Traditionally we exchange gifts with family and friends this time of the year. I would like to think that this tradition has its roots in the biblical story of the wise men (magi) presenting their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus at His birth. Perhaps it is the remnant of the pagan feast to Saturn which the Church replaced with the celebration of the birth of Christ.
Anyway, it is a tradition which the business world has certainly capitalized on. So much so, that many are tempted to over spend and go into debt for. The season meant for brotherly love, has been turned into brotherly shove.
The Bible gives a different version of the gift exchange, one which the Puritans called the 'great exchange '. His perfect righteousness in exchange for my load of filthy sin. (Romans 3:24, 25) Oh how we should praise and thank Him for this matchless gift.
May all of my readers experience this wonderful exchange this Christmas. Then we will be truly happy.
Jack
He for me! Amazing grace! Thank you, dear brother. May your prayer be heard and answered with many more such great exchanges.
ReplyDeleteAnd may you both also experience this wonderful exchange this Christmas.
ReplyDeleteJJB
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." 2 Kor. 8:9 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together for this great Gift from heaven, and let us worship our precious Saviour.
ReplyDeleteBrother, there is an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
"For unto us a son is born, unto us a son is given..." so begins the CD I am listening to, a gift from you and Lena.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you remember, but years ago, while enjoying music at your house, I mentioned something about the Messiah music. Not long after, you gave the gift of this set of music CD's with the Messiah on it. I listen to it at Christmas time.
As you speak of gifts, this material gift of CD's sings of the great gift of the Son that is given, who brings the gift of eternal life.
Thanks again for the gift of long ago with a new-every-morning grace message.
Love,
Nellie