God's gift to us

I was once in a meeting where the speaker asked: “What is Christmas to us?” For most people, Advent is a busy time and a season of shopping for gifts. But in all honesty, is this what Christmas is really about? Just buying gifts, decorating, eating foods and sweets?

My response to the speaker’s question was that the true meaning of Christmas is seeing God in people and witnessing His transformational power in them.

As a Christian for more than 48 years and a presenter on SAT-7, I have witnessed how the Holy Spirit works among people and completely transforms their lives. Such change became possible through Christ’s birth, crucifixion and resurrection.

Revelation 21:3 says: “Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Jesus by coming amongst us fulfilled the promise of God with us – Emmanuel.

Christ’s birth paved the way for God’s residing presence among His people. God with us, in us, on us, for us, through us! God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son as a gift to the world – a gift we didn’t qualify for or deserve.

May we embrace Christmas as God’s gift to us.

Pray

• Pray for Louise and her husband as they oversee a network of over 700 house churches in Iran. Ask God to fill them with the gifts of the Spirit.
• Reflect on your own Christmas preparations. Is there anything you could lay down or let go of, in order to spend more time in His presence?