to search for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. And as we do that, it reminds us, it should remind us, it can remind us of God's ultimate gift to humanity, which is His Son, Jesus Christ. And in the midst of all of the busyness and the commercialization that typically dominates the season, I want to encourage you not to forget the true essence of Christmas and the fact that it lies in the gift of Jesus Christ. He came to bring you and I hope and peace and an eternal life. And so as you joyfully exchange presents with friends and family and loved one, remember that the greatest gift has already been given to us in Jesus Christ. The Bible says, for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. That's Isaiah chapter nine in verse six. You know, it's a powerful verse that comes to us from one of Isaiah's prophecies about the birth of Jesus, who is described just as that verse described Him as a Wonderful Counselor, as a Mighty God, as an Everlasting Father, as a Prince of Peace. And through His birth, Jesus became the greatest gift that humanity could ever receive. He came to bring us hope and guidance and reconciliation. He was the living example of what grace and mercy and redemption looked like. He brought us closer in relationship with God. He opened the gate to God. And so as we celebrate Christmas and we exchange presents this year, I want to encourage you, remember the precious gift of Jesus and remember the eternal impact that He has on our lives. And so as you unwrap your Christmas presents like we will be doing over the next couple of days, witness the joy on the faces of your loved ones for sure, but let it also serve as a reminder of the immeasurable love and the incomprehensible grace of God. Christmas presents are a tangible expression of our love and our care for another person, for each other. But they also mirror a selfless love that God demonstrated first through Jesus Christ. And so may the act of giving and receiving gifts fill your heart, fill your homes. May it fill your life with gratitude. May it inspire you to share more with others. May it inspire you to share the love of Christ with those around you. And remember the true joy of Christmas lies not in the material gifts, but it lies in the gift of Jesus who brings hope and peace and eternal life. May His presence continue to bless you. May His presence continue to guide you today, throughout this Christmas season and beyond in every day of our lives. Be great, be blessed. We'll see you next time.