But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21 ESV)
As we continue in this season of thankfulness and giving, we must remember first and foremost the reason for the season. Once that reason is acknowledged as it should be, then the thankfulness should manifest itself. God gave us an unspeakable gift, His son Jesus. No gift from man will ever measure up to this precious gift.
When God gave us this underserved gift, it was for a special purpose — to save us from our sins. We cannot save ourselves, so He sent His only Son to do that for us. John 3:16 (ESV) declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Our Father in Heaven didn’t just love us, He “so loved the world.” Hallelujah! Therefore, be thankful for the gift of the Savior.
How often do you take the time to thank God for the Savior? It should be throughout the day, for without Him, where would you be?
Please don’t take this gift for granted. Share it with others who do not know Christ in the pardoning of their sins. This gift is not meant for us to “sit on” and keep to ourselves. Acts 1:8 (ESV) states, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
The gifts you put under the Christmas tree will not amount to a “hill of beans” without a life in Christ. They are tangible, but the gift of the Savior is forever.
According to Bible Reasons.com, there are 21 reasons to be thankful. I will share just a few, along with suggested verses for further study:
Be thankful that Jesus Christ died for your sins. He willfully suffered the full extent of God’s wrath that you and I may live. (Romans 5:15)
Be thankful that God’s love endures forever. (Psalm 106:1-2)
If you’re a Christian, be thankful that your sins, even your deepest darkest sins, are forgiven. Your chains are broken; you are free! (I John 1:7 and Colossians 1:20-23)
Be thankful for the Bible. (1 Peter 1:23)
Be thankful for community. (Colossians 3:16 and Galatians 6:2)
Be thankful that God has provided you with food. It might not be filet mignon, but always remember that some people are eating mud pies. (Matthew 6:11)
Be thankful that your true home is waiting for you. (Revelations 21:4 and I Corinthians 2:9)
Thank God you don’t have to work your way into Heaven. (Galatians 2:16 and Galatians 3:11)
Be thankful that God woke you up this morning. (Psalm 3:5 and Psalm 4:8)
Thank God for the trials that make you stronger. (I Peter 1:6-7)
Be thankful for blessings. (James 1:17 and Proverbs 10:22)
I cannot speak for anyone else, but I am truly thankful for this matchless gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This gift is my all, my life, and my everything, and I am so glad. Thank God for sending His Son to be born to save me from my sins!
Have a wonderfully blessed week, be thankful in all circumstances, and never leave home without Him!
(Anna Bright is a minister and educator in Walterboro. She can be reached at abrightcolumn@lowcountry.com)
