Gift of Life This time of the year is filled with opportunities to give, and in the giving, there is also an expected receiving. This makes for an atmosphere of joy and gladness as this opening of the heart results in celebration and merriment. It is really more than items that are being exchanged, though. The thoughts taken to prepare and offer those gifts result in a sense of bonded hearts, secured and comforted. For all the parties and celebrations with gifts during this holiday, though, there is also another commonly felt effect. Every heart is in need of an exchange that can only be made with its Creator. Many in the middle of the holidays have sighing hearts at the void that is yet inside. The real reason for this season is because of a gift given long ago by the Father God. While all the gifts in the world might have an impact on a life, they can never really be life. In the Father’s gift of Jesus, however, there was the giving of something that will never fade or pass away, and the only gift that can truly satisfy forever – real life. It’s not enough for Him to have offered us this Gift, as it only experienced as it is received into a heart that has offered Him its old life in exchange. It’s in this bonded connection that the longings of the heart are satisfied and new life is lived in the fullness He came to give. Notes The Gift of Jesus – not just apart, but all of life in its fullness John 10:10 10 A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow! No one is without this need for life without condemnation Romans 5:15-17 16 And this free-flowing gift imparts to us much more than what was given to us through the one who sinned. For because of one transgression, we are all facing a death sentence with a verdict of “Guilty!” But this gracious gift leaves us free from our many failures and brings us into the perfect righteousness of God—acquitted with the words “Not guilty!” His Gift – not just stuff, but new life as a child of God John 1:12-13 12 But all who have received Him, to them–that is, to those who trust in His name–He has given the privilege of becoming children of God; 13 who were begotten as such not by human descent, nor through an impulse of their own nature, nor through the will of a human father, but from God. Kept from loss and secured in the Father’s care – best warranty/guarantee John 10:28-30 28 I give to them the gift of eternal life and they will never be lost and no one has the power to snatch them out of my hands. 29 My Father, who has given them to me as his gift, is the mightiest of all, and no one has the power to snatch them from my Father’s care. 30 The Father and I are one.” Overview: There is much celebration in the giving and receiving of gifts as hearts are opened and bonded. In every heart is a need for the Gift from the Father that eternally removes guilt and barriers to abundance. In receiving this Gift, there is the reception of new life as a child of God, not just items from Him. We are forever secured in God’s care as we become His gift to Jesus, the fulfillment of His heart’s passion. Prayer: Father, find in me a heart that is continually receiving the life You’ve given me in Christ. I offer to You any remnants of that old life so I can fully know and experience this treasured Gift of Life in Christ. Hold me forever in Your care. Song: It’s the time of the year Giving is in the air Joyous expressions Are surrounding everywhere There’s a want, there’s a need And a hope to receive Something that will fill the heart with song It is It’s the time among the giving Hearts sigh Never really knowing why that There is yet a missing part Everything in the world Never can be Real life For that place in the heart Came a light in the dark Specially packaged like The world had yet to see Heaven’s glory around Holy child in a stall This was God’s gift To every heart He is He’s the answer to the wonder Filling Every longing yearning part In His dying And rising Everything we would need He came to be our Gift Of Life He is He’s the Alpha and Omega Prince of Peace The Bright and Morning Star He’s the Redeemer Deliverer To everyone who receives He becomes the Gift Of Life I receive who You are Come and fill every part I will be satisfied With Your gift Of Life