The Gift of Himself

The Gift of Himself

Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!
Psalm 68:19

Recommended Reading
Romans 5:15-21


Long ago, there ruled a wise and good king in Persia who loved his people and often dressed in the clothes of a working man or a beggar so he could visit the poor and learn about their hardships. One time he visited a very poor man who lived in a cellar. He ate the coarse food the poor man ate and spoke cheerful, kind words to him. He later visited that poor man again and told him, "I am your king!" The king thought the man would surely ask for some gift or favor, but he didn't. Instead he said, "You left your palace and your glory to visit me in this dark, dreary place. You ate my coarse food. You brought gladness to my heart! To others you have given your rich gifts. To me you have given yourself!"

God gave us the gift of Himself when He sent His Son to this dark, dreary place. Have we accepted Him graciously and thankfully as the poor man did, or do we take this gift for granted? This Christmas season, let's remember to thank Him for His most precious gift to us: Himself.


Read-Thru-the-Bible
Revelation 6:1-7:17

Hat Tip:

David Jeremiah.org

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With all of the turmoil that we are experiencing here in America because of our current gangster government and clueless congress, it might be difficult to push it all aside and be at peace during the celebration of the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. But that is what we, as devout born-again Christians must do!

Jesus told us, "In this world, you will have trouble (tribulation)."

However, his very next words say:

"But take heart!"

Why should we "take heart" even through those moments, days, weeks, months, or even years of tribulation? This is why:

"I have overcome the world."

Jesus came to save mankind from their sins. His Incarnation and birth on this earth some 2,000 years ago happened after almost 400 years of silence - between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The naysayers of the OT probably wondered if the promised Messiah would ever arrive!

When we think about time, we are limited in our scope because we are physically finite creatures (with an eternal soul) during our existence here on this earth. God is eternal. He always was, always is, and always will be. So, as the Bible states, "one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years is as one day" to the LORD. It's hard for us to grasp the truth of that. However, when we think of God existing eternally outside of the confines of "time" as defined here on this earth, we can at least get a glimpse of what that saying means.

Jesus' miraculous birth was the beginning of his mission to "overcome the world." His mission was completed, for our sakes and the forgiveness of sins, at the cross of Calvary. His subsequent resurrection from the dead proved that he was (and is!) who he said he is - God in the flesh!

As Dr. Jeremiah's devotional states, God gave us the gift of Himself, through His eternal Son, Jesus Christ! Such a Gift should NEVER be taken for granted! I always tear up when I hear "O Holy Night."


O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wise men from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!