A Special Occasion
The holidays provide us with the opportunity to celebrate and create special occasions. We bring out designated decorations, clothes, music, and more to fill the season with an aura that transforms our everyday into holiday. The term holiday is derived from the words holy and day. We set apart particular days in order to commemorate past events or honor people or groups of people. Many times, we will set aside particular items in order to display or present them during the holiday they are related to and then put them back once the season is done. This helps to add to the excitement of the day and gives us something to look forward to.
While anticipation and expectation are good, we need to be mindful of what belongs with a special occasion and what should be enjoyed every day of the year. Celebrating the gift of Jesus is something we should do everyday, not just on special occasions. My friend recently presented at our women's group that Jesus is the love gift. She said, "Gifts must be opened and received." Many receive the gift of Christ, but choose not to open it. Others open it, but then put it back in the box and then away in a closet. It is often forgotten until the Giver reminds you that you have it.
What exactly are the gifts of Christ? The Holy Spirit, grace and redemption, righteousness, eternal life, and salvation, to name a few. How do we receive them? By repenting and being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, by believing in Jesus, by faith, and freely.
These gifts are ours and for our daily use. We don't have to wait for Sunday, Bible study, Christmas, or any other special occasion in order to receive them or "take them out of the box." It's totally okay to enjoy them and get them dirty with use.
God gave the gift of Jesus with us in mind. Be an intentional receiver and don't be afraid to use Him (and don't forget to read the instructions).
While anticipation and expectation are good, we need to be mindful of what belongs with a special occasion and what should be enjoyed every day of the year. Celebrating the gift of Jesus is something we should do everyday, not just on special occasions. My friend recently presented at our women's group that Jesus is the love gift. She said, "Gifts must be opened and received." Many receive the gift of Christ, but choose not to open it. Others open it, but then put it back in the box and then away in a closet. It is often forgotten until the Giver reminds you that you have it.
What exactly are the gifts of Christ? The Holy Spirit, grace and redemption, righteousness, eternal life, and salvation, to name a few. How do we receive them? By repenting and being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, by believing in Jesus, by faith, and freely.
These gifts are ours and for our daily use. We don't have to wait for Sunday, Bible study, Christmas, or any other special occasion in order to receive them or "take them out of the box." It's totally okay to enjoy them and get them dirty with use.
God gave the gift of Jesus with us in mind. Be an intentional receiver and don't be afraid to use Him (and don't forget to read the instructions).
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