As we close another year, it is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our lives. Friends and families gather together to celebrate, giving gifts and sharing beautiful meals. Late nights, long days and loads of planning and preparation. Have you taken a moment to stop and truly consider the greatest gift ever given? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God so loved the world... Not because He had to, but because His love for His people was so great. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"
That he gave his only begotten Son... Jesus came down and became a part of this sinful world. To experience struggles and trials, temptations and the scorn of men. He came down to die for the sins of His people.
That whosoever believed in him... Whosoever. Not just the Jews, not even just those who descended from the line of Abraham, but every single person who believed in Him. He took our sins upon Himself and bore the wrath of His Father. He rose from the grave and conquered death. Jesus' death was a gift, but with every gift, to make use of it and take part in the blessings it will hold, we must receive it personally. Because of what Christ did on the cross we are able to be saved, but to become saved we must believe in Him.
Should not perish, but have everlasting life... All those who believe in Him will be saved. They are forgiven and freed from guilt and debt. Jesus paid it all. His people will live with Him forever! What a beautiful reason we have to rejoice in this precious truth!
Let us give thanks this season, as we celebrate the close of another year. Let us praise God for the wonderful gifts that He has given us and look back at the blessings we have received and all the trials that we have been allowed to overcome by the grace of God in the year that has past. Though there may be more earthly trials we have yet to overcome that will follow us into the coming year, let us rest in the knowledge that Christ has overcome death and that through Him we may have eternal life and peace with God the Father.
May your holiday season be filled with love, joy, peace and laughter
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