As a child on Christmas morn, my
heart raced in anticipation of unwrapping the
presents lying beneath our
family’s Christmas tree. My brother and I awoke early and called my parents to
commence with the festivities. In addition to the allure of presents, my mind
raced with the magical cheer of the holidays. At church, the minister spoke of
the Christ-child born in a manger. But the story did not grip me. It did not
change my life, not until the Holy Spirit wrestled with my stubborn heart. When
I was eighteen attending a gospel concert, the true meaning of Christmas came
alive for me.
He always existed, and always will.
His life spans from eternity past and on to infinity.
He is the great I am. He is Three in One - the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit. Since Adam’s fall at the beginning of the world, God
intended for Jesus to be born into the earth. God spoke these words to the
serpent (Satan), after Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit.
“I will put enmity between you and the
woman and between your offspring
and her
offspring; he shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel.” Genesis
3:15
At the proper time, Jesus came to earth. The Maker of the
Universe entered the womb of Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. Soon Jesus
was born into the earth. He was worshipped by angels, shepherds and later by
kings. The infinite One took on finite flesh. He who was 100% God became 100%
man as well. He lived a sinless life and then paid the price for our sin
through his execution on the cross. After three days, He rose again, and now He
lives to intercede for us at the right hand of God. This is the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus was born,
lived, died and rose again so that we can find our hope in Him.
When I was a child, the true revelation of Christmas
evaded me. Like trying to grasp
slippery sand, I failed to
understand. The eyes of my heart were blinded to spiritual things. It takes the
Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts. Satan desires to blind us from the truth
but when we turn to Jesus, the veil is lifted.
Have you received Christ as your
personal Lord and Savior? Have you done business with Jesus by repenting of
your sins and receiving His pardon for them. Have you obtained His free gift of
eternal life? This is an exchange where we give Jesus our faults and He gives
us His eternal salvation.
Jesus said we must
become like children to enter the kingdom of God. He desires that our hearts be
thrilled with anticipation not for the gifts beneath a Christmas tree, but for
His gift of salvation He longs to give us.
The Bible teaches that
none of us can earn this gift. It has been completely paid for through the
blood of Christ. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not
of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not
of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians
2:8-9.
Here is a prayer for you to
receive Christ as your Lord and Savior. Please pray it if you would like to
join God’s family or if you know the Lord but have grown cold in your
relationship with Him.
Dear Father God,
Thank you for sending Jesus to
die for me and to be risen from the dead. I admit that I am a sinner in need of
your forgiveness. I repent of my sins and I turn to you. I declare that You are
the Lord of my life! Thank you for your free gift of salvation that I cannot
earn. I thank you that I will live with you in heaven forever. In Jesus name, I
pray. Amen.
Here some things to do to help
you in your newfound faith:
l
Read the Bible
Daily– it is food for the soul.
l
Pray – Talk to your
Heavenly Father. He is Your Friend and
He will talk to you as well.
l
Start attending a
loving, Spirit-filled church that teaches from the Bible.
l
Tell others about
your newfound relationship with Jesus.
© Copyright 2021 by Tom Toya
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