By Lisa Wilmore
Scripture: This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. ( Matthew 1:18-25 NIV).
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord ( Luke 2:11). “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift” (2 cor. 9:15)!
Christmas is the time of year when many people are jolly and excited about sharing gifts and spreading joy with friends and loved ones. Sometimes, strangers are recipients of gifts and niceties because of others’ excitement. In fact, during Christmas time, individuals’ eagerness to give shows up in their outward expressions. In most cases, they shop and give to others according to their moods. We must not settle for only giving beautifully wrapped, overpriced, and temporary gifts”. It is important that we give them God’s indescribable (beyond description), everlasting gift, Jesus.
God’s gift, penned by Paul, is beyond human description. In 2 Corinthians 9, he shares with the church of Corinth the importance of being cheerful givers. He ends the chapter with “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” No matter how generous we are during Christmas time, God’s generosity far exceeds ours. Listen, whatever gift or gifts that someone gives you on, before or after Christmas, be grateful. Most importantly, always express thanks to God for the greatest gift of all-that is eternal life through Christ Jesus.
