Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
John 5:24
“Good news of great joy!” is what the Angel called it. There is forgiveness, salvation, and deliverance from God’s righteous judgment in Christ. Those who come to Him, drawn by the Word of God to repentance and faith in Jesus, are delivered from condemnation, now and for eternity.
That’s good news, and it brings us great joy. It fills our hearts with inexpressible peace and gladness. It makes us want to be kind and loving to others as He has been so kind and loving to us. It makes us want to give gifts to other people, as God has given us this great gift.
Lord Jesus, You are the gift that inspires all giving. Bless this Christmas celebration in our world. We need to see kindness, forgiveness, and generosity after this long and stressful year. Fill our hearts and life with Your presence so that the world around us sees You and many receive Your gift of salvation. Amen.
Pastor Dan Giles