We are in another month, and we just celebrated the most important and amazing day of the year, Resurrection Sunday, which is also known as Easter Sunday! When you think about it, we are actually still celebrating the gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ. Do you like to give gifts? Do you like to receive gifts? How do you respond when someone offers you a gift? Do you just walk away and leave it unopened? Most of us are ecstatic when we receive a gift. ‘For me?’ we say. We gladly open the box or package and allow the giver to see our expressions of gratitude. Well, Christmas is very significant to us because we recognize the birth of Christ. He is the gift of life. He did not remain the Baby Jesus. He knew that He came to demonstrate the power of God on the earth through miracles, His teachings, His life, His leadership, and His ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world. He literally came to die on the cross for our sins. He knew God would raise Him from the dead (after three days) to declare power over death, hell, and the grave. The Lord’s resurrection means life and forgiveness for us. Because Jesus had the power to overcome death, He has the power to help us overcome things that try to keep us from living with joy and liberty in Christ. We do not have to be bound by sin or negativity. Imagine this: Jesus was on the Cross giving up His life and asking the Father to forgive people who didn’t even know they needed forgiveness. He died for EVERY one of my sins and yours. John 14:6 lets us know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to get to the Father is through the Son. God, the Father, knew Adam and Eve would sin and that the world would need a Savior, His Only Son, Jesus. Jesus temporarily gave up His position in heaven so that one day you and I could live with him for eternity. He paid the price for us with His blood because He was sinless. He gave up His life to give us new life here and life forever after we die. He did say, “I came that they might have life and that more abundantly.’ "Abundant life" refers to life in its abounding fullness of joy and strength for spirit, soul and body. God has provided salvation through His Son, and all we have to do is accept it. Won’t you open your heart to this most beautiful gift and accept God’s gift of forgiveness? Won’t you receive salvation today? I accepted Jesus when I was 13 years old. I have not been perfect, but I try to live for Him every day. I am so grateful. I celebrate with all who know Jesus! I am forgiven and on this Resurrection weekend, I want to let the world know that Jesus is alive and He is the gift for you too!
