Christ a Gift to You

Christ His Gift to You

A gift worth opening

NOW WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men [astrologers] from the east came to Jerusalem, asking,

Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east at its rising and have come to worship Him.

And on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasure bags, they presented to Him gifts--gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 10:1, 2, 11 Amplified

No one can out beat God on giving. No matter how much money you possess, you can not give more than the Lord. We are approaching another Holy season in which many of us have had to revaluate what the true meaning of Christmas is. When I was a child growing up I loved Christmas and still do. Even though I received all those wonderful gifts I never asked my mother why I didn’t give a gift to God since it was suppose to be his birthday. For weeks leading up to Christmas I couldn’t wait to see all those gifts under my tree. Just like all kids I would go and snoop for the gifts that had my name on them; shake the box and try to guest which one of the ten things I had asked for was inside. How excited I was. Oh I couldn’t wait. The closer it got to Christmas the more excitement built up within my heart. All I knew it was a time for me to receive.

I didn’t really understand the true meaning of Christmas until I was much older. Christmas is a time for giving but we must understand it is not about us giving to each other but giving to God the one who gave the ultimate gift of His son Jesus Christ.

Inside God’s gift, so indescribable I can only give you bits and pieces to what this gift actually entails. When Christ is presented to us we only think of Him saving us from our sins but that is just a prelude to all He has provided for us. The Greek word for salvation is “Soteria” which is translated rescue, safety, deliver, health, saving, to save. When I accepted the gift that God had presented to me I accepted the benefits that come alone with the package. Not only can He save me from my sins but He provides deliverance, healing, forgiveness, wholeness, peace, joy, mercy and grace.

If God has given us such a wonderful gift what on earth can we give back to Him? Believe it or not God wants you! Just like God presented Christ to the world, you can present yourself to God. He doesn’t want your good works but He does want your heart.

When you give your heart to God, what you are presenting to Him is your very life. God gave us His best by sending Christ to die for the world, so this season do something you haven’t done before, give yourself to God and God will give you a life worth living.

Instead of giving gifts that will tarnish and get old, present to your family, friends and loved one the greatest gift of all and that is Jesus. Just as excited I was when I was a child to get all those gifts, I’m even more excited today about sharing the gift of Salvation with the world.

Many Blessings,

Paulette Harper

About the Author

Paulette Harper is the Author of “That Was Then, This Is Now, This Broken Vessel Restored”. A heart-wrenching account of one woman’s true story of determination, loss and triumph. In her book, she outlines how a heart attitude of surrender allows God to use a broken vessel for His ultimate plans of Glory.
A native of Pittsburg, Ca, Paulette travels as an inspirational speaker teaching people how to overcome life’s unexpected experiences by delivering a strong message of hope.Her passion is to lead people to a clear and precise understanding of how life challenges can become one’s ultimate source of victory by sharing solid, biblical principles that will enable people to find a way out of every trial so they can reach their God given potential.

She has been featured on Comcast Channel 26, Gospel Search TV, San Francisco Radio Station KPOO, Artistfirst Radio Station, Access TV Channel 29 San Francisco, Grace and Mercy Magazine and on aakulturezone.com.

Paulette resides in Northern California and is a member of NewBirth Church in Pittsburg under the leadership of Pastor Carl Smith.For more information about “That Was Then, This Is Now visit http://www.bvministry.org/ or www.myspace.com/pauletteh

Christ Less the Holiday Mess

There is a song by Nat King Cole “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” that instantly brings a smile to my face simply because the words give me a visual of a peaceful and inviting holiday. It is what I aspire to have even in moments when that doesn't feel like a possibility.
That being said, I also recognize that for many the Christmas season brings great sadness, bitterness and despair. This is the season where old hurts are revisited right after the ham is sliced, its the emptiness left from a loved ones recent passing who kept the family together or the frustration at not being able to buy any gifts for the children due to a less than ideal financial situation. I even remember when all the Christmas presents were stolen from under the tree of a relative. To imagine that someone would be desperate and/or disrespectful enough to walk in your home and steal precious gifts or life...Events seem unimaginable until they actually happen. Trying situations can take the glow from the most positive of people. To the point that even the most graceful song and music becomes empty noise.
It's during this time that Christ can be the greatest influence, a formidable buffer for pain, grievance and inadequacy. Jesus wasn't just born for our souls to be saved, he's there for us to seek him when life isn't making sense. I've learned that my relationship with Christ can carry me through many storms. Through his example I recognize what battles aren't meant for me to fight... by loving myself and those that surround me even when we aren't all on one accord...by giving my heart and time even if my pocketbook is empty. By being an encouragement in spite of...
I've learned to tune into things that bring me joy like “Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire”, because it's the little song or word or positive action that can enhance the Christ already in me.

T.N. Williams was born and raised in Muskegon, MI. Writing short stories and poems had been a passion from childhood, but it wasn't until graduating from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor degree in Sociology, that she began to fully embrace that God-given gift and relate it to the diversity of people. She has received several awards for recognition from the International Society of Poets and collaborated poetic work in the published collection entitled Traces of the Infinite. Since college, T.N. uses her experience in the field of Employment Services and currently resides outside of Charlotte, NC with her husband and three children. Something on the Inside is her debut novel.