Gift of Grace

Our Thoughts:

Christmas is the holiday most looked forward to by the children. They expect gifts under the Christmas tree, a tradition held by most of us. They have their hearts set on certain things and trust that they will get them on Christmas morning. Some are disappointed, but, most likely, it's seen to that each child at least gets some of what they have told their parents they would like for Christmas. They have faith in their hearts that their desires will be met. They don't understand what it means when we say it's impossible. That is not a word that a child likes to have in his or her vocabulary. Money should be no object - after all, I've been told, "You have a checkbook, don't you?". Well, sometimes the checkbook is _flat_, and it's not easy to write a check, when the money just isn't there.

Two thousand years ago, the Lord saw a need to send a gift to people on earth. Yes, a gift that can never be topped! I am sure he agonized over the _price_ that was to be paid, just as we, as parents, agonize over certain gifts our children want. But, God had a plan for us. He sent his Word, in the form of a Christ child, that we may have the greatest gift ever given - eternal life. I am sure it was hard to explain to others just how Mary conceived. Just like in our days, I am sure people ridiculed her, and called her names. But, she was chosen by God to present that _gift_ to the world. Joseph was reluctant, at first, to have anything else to do with his fiancee, because I am sure he felt that man had touched his wife-to-be. But, Mary knew that the Holy Spirit had chosen her, so she held her head high, and possibly would have gone on without Joseph. But, the months went by, and one day, it was time for Jesus to be born. There was no hospitals, no women's birthing centers for Mary to go in which to give birth. Joseph, instead, had to take her to a stable. Can you imagine the stench that she had to endure, to give birth? But, just imagine the feeling she had when that child was given to her, knowing that she alone birthed the Savior of the world! I would imagine that the aroma surrounding this Godly child out weighed the smell of the stable.

The Lord loved us so much, that He sent Jesus to provide us with an escape from our sinful lives, through Grace by faith. And He loved Mary enough to trust her with carrying that child to term, knowing that she would love and nurture Jesus. He knew that the child would be safe with these earthly parents until it was time for the _gift of Grace_.

God's Thoughts: