Receiving Is Believing

Receiving Is Believing

Bible Blast: Read John 1:10-14

To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. John 1:12-13

Don’t you just love the beautiful packages under the Christmas tree? I like to stare at the ones with my name on them and try to figure out what’s inside.

Gifts certainly are a big part of Christmas, and it all began with the wise men who came to visit Jesus after he was born with their gifts. Can you name all three presents they brought? Matthew 2:11 records that the gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

I’ve often heard it said that Christmas is a season for giving. And, you know, that’s so true. I have few greater joys than buying the perfect gift for a loved one or providing presents for a family who is in a hard place financially. And, of course, when we read John 3:16 and Romans 6:23, we’re reminded that Christmas is about the greatest gift, Jesus, who came so we could have eternal life.

But Christmas is also a season for receiving. Don’t worry! I’m not talking about trying to get all the presents you possibly can! I mean that a gift isn’t complete or useful or enjoyed unless it’s received by someone.

Think about it. God sent his only Son, Jesus, to die for everyone’s sins. If we choose to believe in him and live for him, we will spend eternity in heaven with him and all other believers. If we don’t, then we will spend eternity in hell—totally apart from God. Those of us who have received that gift of eternal life are enjoying our relationship with God, and we always have hope because heaven is our home. But those who don’t believe have no idea what riches are waiting for them—if they would just receive the gift.

This Christmas, every time you open a gift or a card, let it be a beautiful reminder of your decision to receive the greatest gift of God. Be a joyful receiver this holiday season.

Girl Gab: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? Did you ever receive something that you didn’t really want? Thank God for the perfect gift of his Son, Jesus.