Sunday, December 4, 2011

Be A Gift For Someone Else by Ann Elaine Broughton



“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

Christmas is fast approaching and with all the busyness of the season, it is very easy to forget what we are celebrating. The most important gift was given to us over 2000 years ago. It is Jesus’ birth that Christians all over the world celebrate on Christmas Day. That birth brought God to us in human form. His birth was prophesied by Isaiah and Micah. Micah 5:2 prophesied that Bethlehem would be where a ruler would come who would be the shepherd of God’s people, Israel. Jesus’ birth fulfilled this prophecy. Jesus came to show us who His Father is.
He walked this earth as a human, with all the feelings and temptations that we have. It is because of His birth that we have hope of eternal life. He was the ultimate sacrifice. So not only should we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we also should praise God that He loved us so much to send His son to earth to give us the hope of eternal life.
As you look forward to Christmas and all the fun of the season, don’t forget to think about the one gift given at Christmas by God to us many years ago. His love is still so real today and can be seen through the acts of Christians who give to others in sacrificial form.
Do something for someone this season. Go out of your way to help those who are in need. Call a shut-in and visit with them. Give a financial gift to someone who really needs assistance. Send flowers to someone who needs encouragement. Help people unload their groceries. Do something wonderful for someone. This season isn’t about getting gifts. It is about you being a gift to someone else. I promise you will be blessed if you do.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be your gift to someone during this Christmas season. Help me to reach out to those who need a helping hand. Help me to carry someone else’s burdens. Help me to give humbly.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Perseverance: A devotion by Ann Broughton

“ And not only this, but we also exult in tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance proven cha...