When I was 11 years old, I wanted to have an electric model railway for my Christmas present. I kept pushing my dad to buy a model railway, I even showed him a brochure. Very early on Christmas morning, I got up and found a pile of presents beside my bed. Naturally, I unwrapped the large one first but, to my huge disappointment, it was a second-hand, wind-up, model railway and rails! I was furious and I went into my parents' bedroom. Dad asked me if I liked my present but I said, "That's not what I want, I told you I wanted an electric model railway, not an old railway with a wind-up train!" However, Dad took me downstairs to the dining room. My eyes began to glow as I saw an electric model railway laid out on the table. Suddenly, I felt so small and speechless. Dad smiled as he had been teasing me!
How does God's best gift compare with earthly Christmas presents and why should we accept God's gift?
But God sent his beloved son, Jesus Christ, into the world to be the Saviour of the world.
How can he be the 'Saviour of the world'? That's why Jesus suffered on the cruel cross and died and was raised again on the third day. He had to break down the barrier of sin between God and men. God gave us this wonderful gift - Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
The magi (wise men) from the East rode a long way to find Baby Jesus in the manger in Bethlehem. Nobody knows what part of the East they came from, it is possible that they travelled over 1,000 miles. Obviously, we know that they were guided by following the special star. Why did they take such a lot of trouble to find just a baby in a poor stable with his parents, Joseph and Mary?
1) Gold, representing their recognition of him as a king, paying him tribute. Yes, Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
2) Frankincense, recognising Jesus as God, for they honoured God with the smoke of incense.
3) Myrrh, representing that as a man he should die, for myrrh was used in embalming dead bodies. Jesus died on the cross and was buried in the tomb. Mary and Mary Magdalen went to embalm his body.
Dear readers, we should realise that the coming of Christmas brings us much to be thankful for, appreciating this wonderful gift which offers to save us ALL from being lost eternally. Certainly, it is beyond our understanding, making us feel like I felt, so small, when I saw an electric model railway on the table! Don't you realise, we take for granted God's free and precious gift?
We, at Go! Sign wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a blessed New Year, 2016.