Pastor's Corner: God's gift to the world

Second Corinthians 9:15 says, Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. God is a giver. He is rich in mercy and grace, and he gave the world the most perfect gift in Jesus Christ. James 1:17 says, Every good and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father. I remember as a child getting a BB gun and a package of toy soldiers, footballs and socks, but the greatest gift I received was when I accepted God’s gift, Jesus Christ, into my heart.

Bicycles and BB guns can rust and fade away, but God’s gift is always fresh and relevant. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the gift that keeps on giving. His mercies are new every morning. God has given the world a most precious gift in Jesus Christ, and yet many will not accept this gift.

When a person accepts the gift of Jesus Christ he receives peace with God. [BEGIN ITAL]For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him would not perish but have everlasting life.[END ITAL] Man’s relationship with God was marred in Eden, but Christ came to mend man’s relationship with God. Man can be reconciled to God through Christ.

The gift of Jesus Christ brings peace. Luke 2:13-14 says, Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. God offers man a peace that passes all understanding. We live in a fallen world filled with crime and hatred. What this world needs is peace. Peace that stops the bickering and lying, and a peace that makes a man prefer his brother above himself.

Have you ever said at Christmas time: This is just what I wanted?[END ITAL] God knew what hurting man needed. Mankind needed Jesus Christ. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord, and you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.