Christian Part Five December 18, 2009

TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 18

CHRISTIAN
Part Five

For the past four days we have been looking at the word CHRISTIAN and we have seen the major differences as to how a Christian approaches Christmas versus a non believer. As we prepare in just a few days to CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF JESUS on Christmas day, we want to share a few thoughts on the Christian and eternity as it relates to Christmas.

Defined by Webster:
One who professes the religious principles of Jesus.

GODS WORD

“For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life.” Romans 6:23

WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE

The birth of Jesus was the beginning of God’s plan for our salvation. As the verse from Romans reads: “For the wages of sin is death.” God provided a way for each one of us to have the penalty for our sins paid for and it all began when God sent His Son to this earth to be born in a manger.

Today we want to share with you several thoughts that are relevant to Christmas and the birth of Jesus. The Christian has asked for forgiveness for his sins and asked Jesus to come into his or her heart. This then is a beginning of a relationship with Jesus. Jesus paid the penalty for ones sins by dying on the cross. Without the birth of Jesus this could not happen. Therefore Christmas and the birth of Jesus were in God’s plan for our salvation.

The celebration of Christmas and the birth of Jesus are exciting for us because, as the verse above ends: “but the gift of God is eternal life.” Jesus is in heaven today preparing a place for the believer to spend eternity with God. God offers us eternal life as a gift and gives us a choice to accept or reject this gift. For those that accept the gift our reward is spending an eternity with Jesus in heaven. God has promised to:

• Cast all of our sins into the depths of the sea.
• Remove our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west.
• Cast all our sins behind His back.
• Blot out our transgressions like a thick cloud.
• Remember our sins no more.

God will give those eternal life that recognize His deity, recognize His voice and take up their cross and follow Him.

We well remember how excited our children were each Christmas morning. They could hardly wait to receive their Christmas gifts that were under the tree. But when you look back even a few weeks after Christmas the gifts were worn or even broken. In contrast the gift of the birth of Jesus in a humble manger over 2000 years ago will endure forever. Christians have reason to be excited about Christmas because of this gift.

This Christmas take time to thank God for His promise to you of eternal life with Him. What an exciting day it will be when we all join together in heaven with the Lord.

OUR MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK IS.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER

As we approach this Christmas season, we are so excited to be looking forward to spending an eternity with You. Thank You Almighty God for sending Your Son to this earth to be born in a manger and then to die on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. Help my family today remember that Jesus is the reason for this season and help us to put Christ first in all of our words and deeds.