As Christmastime has hurried upon us again, and gifts are bought and delivered and opened and great food is shared, it is hard not to think about the goodness and gifts from God.
The benefits we think about in a savory dinner or a new gadget or toys that garner our attention can't really compare to all the benefits that come from an awesome God who cares for His own.
Psalm 103:2 helps us to remember:
"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and forget not all His benefits."
First and foremost is the amazing gift of Jesus Himself.
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given..." - Isaiah 9:6
The problem each person faces is inside of us, sin. The only answer is outside of us. Each person has gone our own way and broken God's law. The incredibly good news is that Jesus Christ kept God's law and chose to die in the place of sinners. If you have not trusted in Jesus as LORD and Savior, today is the day to do so.
And if we have trusted Christ and are set free, we should be bold to take the opportunities given to us to share the gospel, at a time when people are more thoughtful and may very well be more likely to listen to the truth of what the good news is all about.
Also in Isaiah 9:6, we see more of the incredibly good benefits given by God to His own as we look at the names for Jesus that He reveals to us.
"...and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
* Wonderful Counselor. I think about how thankful I am to have wise and caring parents who have helped me innumerable times with sound advice. I much more so cannot be thankful enough to God for His counsel. He is our first and best resort, not our last. The untold riches of wisdom and being closer to His heart by reading and studying the Bible are available and inexhaustible. Hope will arise as the benefit of knowing He is perfect and sovereign.
* Mighty God. No one, nothing is more powerful than He. As you think about the impossible things that begin to appear as mountains in life at Christmastime or other times, take some moments to realize and remember how awesome He really is and then let Him know by giving Him praise and giving Him a return of worship. Joy will arise and be our benefit as we do.
* Everlasting Father. From before time began to 10,000 years into eternity, He has never changed and will not. His love truly endures forever. Love will arise and grow as our benefit as we love Him and love others.
* Prince of Peace. No matter what good times or tough times come into life, His greatest good is our benefit. Trust Him for He is Faithful and True.
Walking in newness of life is walking with thankfulness for all His benefits and knowing that the good news is still good and those around us still need to know of His perfect love.
A prayer.
Father in Heaven, thank you for the indescribable gift of Your Son, Jesus, and the benefits of knowing you. Please help me to be bold in sharing what this season is really all about. I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.
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