Thirsty Thursdays: Tis The Season

December is here, time to spread the holiday joy.  It is time to put up the tree, hang lights, decorations, stockings, listen to Christmas music, sing Christmas carols, and be with loved ones. Many people would agree on Christmas being their favorite holiday of the year and Christmas season being their favorite time of the year. Along with the décor and just general atmosphere, many people love Christmas because it is a time to give and receive gifts. Who doesn’t love gifts? Presents under the tree, wrapped up in wrapping paper just waiting for you to tear it open. New clothes, shoes, electronics, etc. What was one of your favorite gifts that you received on Christmas? While the lights, tree and material gifts are all very nice, we mustn’t forget “Jesus is the reason for the season”. Better than any gift anyone can give us is God’s grace.

God’s grace is his unmerited favor and love for us. One thing I read made an acronym G.R.A.C.E. that stood for God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. The blessings upon our lives, saving us from the punishment of sin, giving us eternal life, the strength and guidance he provides daily are all things we do not deserve yet get. “1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins. 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved…For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:1-5,8.

There is no Christmas without CHRIST. So while sipping eggnog enjoying this wonderful time of the year always remember and be thankful for our greatest gift, God’s grace. Unlike Santa who only rewards and gives gifts to those were nice while bringing coal to those who were naughty, God loves us all and his grace is available to us all as believers. It is by grace that we have been saved, through faith and it isn't from ourselves but it is a gift from God. “28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” Isaiah 40:28-31

Stay Thirsty My Friends

Thirsty Thursdays