As we unwrap the gifts under our tree, let’s unwrap the gift of Jesus. For we ALL know that Jesus is the reason for the season.
God has given us far more than we deserve. We have done nothing to earn the grace that God pours out on us. It simply is a gift.
The definition of grace is unmerited favor. God has given us unmerited favor.
Our breath is unmerited favor. Getting to and from work or school is an unmerited favor. Waking up in the morning is an unmerited favor.
We don’t deserve ANYTHING from God. When we hold up our ‘goodness’ to God, it’s like filthy rags, the bible says. “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6 NLT).
Grace is what God has given all of mankind. The Lord has blessed mankind despite their unfaithfulness. And the Lord has reserved His kindness for them.
Since the fall in the garden, man has sinned, disobeyed God, deserted God, followed other gods, and has denied Him, yet God still loved man.
Instead of doing away with man, God, in His infinite wisdom, knew we would need Jesus.
“he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”
Ephesians 1:5-6 NIV
So, God gave His son so that we may dwell with Him for all of eternity. God wanted to dwell with man again.
In His great love, He sent His son, Jesus, to die for man. In John 3:16, it says that God gave His only Son, so that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. We have been given the gift of eternal life through Jesus.
Bonus: Jesus, the Ultimate Gift
Through Jesus, the second Adam, we have been restored. His whole life was to redeem us to God. He was also a fulfillment of the Law (the Law of Moses) which couldn’t save us/failed to reconcile us back to God. But through faith in Jesus, we are restored (Romans 10:9).
He saved us and atoned for our sin. He made us right with God again.
We know now that one isn’t saved by their own doings. No one is innately good or righteous. Doing good deeds doesn’t make one clean inside. In 1 Samuel, it says that the Lord looks at our heart. He knows our hearts. Good deeds don’t make up for a dirty heart and life of sin.
The truth is that we need God, and we needed Jesus to come so that we may be saved.
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23 NKJV
But through Jesus, God blessed us with the gift of reconciliation. We have been redeemed and made right with God.
“Blessed (praised and extolled and thanked) be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and brought deliverance and redemption to His people!”
Luke 1:68 AMPC
By His grace and His glorious plan and purpose for our life, we are saved. We are given grace by God’s love for us.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 NIV
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
Ephesians 1:7 KJV
So, as you go throughout your day, remember the ultimate gift that God has given us, which is Jesus. I pray that you all enjoy your holiday and remember to uplift, inspire, enlighten, and, more importantly, encourage someone. If you want to reach out or have any prayer requests, you can submit them here.
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14 KJV
