From Christmas - Quiet Moments for the Season...
A Wonderful Life - Read: Galatians 3:26-4:7
Each December, millions of people around the world watch Frank Capra's 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life. Although it wasn't a hit when it debuted, it has become a Christmas classic.
In a Time magazine essay, Roger Rosenblatt pondered the film's continuing appeal. He concluded that the story is really about friendship. That helps to explain why we often feel choked up as we watch George Bailey's family and friends rally around him in his time of greatest need. Rosenblatt said, "Just when George thinks he's alone in the world, the world shows up to declare its love for him."
That sentence seems to capture the essence of our celebration of the birth of Jesus. Just when we thought we were alone in the world, Christ came to declare God's love for us. Not only did God send His Son into the world at exactly the right time (Galatians 4:4-5), but He also demonstrated 'his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). That's the message of Christmas that opens the door to a wonderful life - the joy of knowing Christ and living in His love.
Have you received the gift of eternal life that He offers to you? If not, do so today.
- David McCasland
From Our Daily Bread...
The Perfect Gift - Read: Acts 3:1-10
"Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you." (Acts 3:6)
While I was on an outreach during a short-term mission trip to Peru, a young man asked me for money. For security reasons, my team had been instructed not to give out money, so how could I help him? Then I recalled the response of the apostles Peter and John to the lame man in Acts 3. I explained to him that I couldn't give him money, but I could share the good news of God's love with him. When he said that he was an orphan, I told him that God wants to be his Father. That brought him to tears. I connected him with a member of our host church for follow up.
Sometimes our words can feel so insufficient, but the Holy Spirit can empower us as we share Jesus with others.
When Peter and John came across the man by the temple courts, they knew that sharing Christ was the greatest gift ever. "Then Peter said, 'silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk' "(v. 6). The man received salvation and healing that day. God continues to use us to draw the lost to Him.
As we search for the perfect gifts to give this Christmas, let's remember that the true gift is knowing Jesus and the gift of eternal salvation He offers. Let's continue to seek to be used by God to lead people to the Savior.
Who can you pray for this Christmas?
Who can you share Christ with?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus.
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