Unwrapping the True Gifts of Christmas: Righteousness, Forgiveness, and Help

Gifts for Christmas: A Life of Righteousness, Forgiveness, and Help

As we celebrate Christmas, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this special day. It is a time when we remember the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came into the world to bring us hope, salvation, and new life. In the midst of the festivities and gift-giving, let us not forget the greatest gifts that Jesus offers us: a life of righteousness, forgiveness, and help.

Gift #1: A Clear Purpose for Living

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to lose sight of our purpose. We may find ourselves caught up in the pursuit of worldly success, material possessions, or temporary pleasures. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher purpose. We are called to live a life of righteousness, to honor and glorify God in all that we do.

The apostle John reminds us of this purpose in his letter: "And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us." (1 John 3:23) Trusting in Jesus and loving others are the two essential components of our purpose as Christians. When we believe in Jesus and love as he loves, we are living out our purpose and bringing glory to God.

Gift #2: Hope That Our Failures Will Be Forgiven

In our journey of faith, we will inevitably stumble and fall. We will make mistakes, give in to temptation, and fall short of God's perfect standard. But the good news is that Jesus came not only to destroy the works of the devil but also to be our advocate in times of failure. He offers us forgiveness and the hope that our failures will not have the final say.

John writes, "If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:1-2) Jesus is our advocate, our defense attorney before God. When we confess our sins and seek his forgiveness, he stands before the Father on our behalf, pleading our case and securing our forgiveness. This gift of forgiveness gives us the courage and hope to continue our fight against sin, knowing that we are not defined by our failures, but by God's grace and mercy.

Gift #3: Christ Will Help Us

The battle against sin is not one that we can fight on our own. We are weak and prone to fall, but Jesus offers us his help and strength. He is not a distant and indifferent God, but a loving and compassionate Savior who walks alongside us in our struggles.

John assures us, "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4) When we put our trust in Jesus, he comes to dwell within us through the Holy Spirit. His power and presence enable us to overcome sin and live a life that is pleasing to God. He empowers us to resist temptation, to walk in obedience, and to bear fruit that brings glory to his name. We are not alone in our fight against sin; we have the indwelling presence of Christ, who is always ready to help us.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us remember the true gifts that Jesus offers us: a clear purpose for living, the hope of forgiveness, and the help of his presence and power. These gifts are not to be taken lightly or overlooked amidst the festivities. They are the very essence of our faith and the source of our joy and peace. May we receive these gifts with gratitude and may they transform our lives as we seek to live for Christ each day.