To understand why Christmas has become a time for giving, it is important to know the history and tradition behind it. The greatest gift the world ever received was the birth of Jesus Christ. At His birth Jesus received the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh from the three Kings, and each of these gifts has its own meaning. However, the birth of Jesus became the most priceless gift ever, given to us by God, the Father. His Son, Jesus, became the Savior of the world when He died on the cross to pay for the sins of mankind…He atoned and still atones for the sins of all who believe in Him as Savior. Jesus is the priceless and blessed gift of everlasting life from our God to the world.
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Consider these special gifts each of us can give and share with others:
THE GIFT OF LISTENING
No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your responses. Just listen.
THE GIFT OF AFFECTION
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and hand- holding.
THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER
Share articles, positive news, funny stories, and cartoons to tell someone, “I love to laugh with you.”
THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT
A simple and sincere “You look great in red,” “You did a super job,” or “That was a wonderful meal” can make someone's day.
THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE
Be sensitive to the times when others want nothing more than to be left alone.
THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, even if it's just saying hello or thank you.
THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP
Without friends life would hardly be worth living; let your friends know just how much they mean to you.
THE GIFT OF YOUR SMILE
A simple smile breaks all the barriers of language and culture. Smile and the world smiles with you!
THE GIFT OF PRAYER
Remember to pray for others…not all who are ill may be healed or every problem solved; but with prayer we can minister to those in need and distress, who are sick and suffering, those needing encouragement and salvation. Prayer for others is the gift of time—it is a gift of love.
- Author Unknown
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Saint Paul urges us to “pray without ceasing”. This does not mean that we pray without stopping, but that we keep returning to prayer. Constantly rededicate yourself to talking with and listening to God.
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB
The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth. Psalm 145:18 NLT
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 NASB
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
We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 NASB
THE GREATEST GIFT IS ALWAYS JESUS!!
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If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.
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