Wonder of Christmas---- by Bishop Josh Martin
One of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time is arguably It's a Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed as George and Mary Bailey. As one watches this movie, they can't help but be reminded of how wonderful their own life is. As we reflect on our lives this holiday season, it's great to be reminded how wonderful our lives are because of God's presence in it. As we find ourselves serving the Lord, there are wonders that He blesses us with.
The first is the WONDER OF HIS GIFT. Isaiah 9:6 says, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us". What a fantastic reminder that Jesus, God's son, was given to us.
He was the greatest gift of all time.
And the wonder of this gift is that it is like the "golden goose". It is the gift that continually gives. He gives eternal life, everlasting love, peace that surpasses all understanding, and the gift of hope, happiness, and fulfillment.
Another wonder is the WONDER OF HIS GRACE. God's sacrifice of His son was the ultimate gift. Because of God's mercy, the gift of His son's death is the display of His grace.
And if mercy is defined by not getting what we deserve, grace would be described as getting what we don't deserve.
This is a tremendous reminder of how much God loves us.
We can also find WONDER IN HIS GOODNESS. There are many verses in the Word of God that mention His goodness. "Taste and see that the Lord is good." (Ps 34:8), "For You, Lord are good and ready to forgive." (Ps 86:5), "For the Lord is good and mercy is everlasting and His truth endures for all generations."(Ps 100:5) He is a good God and good father who loves His children.
Psalm 48:1 says, "Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised." This speaks to the WONDER OF HIS GREATNESS. We not only serve a good God, but we also serve a great God. His greatness is measured by what He has done for us. It is also measured by His creation as well. Look at all that He has done. It serves as a memorial of how great He is.
A final reminder of our wonderful life with God is the WONDER OF HIS GLORY. The gift of His son speaks of His mighty power, majesty, and His glory. To have this gift, we must accept it. Have you ever given a gift to someone and then must ask them later if they have even used it? Don't make God have to ask you if you have used the gift(s) He has given you. Make it evident in your walk and life. Your life is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to Him.
Bishop Josh Martin
State Youth & Discipleship Director
Virginia Church of God State Office