Heaven's Gift

Lilienne Stafford

A baby was born.  There wasn't that much special about it, at least as far a what can be seen on the outside.  He was born into a very poor family.  He was born in a dirty, dusty barn, and his bed was the trough.  This baby cried like other babies, He smiled like other babies, He needed diapers like other babies.  He got hungry like other babies, He crawled around like other babies, He smiled when he saw his Mama like other babies.  There was no physical difference between him and other babies.

  But that baby was God.   

    "Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." Hebrews 2:17

Caleb Tam

Christmas. What exactly is its’ true purpose? Stepping back 2000 years, we are struck by a sense of awe and fall on our knees as we watch a young woman tenderly place a newborn Babe in a rough bed of hay.

The King of Glory stooped low that night as divinity touched humanity in the stable, granting the sinner access again to heaven, and mercy met justice in the humble manger of Bethlehem. Mercy, for God gave His own Son to die in place of men, and justice, because all have sinned, and the “Wages of sin is death.” The Son of God took our place in Bethlehem’s manger, and again on Calvary’s cross.

No palace was offered in which to bear the precious Child, so a bed of straw enthroned the King. Christmas, originally a pagan holiday, can be used today to share with others its’ true meaning, and that is Jesus. The spotless Son of God who took upon Himself our sins, that we might have access to eternal life.

Ashley Angeles

What is the true meaning of Christmas? Is it about getting presents and a guy in a red suit? Is it about shopping and going to see shows? Or is it about celebrating the birth of the Savior who came down to die for us? The Savior who left His riches and glory in heaven, to be born into one of the lowliest and poorest families. To be born in a stable, to lay in a trough. That’s what Christmas is really about! It’s to remember Christ, who came down and died for us. He didn’t have to leave His power and glory to come be mocked and scorned. But He did it for us. He did it, because He loves us.

    To the world, Christmas is a time to party and get lots of gifts. In the very back of their minds there is a small remembrance of the Savior who died for us. But amidst all the shopping, hustle and bustle, it seems to slip their mind. We can help remind them of the true meaning! Everyone is in a good mood; so it’s a perfect time to witness to others. Christmas shouldn’t just be about getting presents and eating a big meal, it’s also a time to remember our Saviour.

Bryant Clark

We all like Christmas, it's a time when people all around the world make small sacrifices to make others smile.

But do we ever take the time to consider the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice for us?

    Suppose you met someone with nothing and strained all of your ability to give them what you considered a perfect life. They took what they wanted, left, and started doing everything possible to ruin your reputation. They also, going directly against your advice, committed crimes worthy of the death penalty. There was one way for them to be saved… you could die in there place. Would you do it? Would you die to save this person who had made it their life purpose to make you miserable?

    Christ died for us after we disobeyed, misrepresented, and abused him, the one who had made us, the least we can do is live for him. This Christmas season think about sharing the gift that will never grow old. Christ has already paid for the world’s redemption, we just have to help guide people to it.

Ethan Carpenter

Give. Give gifts to people. Yeah, that’s what christmas is about.

    But what if we focus about the wrong gifts? Could it be that even the “selfless” gift givers are wrong? Jesus came to save HIS people from their sins. And what do we do to celebrate? We give people iPads and cooking utensils. Don’t get me wrong, those things things aren’t necessarily bad, however that’s all we tend to focus on.

What then?

    Jesus came to save us. The least we can do is share the message of his indescribably awesome love. Christmas is an excellent opportunity to share the love. This time of the year affords us opportunities to witness that we may not normally have. The gift to us on earth is the best gift to share this season. Jesus is asking YOU to share it.

    I’m not saying that material gifts are bad. In fact, I think that’s a wonderful part of christmas. However, Jesus came to save HIS people from their sins, and he is calling US to share the message with EVERYONE!

Hannah Evert

Imagine today’s your birthday and you’ve invited some people over for a party. Each of your guests arrive, bringing armfuls of gifts. When it's time to open presents, your guests forget about you and give their gifts to everyone else, leaving none for you. How do you feel? It was your birthday party, yet you didn't receive any gifts.

    At Christmas we give and receive gifts, but what about that special Baby that was born so long ago?  “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.” John 3:16 God loves us so much. He sent His only Son to our world. That's what we're celebrating; God’s love, and the gift He gave, His only Son.

    We’re celebrating Christ’s birth, shouldn't we remember Him? The shepherds gave Him a lamb, the wise men gave Him gold, frankincense and myrrh, but what can I give Him? Is there anything I have that’s good enough for Him? There’s one thing that Jesus wants more than anything else. It's our hearts. This Christmas, as my gift to God, I want give Him my heart. Don’t you?