The only gift that really matters

God's ultimate gift for you arrives, not wrapped in Christmas paper but "swaddling clothes"

Let this Christmas season be one where God reveals Himself afresh. This is the ideal time to remind oneself and others of the surpassing gift that God has given. Even if the exact date and the history of Christmas is opaque it is nevertheless another glorious opportunity to proclaim the love-gift of God. No longer do the hosts of heaven proclaim "peace and goodwill toward men". God has sent his disciples to proclaim the Good News.

But hold on for a moment. Has the Good News saturated your being? Does the Lord's peace and goodwill rule your life? Jesus is the ultimate gift of God, to miserable sinners, to bring about salvation, deliverance from sin and eternal life in heaven.

God has sent this gift for those in darkness and who are hopeless captives of sin and satan.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. (Isaiah 9)

The Christ-Child has been sent for those who perish under the awful burden of sin and the rod of guilt.

For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, God has broken

Jesus has been given, not to a particular tribe or nation.

For unto us a Child is born

Jesus is the Son of God and has been born the Son of Man, for us.

unto us a Son is given

Jesus is Wonderful in every way. It will take eternity to begin to discover the delights in Him.

His name shall be called Wonderful

Jesus' counsel brings about a new "government" in your life and He Himself, the King of kings, will counsel His subjects.

and the government shall be upon His shoulder ... Counsellor

Jesus is not just a Child wrapped in swaddling clothes. As you unwrap this gift you discover He is the Mighty God Himself. He was "truly manifested in the flesh".

Mighty God, Everlasting Father

Jesus alone can bring everlasting peace, for He is the

Prince of Peace