CHRIST WAS BORN FOR YOU!

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  (Luke 2:11)

Many of us are deliberating about what gift to buy our loved ones and friends.  We want the gift to be suitable and pleasurable for the person we give to.  That is not always so easy to do.  Of course, the fact that someone thinks enough of you to give you something, is quite a blessing in itself.  I am often humbled and overjoyed at the same time when someone has taken the time to give me a gift.  On the other hand, some people may look at a  gift and set it aside as though it had no consequence whatsoever in  their lives.  The purpose of this message is not to solicit gifts, but to emphasize the greatest gift of all and its importance on what Christmas is really all about. 

We should value all gifts, but there is one special gift that we have been given that cannot be compared.  It  is God's gift to us of His Son, Jesus Christ.  This gift is just for "us."  When Jesus was born, the world had experienced the "400 silent" years otherwise known at the Intertestamental period.  Israel was fearful, anxious, and downtrodden.  At the birth of Jesus, people received hope for the future, and forgiveness for the past.  Their lives suddenly had new meaning.  To a world of sinners, its Redeemer had come.

The words "unto you" has great meaning for us as well.  Christ was born as a gift "to us" to redeem us from our sins, and give us a new beginning.  The words "this day" last on through every Christmas each time we share Christ with someone.  We have a gift that keeps on giving.  It is suited for what we need, and gives us joy and pleasure as well. 

So when looking for the perfect gift for someone you love, keep in mind that the greatest gift that you can give to someone, is the knowledge that Christ was born for "them" a long time ago.  Merry Christmas!