Pastor’s Note: The Personal Gift

Advent is a very special time in the life of the church. It is a four-week season in the church calendar dedicated to anticipating the arrival, or “advent” of Jesus Christ. In just several weeks, we will celebrate on Christmas Day Jesus’ arrival, His birth. We will celebrate with family and friends, with lots of food, and, of course, we will celebrate with unwrapping the gifts underneath the tree. 

If I were to walk downtown Plant City during the month of December and if I were to ask people, “When you think of Christmas, what immediately comes to your mind?” I think more times than not, the answer would be “gifts.” I can see why people would give this answer because our culture here in America loves to materialize Christmas. It loves to make the purpose of Christmas about purchasing the perfect gift for your loved one.

Christmas is about celebrating a gift. It is about celebrating the greatest gift this world has ever received. It is about celebrating the birth of the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus Christ. Luke 2:10-11 says this: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” We are reminded this Advent season that yes, Jesus is a gift for the world at large, but we are also reminded this important fact: He is also a personal gift for each of us. The gift of Christ is wrapped in grace, delivered with purpose, and available to anyone who will receive Him. He knows us intimately, our joys, our struggles, our doubts, our sins, and yet, He loves us deeply and unconditionally.

Christ’s gift of salvation is not just a universal offering; it is a relationship with each of us. When we accept and receive this gift of grace, we are invited into a new life, one filled with grace, joy, purpose, and the assurance that we are never alone. I challenge you to remember today that Jesus Christ is your personal gift. He sees you, He loves you, and He is indeed with you. Will you open your heart to the full measure of this gift? Will you allow His love to transform you, to make you whole, and to lead you into the abundant life He promises? During this season of Advent, may we all celebrate the love of Jesus-the personal, intimate, and eternal gift that He offers to each one of us.