Christmas, the wonderful season of gift-giving, continues. And there may be one gift you have neglected to give –a gift another would love to open – a gift that was given to you because of Christmas. Just as Paul warned the Corinthians to observe the festival of Passover – which they did coming to the Lord’s Supper – by getting rid of the yeast of malice and wickedness, so you should take care to observe Christmas in the same fashion.
In this season of gift-giving, the central gift that all of us must receive is the gift of forgiveness – which gift God gave us in His Son. But it is also the central gift which we must give – fully – and completely – and quickly – just as God has given to us. His name is Jesus – the angel told Joseph, for He shall save His people from their sins. Never forget the point of the coming of Jesus.
And never forget what Jesus requires as well. In the strongest possible terms He demands that we give the same gift we received to one another – in an open-handed, joy-filled way – He teaches us to pray “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” You cannot honor Jesus in Christmas without honoring these words. Are there any whom you have not forgiven? Are you carrying any resentments? Are you harboring the yeast of malice in your heart? Do you reserve the right to grumble and criticize others? If you will not forgive, your giving of any other Christmas gift in the name of Christmas is hypocrisy. But such hypocrisy cannot be resolved by asking for the gifts back, throwing away the presents, and keeping the bitterness. Lay it all down – get rid of it – drop what you are harboring in your heart. Jesus Christ was born – for heaven’s sake – do you not know He will take care of any injustice done to you – consider the injustice you have brought upon Him? Forgive – open and give this Christmas present – you must have missed it – it’s right there – under the tree…
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