Salvation is a Free Christmas Gift
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Memory Verse
All who call out to the Lord will be saved. (CEV)
Have you ever had a big problem that you couldn’t fix on your own? Maybe you got a bad grade in school or you messed up and caused a sibling to get hurt. Who helped you understand that what you had done was wrong? Maybe your teacher explained the right answers for the assignment, or your parents showed you how misbehavior can affect other people.
Paul made the worst choices and messed up in a huge way. In Acts 22, Paul tells his life story about how even though he used to put people who loved Jesus in jail, Jesus still saved him. Of course, you haven’t done the incredibly bad things Paul did, but no one- not Paul... not you...not me- can earn God's forgiveness. Just as Jesus had done for Paul, he helps us recognize our sin. It’s Jesus who can pay the price. Remember the Christmas story: God sent Jesus to pay for all the wrong that we’ve done.
So what do we do now? In thankfulness for God’s forgiveness and Jesus’ sacrifice, Christians are called to spread the good news about God’s mercy. Be patient with family and friends, and forgive those who cause trouble for you. By showing patience and forgiveness to others, you can help your family and friends celebrate a peaceful Christmas and focus on its true meaning: the birth of Jesus, God's merciful gift to the world.
Prayer
Dear Merciful God, thank you for sending Jesus as your gift to the world. Help me to remember to share the good news with others, and to be merciful just as you are merciful to me. Amen.Related Resources
Abby Epplett
Abby Epplett works as a park ranger for the National Park
Service at Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas. She recently earned a
Master’s in Museum Education at Tufts University and is a member of
Pleasant Street Christian Reformed Church in Whitinsville, MA.