As the year draws to a close and attention is given over to the business of Christmas, a lot of thought is given to giving and receiving. Giving presents to those we love and receiving them in return, there is joy in both activities. Watching a young child rip the paper from a present that has been carefully chosen for them; their eyes light up as what was hidden is finally revealed. Receiving a gift from someone that you know has not only spent money but put time and thought into it as well.

Pondering this thought at Christmas, we think of receiving the greatest gift this world has ever seen. The Bible tells us that God so loved the people of this world so much that he gave. What was the gift that God gave to us? It was his son Jesus Christ! It is through Jesus that we can have freedom, forgiveness and a future.

Freedom from having to find significance in the way we perform. Forgiveness from the mistakes that we have made and a future that will last forever with him. That is the gift that God gives to this world. No wonder the angel’s told the shepherds that first Christmas, “I bring good news that will cause great joy for all the people”.
Emu Plains Community Baptist Church wishes you and your family a very Merry Christmas for 2018.

Christmas Day Service will take place at 9:00am at Melrose Hall in Emu Plains.

^ Article: Reverend Phil Irvine. Image: https://www.pexels.com