Like many we all have Christmas memories that make us chuckle. I distinctly remember one Christmas many years ago. My husband ventured out on his own to purchase a special Christmas gift for me. He returned with a large box beautifully wrapped from a fine department store.
As the days ensued prior to Christmas my husband continually boosted about my Christmas gift. His excitement was contagious and it rubbed off on me as well. I was truly impressed at his enthusiasm and I felt “special.” The waiting, longing, and anticipation I felt over this one special gift brought me extra joy that Christmas season.
Christmas morning finally arrived. With bated breath I opened the picture-perfect Christmas gift. Much to my surprise I pulled out a large brown pom pom sweater with suede elbow patches. Now I don’t expect my husband to be a “fashionista,” so I did my best to conceal my letdown. Needless to say, I eventually returned the sweater for something else.
Indeed we’ve all had visions of that one special Christmas gift. A gift that will somehow satisfy some tangible longing. In the end, though, our longings are never totally satisfied in material comforts or security. But imagine a Christmas gift that will satisfy completely.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). A Christmas gift that satisfies the soul.
Why not accept this free Christmas gift? The gift of eternal life that cannot be bought or earned. It is simple really, have faith in Jesus Christ, God’s son. This is the only way to gain eternal life (John 3:36).
“Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” (John 6:68).
Peter answered Jesus, “To whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.” Where else could any of us go? We could fill in the blanks with other things. But if we’ve been out in the world long enough, we realize it always comes up short, and the longing from within still exists.
“He has also set eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11b).
The longing in Peter’s heart is an expression of every human soul; the desire for eternal life. Although life is but a vapor (James 4:14), every human soul has an awareness (God-given) that there is something past this life.
“And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent” (John 17:3).
There are two aspects to eternal life, the present and the future. First, eternal life is a present reality. In essence it is knowing God in this life and sharing the life of Christ.
The second aspect of eternal life is our future. “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies” (John 11:25). Jesus says we will pass from death unto life. Triumph over death is promised.
So through all the ups and downs of life, we have the hope of immortality. This world is not our home.
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The greatest news of all time; the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth! The angel describes this news as a great joy which shall be for all the people. This news has been extended to mankind from creation to the end of the ages, and it leads to eternal life.
He alone gives salvation by the forgiveness of sins. This is the only secure satisfaction in this world, and opens the way to eternal blessings in the next.
“Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth” (Psalm 73:25).
In the end, Peter was convinced there was no other place to go (“to whom shall we go?”). Peter is in a sense saying to walk away from Jesus or to leave Him would be to guarantee our doom.
If you haven’t already, will you accept the Christmas gift of eternal life this season? Only this Christmas gift will fulfill the deepest longing of our hearts.
How wonderful it is to know, that it is God Whom gave us the First Christmas Gift.. The Savior Jesus Christ Our Lord. This is truly a wondrous love gift that can never be matched, and will last throughout eternity…”For God so loved the world….that He gave His only son…” Wonderful Gift , Wonderful Savior..This is Good News… Thanks for the article Aida.
God Bless You and Merry Christmas!
Sergio
Surely the best news of all! God Bless.
Great read! Thank you for the encouraging words of hope.