The Greatest Gift

The Greatest Gift

1 Corinthians 13

The Greatest Gift

13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing.

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

As we get closer to Christmas this year, I really have had a hard time getting in the "Christmas Spirit".  Up until last week I was starting to really stress about getting it all done before Christmas.  I procrastinated for so long that I hadn't purchased any gifts up until last week.  This past weekend I finally finished up so now I can feel myself "getting in the mood."  Christmas music is now playing, my house is decorated and now I feel ready.  

We had our Family Christmas Service at church on Sunday, and our speaker talked about all the popular toys for the past 100 years, and how none of them compare to the "Greatest Gift."  I began to ponder my feelings and wondering why it took me so long to really get in the mood for this glorious holiday. I realized that my feelings were based on being ready for the holiday, instead of already basking in the greatest gift that I have already received.  His gift to us. The real reason for this wonderful season.  It really is something to celebrate and be joyous about. 

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 

-John 3:16

When we get wrapped up in the worldy views of Christmas, we begin to lose the true spirit, the true meaning of what it is all about.  Its not about buying or receiving the perfect gift, its not about the perfect dinner.  Its about His gift to us!  Jesus our Savior was born on this day, because He LOVED us SO MUCH!  And because of Him, if we believe, will not die, but live and have eternal life!  I don't know about you, but that fills my heart with JOY and PEACE!

I want to share that gift with you today if you haven't received Jesus into your heart.  Or maybe you have but want to recommit yourself to Him today.  All you have to do is ask him into your heart and He will meet you where you are on this very day.  Please if you do receive him into your heart, let me or Theresa know and we can help you begin to grow and get you a bible.  

If you are ready, pray with me Dear Jesus,

I have sinned against you.  I want forgiveness of all my sins.  I believe Jesus that you dies on the cross for me and rose again.  Father, I give you my life to do with as you wish.  I want Jesus Christ to come into my life and into my heart.  I ask this in Jesus' name, AMEN

As we get ready to celebrate this year, let's remember how much He loves us and what He has done for us.  Let us share that love with our little ones, and love on our family members.  Please don't let the pressures of the holiday spoil what it can and should be about.  Love as He loved us and you will be filled with Joy, Peace, Hope and the greatest gift of all LOVE!