used with permission by Susan Belisle
Speaker, Writer and Pastor’s Wife
www.susanbelisle.com
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
We
have entered the most wonderful time of the year. The Christmas season
offers hope for today and positive expectations for tomorrow. Everything
we will ever need in life we find in Jesus. He is truly the hope for
all the world. As Christian believers, we should pause amidst the hustle
and bustle of life and reflect upon Jesus, God’s indescribable gift to
us.
Hanging above my fireplace are four stockings. They are nothing
more than decorations that may occasionally hold a gift card or concert
tickets. For me and most other people, the gifts of greatest value lie
beneath the tree. They are beautifully wrapped and grouped together for
each of my family members. Several months of thought, planning, and
shopping have gone into the gifts beneath my tree, and I hope they will
bring much joy to my family as they open each one.
What gifts are
beneath your tree? Who are those special people that will be the
recipients of your gifts? Have you put as much time and planning into
the selection and wrapping of your Christmas gifts as I have? Can I
suggest that you include one more gift under your tree? It will not cost
you a specific dollar amount because it is priceless. You will not have
to shop near and far to find it. It’s always the right color and always
the right size, and it never goes out of style.
Jesus, God’s
greatest gift to us, has transformed our lives through the forgiveness
of our sins. Without Jesus, we would not experience the gift of eternal
life that comes through God’s forgiveness. Forgiveness is a concept that
seems to be gaining popularity in recent years. It is a continual theme
that permeates Hallmark movies and is spoken of on talk shows and in
Sunday morning sermons. Perhaps our world is beginning to see the
powerful impact forgiveness has in our lives and in the lives of others.
Perhaps people are gaining a better understanding of the value of
extending forgiveness. Perhaps we are all learning that the lessons
Jesus taught about forgiveness are as needed today as they were in
biblical times.
As you think back upon the past year, have there been
situations or circumstances that have left you broken or bitter? Are
there people who have hurt or offended you? Are there people who need
your forgiveness? God has freely forgiven us, and we too must freely
forgive others. Although forgiveness is a gift we give to others, it is
also a gift we give to ourselves. We erect our own prison walls when we
choose not to forgive. We are set free to soar when we extend
forgiveness to others.
During this wonderful Christmas season, let us
give the gift of forgiveness. As you carefully place gifts under your
Christmas tree, be sure to place the gift of forgiveness under there
too. Whose name will be on the label? Will she be surprised by your
gift? Maybe it will make her cry. I can assure you that your gift won’t
be returned or exchanged. It will also be the most priceless gift under
your tree. It will be the most beautifully wrapped gift as it is clothed
in the precious blood of Jesus.
'Tis the season to give so let’s give forgiveness to all those in need. Truly, it is more blessed to give than to receive.
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