A Gift for the World

"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." Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

We are now into the second week of Advent. The days continue to quickly slide by and the countdown to Christmas is on. The more I read and study my Bible this Christmas season, the more in awe I am of God's great love for us. That He would send His One and Only Son to this earth to live and then die for our sins...

I love this Scripture. The description of who this Baby would be is absolutely amazing. To think of Christ being born in a stable, not a nice barn as most of us in North America are accustomed to, but in a cave: dirty, dingy, dark, and dank.  It is very humbling. What a place for the Savior of the world to be born! Yet, Scripture reveals the truth to us (Luke 2:7).

As we stroll-or run-through the days leading up to Christmas, may we remember it's not about the gifts or the toys, the gadgets or the food; Christmas is about the gift of our One and Only Savior of the world, coming to us as a babe, growing into a man who would give His life for us. Let's make it personal. He gave His life for you. If you were the only person, He still would have given His life for you. He loves you, dear one.

He is extending His hand to you right now. Will you hold on and give Him your heart, your all? Will you allow Him to be your Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace? When you think of Jesus, don't leave Him in the manger as a helpless babe. He is alive. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for you and for me (Hebrews 1). Remember whose birthday we are celebrating. Have you figured out what gift you will give Jesus this year?

What Will You Do?

Yesterday marked the beginning of the 2011 Advent season. As we step into this time of year, many of us are filled with thoughts wondering what to get each person on our Christmas lists. There are children and parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, coworkers and aquaintances. The list goes on and on.

Last week, as I prepared my Sunday School lesson, the question that rolled around in my mind was one that struck me in a profound sort of way and is still on my mind. What will I do for Jesus this Christmas season? We are-in fact-celebrating His birthday. His gift should be the one to be most concerned with. Thinking on this question, I look at myself and think about what I have to offer Him. He has given me abundant life and promises too numerous to mention here in a few words. Anything I can think of seems to come up short. However, as I search my heart and pray for guidance, I trust He will help me to know what it is I should give Him.

Have you considered this question before? Maybe, this question is one you focus on each year. If not, maybe you would like to think about it. In the hustle and bustle of this Christmas season, let's not forget the wonderful, blessed gift of Jesus we have all been given. May we remember the true meaning of this holiday is not gifts, but the giving of life from our Savior, Jesus Christ to each and every person who will call on His name to be saved (John 3:16-17).

So my question for you is this: what will you give (or do for) Jesus this Christmas?

Higher Thinking

Has your heart ever been burdened not knowing what to do next? Have you experienced pain and the frustration of indecision when it seemed a decision needed to be made promptly? I wish I could tell you that I have a quick three-step process to cure what ails you but I don't. What I have discovered is the truth of the Scriptures which brings me much assurance and peace. "For 'who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?' But we have the mind of Christ," (1 Corinthians 2:16 NKJV).

God's promises to His followers are all within the covers of the Bible waiting to be discovered. Let me try to demonstrate what I mean. For most children-and some adults-Christmas comes with much expectation and anticipation. The thought of a tree dressed in majesty and beauty, gifts piled underneath, displaying wrappings of red, blue, green and silver. Bows and ribbons flow gracefully from the rich tapestry of colour. The anticipation comes to a peak on Christmas morning when everyone eagerly waits to dive right in, peeling and pulling back the wrappings to see what lies inside. Once all is revealed, then the play can begin. Games and toys are played with. New cookware is used to prepare a feast. Those special items received are treasured deeply.

This is a picture of God's promises to us. Once we hear and understand the gifts and treasures in the Bible, we can begin to claim them and apply them to our lives. This particular passage from 1 Corinthians is exciting because we can have the  mind of Christ. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the awesome privilege of being the dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can take our thoughts captive to Him (2 Corinthians 10:5) and wait on His timing and answers to our concerns and questions.
May you find your strength and power in Him,
Natalie

Dear glorious and gracious heavenly Father,
Thank You for the promises in the Bible. Lord, in Jesus name, I pray You will open up the truths as they apply to me and give me the mind of Christ. Lead me O Lord and teach me Your way. Thank You for Your leading and guiding. Forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness that I may be Your shining light in this world where You have placed me. May everything I do bring You glory and honour. In the mighty and powerful name of Jesus I pray, Amen.