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Believe to Receive

Santa Claus traverses the globe to give good children everywhere toys and gifts on Christmas Eve.  The rest of the year he and his merry elves plan and prepare. They have much to do to spread so much joy in one evening.  

Santa and his elves' sole focus is giving. They are driven by generosity. In exchange, they expect nothing but maybe get some cookies, a glass of milk, and a carrot for the reindeer at the homes they stop.  It's simple- be a good kid and get the present.  

It seems simple. Do something and get something. It's a classic reward cycle. 

But wait there's a catch. As the saying goes, *You must believe to receive." Only those who believe in Santa will get the gifts the elves worked so hard to build.  It seems simply being a good kid isn't enough.  

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”- Acts 16:31 NIV

Belief is the starting point for both Santa and Jesus.  However, with Jesus that's it.  You don't have to be a good boy or girl to get His gift,like you do to get a gift from Santa. The only way to receive the gift of salvation is by believing in Jesus. That's it.  That's all that is required.  

We confess our faith in Jesus and receive the gift of salvation He provides to us.  He's already paid the price.  As disciples we then try to live in a way that honors Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. We don't do it because we need to to earn a gift like the children trying to avoid Santa's naughty list. Our gift was given before we ever breathed the air of this world. Our gift is received by faith. Our works bring glory to the giver of this incredible gift.  

In just a few days we will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the gift our God gave to us. It is one that many of us may feel we don't deserve.  It's a gift that some of us may think requires us to improve ourselves before we accept it. We think we need to clean up our act before we are worthy.

STOP IT!  

As we celebrate the helpless savior infant entering this world, understand you are just as powerless as a newborn baby.  Just as that baby needed Mary and Joseph to take care of Him so He could survive and grow, we need our Heavenly Father.  On our own we can't get better.  We are unable to wash ourselves clean of the effects of our sin.  Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse us and restore us as children of God. He deems us worthy and all He asks for is us to believe to receive. 

One silent night, hope and joy were born in a place fit for beasts. Believe as the shepherds and wise men believed.  The gift of salvation and restoration await. Only through Jesus can we be transformed from sin-filled beasts to fully forgiven Children of God. 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.- Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Matt





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