Christmas.
A season of giving. A season of hope. Time that is treasured with loved ones. Regardless of one's religious affiliation, there seems to be a spirit of helping others in need during this time. And while retailers and consumers have helped to commercialize Christmas, many enjoy doing things for those less fortunate and fulfilling a more true meaning of Christmas.
One of the greatest verses in the Bible is John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave... These words challenge us. They inspire us. They cause us to realize that without Him we are nothing. And James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father.
Life is a great gift. If you've seen the classic, "It's a Wonderful Life", you'll recall that George Bailey realizes the true meaning of life. Even though his situation seemed hopeless, his life did have meaning. I love the scene where he says, "I want my life back. I want to live again."
Jesus Christ is life. He came to bring life more abundantly. If we remain steadfast and immovable and always abound in His Word, we will inherit eternal life. What could be better than that?
How do you view your life? Maybe you've been dealt a bad hand and feel that all is hopeless. Maybe the economy has left you penniless. Maybe you've made a mistake or two and are dealing with the consequences. Maybe you don't feel that life is fair right now. Whatever you lot, consider the words of Billy Sunday, "What we see as we go through life always depends upon where we stand to look."
Stand on the Rock (Christ Jesus) and you'll see "life" through a whole new lens. If you've ever flown, or climbed a high ridge or mountain, you've seen the ground beneath you from a different perspective. Think about how God sees your situation. He knows the end from the beginning! He sees things differently. Join Him from His point of view the next time you consider your circumstance.
Maybe you will die a pauper. Maybe this earthly life will leave you with nothing. However, if you know Jesus Christ and have been born again, you have a promise of eternal life. Like Lazarus the beggar, you will be taken to a place of peace and promise. This hope of eternal life outweighs any difficulty I face on earth. I've truly been given the gift of life.
