This is a wonderful time of the year – a time when we celebrate the greatest gift of all: the gift of Jesus to the world. May this season be one where you deeply sense the presence of God in your homes and hearts. This greatest Gift – Jesus – was given for each of us, a Gift that brought light to the darkness and hope to a weary world. As Mariah Carey’s One Child reminds us:
“The fate of a world in the palm of one child, the hope of a people in His tiny hands.”
Let us remember that as we give gifts to one another, the true gift is found in Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 9:6-7‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.’
Love has come for the world to know.
THE GREATEST GIFT TO MARY
Luke 1:28-35Gabriel appeared to her and said, ”Congratulations, favored lady! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. ”Don’t be frightened, Mary,” the angel told her, ”for God has decided to wonderfully bless you! Very soon now, you will become pregnant and have a baby boy, and you are to name Him ‘Jesus.’ He shall be very great and shall be called the Son of God. And the Lord God shall give Him the throne of His ancestor David. And He shall reign over Israel forever; His Kingdom shall never end!” Mary asked the angel, ”But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, ”The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of God shall overshadow you; so the baby born to you will be utterly holy – the Son of God.”
Many had longed for what was about to happen to Mary. She was chosen to carry the Messiah. The Bible highlights three things about Mary:
1. She was a favoured lady.
2. The Lord was with her.
3. God had decided to wonderfully bless her.
The greatest gift to Mary was the fact that she would carry the hope of the world. This reminds us of how one child could bring such light to humanity.
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