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This Christmas, we reflect on the greatest gift ever given—Jesus Christ. In His arrival, we see majesty, a mystery, a prophecy fulfilled, and a humble sacrifice that would change the world forever. As we unpack this divine gift, we are reminded of four truths about Jesus that should touch our hearts deeply. A Gift from Heaven Jesus came from above. While He was born on earth, He is not of this world. He came as a perfect and good gift from the Father. James 1:17 tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” Jesus is the ultimate expression of this, sent to heal and save us. A Gift to Heal Us Jesus came to heal the brokenness caused by sin. Our sins separate us from God, but Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes, came as the perfect Lamb, sinless and pure, to take our place. As Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins... by His stripes, we are healed.” Jesus offers healing, not just for physical pain, but for the deeper pain of our hearts. A Gift of Humility Though He was the King of Heaven, Jesus entered the world in the humblest of ways—born in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and surrounded by lowly shepherds. He came gently, never forcing Himself on anyone but offering the free gift of salvation. Philippians 2:7-8 reminds us, “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” His humility invites us to respond with openness and trust. A Gift to Dwell in Our Hearts The most extraordinary part of this gift is that Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, desires to make His home in us. When we put our faith in Him, He not only saves us but transforms us from the inside out. John 14:23 says, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” This is the gift of eternal life, a gift that lasts forever. As we celebrate this Christmas, let us remember the indescribable gift of Jesus—wrapped in majesty, mystery, prophecy, humility, and ultimately, love. He came to heal, to dwell in us, and to give us the greatest gift of all: eternal life. Have you received this gift?
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As Christmas approaches, we reflect on the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh (John 1:14). This Advent season, we've explored the many ways Christ is "wrapped" in Scripture: in majesty, mystery, and prophecy. Today, we unwrap the profound truth that He is also wrapped in flesh—the heart of the doctrine of the Incarnation. Wrapped in Flesh: The Humility of Christ When Jesus came into the world, He took on human flesh, humbling Himself to the likeness of man (Philippians 2:7-8). He wasn’t adorned in worldly majesty or beauty (Isaiah 53:2); instead, He came in "plain wrapping paper"—a humble servant, born in a manger. Yet within Him was the beauty of perfect grace and truth. In this flesh, Jesus accomplished two extraordinary things: He Died to Give Us Life Through His death, Jesus destroyed the power of sin and death (Hebrews 2:14-15). Like nature’s cycle of death sustaining life, Christ's death brought eternal life to all who believe. His perfect blood, free from sin, became the ultimate ransom for us (Mark 10:45).
He Lived to Teach Us How to Die to Ourselves Jesus didn’t just come to die for us; He also showed us how to live. By resisting temptation through the Word and learning obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:8), He demonstrated the path of sanctification. As believers, we’re called to follow His example:
The Greatest Gift This Christmas, let us remember that Jesus was wrapped in flesh to unwrap for us the gift of salvation and sanctification. Through His death, we find life. Through His example, we learn to die to ourselves and live for Him. As we unwrap this truth, may our hearts overflow with gratitude for the indescribable gift of Christ. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
The Advent season is a time of anticipation and celebration, reflecting on the indescribable gift of Jesus Christ. This week, we explore how Jesus is "wrapped in prophecy," fulfilling ancient promises with His arrival on earth. Prophecy is God’s way of showing us that His plans are not random but intentional, deliberate, and deeply woven into the fabric of history. The Bible contains over 300 prophecies about the Messiah, each pointing to Jesus. These prophecies couldn’t have been orchestrated by human effort—who could plan their own birthplace, virgin conception, or lineage spanning millennia? The Prophecy of His LineageJesus’ ancestry was no accident. Traced through Matthew and Luke, His genealogy fulfills promises made to David and Abraham. God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 ensured that the Messiah would come from his royal line. Even through adoption, Joseph’s legal role gave Jesus the rights of Davidic descent, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to His promises. The Prophecy of His ConceptionIsaiah 7:14 declared that a virgin would conceive and bear a Son called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” Jesus’ miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit broke the cycle of inherited sin, giving humanity a Savior untainted by Adam’s guilt. His sinless nature makes Him the perfect sacrifice, redeeming us from sin and death. The Prophecy of His Birthplace Micah 5:2 pinpointed Bethlehem as the Messiah’s birthplace, a detail confirmed centuries later when Jesus was born in the small Judean town. The wise men, guided by a star and the Scriptures, journeyed to worship Him. Their pilgrimage reminds us that general revelation (nature, events) draws us to seek God, but specific revelation (Scripture) leads us to Christ. Why Does This Matter? These fulfilled prophecies remind us that God is faithful. He keeps His word, no matter how impossible it seems. His promises to send a Savior were fulfilled in Jesus, ensuring our salvation and adoption as children of God (Galatians 4:4-5). As we celebrate this Advent season, let us, like the wise men, pack our hearts with faith and journey toward Christ. He is the fulfillment of every promise, the answer to every longing, and the greatest gift we could ever receive. Reflection Question:
What steps can you take this week to move closer to Jesus, the promised Messiah? As we move through this Advent season, our hearts are drawn to the most extraordinary gift of all—Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 2:4-10, Paul unveils a profound truth: God’s plan for redemption, hidden for ages, is now revealed in Jesus. This plan, wrapped in mystery, beckons us to discover its depth and share its hope. The Mystery of His WillGod’s sacred secret is His will to redeem humanity through Christ. As Paul writes in Ephesians 1:7-9, through Jesus’ sacrifice, we receive forgiveness and are brought into a relationship with God. This redemption is a finished work, but it requires our response in faith. The Spirit reveals this truth to those who believe, guiding us from spiritual infancy toward maturity (Hebrews 5:13-14). The Mystery of His Work The mystery deepens as we realize it isn’t just about redemption—it’s about transformation. Through salvation, we are placed in Christ, united as one body (Ephesians 3:6), and Christ dwells in us, shaping us to reflect His glory (Colossians 1:27). This sanctifying work restores the glory lost through sin (Romans 3:23) and moves us toward the fullness of His image (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Mystery of His WordFinally, we unleash this mystery through the power of God’s Word. As Paul reminds us, the message of the cross is not a product of human wisdom but a demonstration of the Spirit’s power (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). This truth transforms lives and establishes us in a secure relationship with God (Romans 16:25). Sharing the Good NewsIn 2 Kings 7:5-9, four lepers discovered a miraculous blessing and realized they could not keep it to themselves: “This is a day of good news, and we remain silent.” Similarly, as recipients of Christ’s grace, we cannot hoard this treasure. The world needs to hear the mystery now revealed—the hope of glory in Christ. This Advent, let us unwrap the mystery of Christ with wonder and share His indescribable gift with others. The day of salvation is here—may we boldly proclaim this good news!
As the Advent season begins, we reflect on the indescribable gift of Jesus Christ. Like every precious gift, Jesus comes "wrapped"—not in glittering paper but in divine attributes that reveal His glory. This week, we start by unwrapping His majesty, as declared in Psalm 93:1-2: “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting.” Dressed to Reign Psalm 93 calls us to see Jesus as a King clothed in majesty, lifted high above all creation. The Hebrew word for majesty, gay-oof, means exalted, emphasizing His rightful authority. Unlike earthly rulers who fail, Jesus is the perfect King—eternal, holy, and sovereign. Do we see Him as King in our lives? His lordship calls for submission. Isaiah’s vision of the Lord “high and lifted up” (Isaiah 6:1-5) led to a profound awareness of God’s holiness and Isaiah’s own unworthiness. Similarly, recognizing Christ’s authority should lead us to surrender every area of our lives to Him. Dressed in Power Jesus is not only majestic but mighty, “girded with strength” (Psalm 93:1). His strength is not borrowed—it is inherent, rooted in His divine nature. This strength equips Him to reign and sustain creation. Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that God’s word, filled with power, always accomplishes His purpose. For believers, His strength becomes our defense and weapon in spiritual battles. Paul reminds us to “put on the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-17) so we can stand firm against evil. Designed for Durability Finally, Psalm 93 celebrates the eternal foundation of God's throne and creation. Unlike the fleeting things of this world, His kingdom is unshakable. Our lives, though marked by change and decay, are anchored in His eternal purposes. Through Jesus, we are promised durability—not just survival on this earth but eternal life with Him. His throne of grace invites us to come boldly, receiving mercy and finding help in every need (Hebrews 4:16). A Gift Worthy of Worship As we unwrap Jesus’ majesty this Advent, we are reminded that He is not just the baby in the manger but the reigning King, the Savior clothed in power and glory. This indescribable gift deserves our deepest gratitude and highest praise. Let this Advent season inspire us to exalt Him as Lord of lords and King of kings, submitting to His reign and celebrating His unchanging greatness. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). |
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