Christmas is a time to celebrate the gift of God’s love to the world though the birth of the Christ child: Jesus. God knew mankind was in a hopeless condition, and because of his love, he sent a way to save us from the death our sin requires. With the birth of his Son, God offers a new life of hope and freely gives the gift of salvation to those who believe in him. Satan wants us to believe that salvation is hard or that we are not worthy. He causes confusion which results in us not understanding the gift of salvation or how to receive it. Many believe that good deeds or works must be accomplished to go to heaven. This is not the gospel message Jesus offers. Salvation cannot be earned. It is not based on anything we do but is accepted by faith alone based on God’s grace. In the gospel of John, Jesus tells us “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). We cannot save ourselves. It is by God’s grace, and our faith in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus that we can receive his gift of eternal life.
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10b ESV).
Discuss
How is salvation a gift?
It cannot be earned. It is received by faith. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV).
What does it mean to accept the gift of salvation?
To be eternally saved by putting your faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 ESV).
How can the gift of salvation be received?
By declaring Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 ESV).
Pray
Lord,
As I celebrate Christmas, I praise and give thanks to you for the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ. I confess that Jesus is Lord and believe you raised him from the dead. It is through my faith in him that my sins are forgiven, and eternal life is assured. I praise you for the gift of salvation. I thank you, Lord, that I don’t have to earn it. I’m thankful that I have the gift you freely offer and that I will spend eternity in heaven.
In Jesus’ holy name,
Amen.
Jesus: your coming to us at Christmas reminds us that, in spite of our faults and failings, You, as Father Son and Holy Spirit, one God in Three Distinct Persons, STILL love and care for us as we are.
We are weak, and need YOU in our lives, to lead and guide us. COME LORD and heal us;