It’s the last day of school for the year, and the brother and sister happily make their way to the car where their parents wait. On their way, someone calls out to the brother. “Before the year ends, I just want to ask you a question.” The girl says, pant- ing. After she catcher her breath and the brother waits for her to go on, she says, “how did you get through this year with so much joy? Those exams were hard, our teachers weren’t always easy to approach, and sometimes I just wanted to quit, you know? But out of everyone in the classroom, only you remind joyful and kept encouraging everyone. How did you do it?” The little sister looks up at her brother, proud of the kind of person he is growing to be. He looks up at the sky, then at his classmate. “Well, my parents and sister have been reminding me to keep my eyes focused on Jesus. I was struggling with some things this year, but He gave me hope and helped me to keep going.”
The brother and sister hear their parents calling out to them from the parking lot. “Well, I think we have to go, but if you want to, you can come to our Christmas special at church next week. It’s all about the best gift the world has ever received.” His classmate raises an eyebrow. “And what is that gift?” The little sister smiles. “It’s not what, but who. Who is the best gift? Jesus!”
The next week, the older brother is surprised to see some of his classmates, including some band friends in church. He walks over to them as his parents and sister with happily from the side. He welcome them to the event, shares a summary of the story of Jesus, and after the Christmas special, leads his friends into a prayer to invite Jesus into their hearts. The year may have been challenging, but they ended the year with the best gift of all treasured inside their hearts.
“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
Jesus is the answer. God made a way for us to be restored back to Him, and to have eternal life with Him. It is through Jesus’ coming down to earth and living as both God and man and then giving His life as a sacrifice for us that gave us victory and freedom from sin. And in this season, we remember His birth. When the Son of God left all the glorious riches of Heaven to come down to earth so that we might be saved.
Jesus came to save you, because He loves you. Christmas is the season where we celebrate this reason for joy and peace. Because of Jesus we can live under His grace and mercy, fueled and covered by His love. It is not for some people, or for religious people. Jesus came for all. If you’re looking for a Savior, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, look no further than Jesus.
Even if every day doesn’t feel like the best, the best gift ever doesn’t change, and He wants to share His love, peace, and joy with you.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! God bless you and your family.
Blessings!
PRECIOUS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DAVAO