Sharing Gifts

For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

This is one of the familiar verses we use when leading the lost to the saving knowledge of Christ. We want the sinner to know he is just that . . .a sinner who is lost without the GIFT of Jesus' sacrifice. However, we too need to reminded of our state before an all-powerful, yet all-loving God! God entered our sin-filled world as a human baby to live among us as a GIFT to show us just how to please the Father. But not only that, He also offered Himself as a bloody sacrifice for all of man's sins as a way to bring us into a right relationship with Him . . .one that would not require the continual ritualistic sacrifice of animals. Now we offer ourselves . . .daily . . .sacrificially . ..doing His will and not our own! You see, this time of year is not simply a joyous celebration, it is also a somber reminder of what God has done for each of us to make our way to Him personally accessible. Have we truly RECEIVED His gift? What are we doing with it? Are we now sharing it with others. (Matthew 28:19-20) With every gift we exchange, are we sharing the love of Christ, encouraging others to live for Him?