I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and were able to worship and praise our Savior, Jesus Christ. He truly is the gift that keeps on giving!

Gift giving has become, for many, a major part of the Christmas holiday. I took a poll this year and asked a number of friends and relatives if they remembered what they received as gifts last year or the year before that. Very few remembered specific presents. Years ago, my husband’s family elected to choose a charity and give what we would have spent on each other to that organization. We love that it is a gift that keeps on giving.

We joke about some gifts that keep on giving, like certain foods that provide “aftereffects,” but many gifts really do have long term benefits. Books, cell phones, craft projects, a membership to a health club, the Bible, cooking classes, etc., can provide purpose, education, and enjoyment. As you survey your recently acquired Christmas gifts, were you given any that will keep on giving?

As I sat in worship, I closed my eyes and listened to the voices singing praises for promises kept. Christ the Savior is born! The greatest gift of all, the gift that provides light to a dark world, will continue to be our hope and salvation.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38–39).

Jesus — the gift from God that keeps on giving — giving hope, peace, joy, and love. He came for each of us. He died and rose from the dead for each of us. By God’s grace, we get to share His message of salvation with others. Our Christmas celebration continues!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie