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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

This month the birthday of Jesus Christ will be celebrated all over the world. Celebrated in various ways, in many languages, by people of all races. For a few hours many in the world will stop talking of satellites, rockets, and war. For a few hours they will talk of peace on earth and good will toward men. People will exchange their gifts and talk about the Prince of Peace.

Imagine the scene in Bethlehem two thousand years ago. It was the night of nights, and yet it had begun as every other night had before. But it was to become the greatest, most significant night of history. This was the night when those who sat in darkness would see a great light. This was the night God brought into the world the One who is “the light of the world” John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” May His light shine in your life this Christmas season.

With all that is associated with the Christmas season these days, we might be inclined to miss the real purpose of the season. Christmas is Christ! It’s all about Him-not us.

God’s Christmas gift to you has three qualities that make it unique. First, it is the most expensive gift you’ll ever receive. It’s priceless, Jesus paid for it with his life. Second, it’s the only gift you’ll ever receive that will last forever. Finally, it is an extremely practical gift – one you’ll use every day for the rest of your life.

Nothing can ever match the gift God has given us in His Son. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15.

Clearly, God’s willingness to send His Son to be our rescue is a gift that words cannot fully comprehend. This is the gift that we celebrate at Christmas – for Christ Himself is truly what matters most.

A great and meaningful tradition is to gather with family around the Christmas tree in sight of the gifts for one another and read the Christmas story. It is a gentle reminder that the reason we give gifts is not because the Magi brought gifts to the Christ-child. Rather, our gifts of love for one another are a reflection of God’s infinitely greater Gift of love to us.

He came with a purpose, He came to show us who God really is. He came to teach us how to live, walk and talk as spiritual people. But most importantly, He came so that we might have a full, intimate relationship with the Father He knew so well. Jesus’ job was to secure our salvation. That victory would cost Him His life.

Therefore, as we celebrate Christmas let us remember the reason for the season and God’s incredible gift to each of us.

Since it is His birthday, what gift will you give him? We can all pause and review God’s grace and blessings in our lives. We could recommit to knowing and loving him better. We could give him our hearts our trust and our time, talent and treasure. We could give him ourselves; we really haven’t given Him anything until we give Him ourselves.

What gift will you give?

Please join us each Sunday as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. We are First Baptist Church and meet at 8:00 a.m. and 10:44 a.m. each Sunday morning. We are located at 700 Hardy Way. For more information, transportation or to request prayer call 702-346-7061 and please visit our website at fbcmesquite.com.