Bible – The Bible Society of Lesotho

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The P

When you think about Christmas gifts, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the latest gadgets, trendy clothes, or even a heartfelt handmade card. But long before Christmas became about shopping sprees and wish lists, it was all about the gift, Jesus Christ. The OG. The original gift that redefined love, hope, and salvation. Let’s dive into why Jesus’ birth is the ultimate present we didn’t know we needed.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Think about it: God sent Jesus not as a temporary fix but as a forever solution. Unlike gifts that break, get outdated, or lose their shine, Jesus’ impact is eternal. He offers us salvation, forgiveness, and a direct connection to God—no expiration date, no strings attached.

Wrapped in Humility

Jesus didn’t arrive with fanfare or luxury. No royal palace, no red carpet, not even a proper guest room. Instead, He was born in a manger, surrounded by animals and the humblest of circumstances Luke 2:7; “and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them”. Imagine expecting a king and getting a baby in a barn! Yet, this humble entrance shows us that God’s greatest gifts often come in unexpected packages. It’s a reminder that we don’t need glitz and glamour to experience God’s blessings.

The Priceless Gift

Here’s the thing: Jesus is free. You don’t have to work for Him, earn Him, or deserve Him. Romans 6:23 puts it plainly: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross so that we could freely receive the gift of grace. No amount of good deeds or fancy wrapping could ever compare to what He’s already done.

How to Receive the Gift

Opening a gift is easy: you just take it. The same goes for Jesus. He’s already been given; all you need to do is accept Him. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” This Christmas, amidst all the unwrapping, take a moment to open your heart to the greatest gift of all.

Paying It Forward

Jesus’ gift wasn’t just for you; it’s for everyone. Just like the shepherds who couldn’t keep the good news to themselves (Luke 2:17-18), When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ,we’re called to share the joy. This could look like acts of kindness, sharing the gospel, or simply loving others the way Jesus loves us. When we give selflessly, we’re reflecting God’s heart and reminding the world of the true meaning of Christmas.

The Bottom Line

Jesus is the OG Christmas gift, the ultimate expression of love, hope, and redemption. While the gifts under the tree are nice, none of them compare to the one God gave us over 2,000 years ago. So this Christmas, let’s remember to celebrate the original gift that changed everything. Because honestly? He’s the only gift we’ll ever truly need.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, serving as a direct line of communication with God. The Bible offers numerous verses that can guide and inspire us in our prayer life. Here are seven Bible verses that can help you to pray:

1. Matthew 6:9-13

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”

The Lord’s Prayer, provides a perfect model for prayer. It includes elements of praise, submission to God’s will, requests for daily needs, forgiveness, and guidance. Using this structure can help us cover all aspects of our spiritual life in prayer.

2. Philippians 4:6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

You are encouraged to turn your worries into prayers. This verse emphasizes importance of approaching God with your needs and anxieties, coupled with a heart of gratitude. This verse reminds you that prayer is a means to relieve anxiety and to trust in God’s provision.

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Praying continually doesn’t mean being on our knees all day but maintaining a constant awareness of God’s presence and turning to Him throughout our day. It encourages an attitude of gratitude and joy in all circumstances.

4. James 5:16

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

James 5:16 emphasizes the power of communal prayer and confession. It encourages us to support each other through prayer and to recognize the importance of a righteous person’s prayer. You are encouraged to seek out prayer partners and to be diligent in your intercessions for others.

5. Romans 8:26

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

You can find comfort in knowing that the Holy Spirit assists you in your prayers, especially when you are uncertain about what to pray for. The Spirit’s intercession ensures that your prayers align with God’s will, providing a deeper connection in your communication with God.

6. Matthew 7:7-8

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Jesus assures you that your earnest seeking and asking will not go unanswered. This promise can bolster your confidence in approaching God with your needs and desires, knowing that He listens and responds.

7. 1 John 5:14-15

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”

God is attentive to your prayers. It highlights the importance of aligning your requests with His will, giving you confidence that your prayers are heard and will be answered in accordance with His divine plan.

Conclusion

Prayer is a powerful and essential practice in the Christian life. These seven Bible verses offer guidance, encouragement, and assurance in our prayer journey. By meditating on and incorporating these scriptures into your prayer life, you can deepen your relationship with God, approach Him with confidence, and experience the transformative power of prayer.

Dead to Sin but Alive because of Christ

1 What should we say? Should we keep on sinning, so that God's gift of undeserved grace will show up even better? 2 No, we should not! If we are dead to sin, how can we go on sinning? 3 Don't you know that all who share in Christ Jesus by being baptized also share in his death? 4 When we were baptized, we died and were buried with Christ. We were baptized, so we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father.

5 If we shared in Jesus' death by being baptized, we will be raised to life with him. 6 We know that the persons we used to be were nailed to the cross with Jesus. This was done, so our sinful bodies would no longer be the slaves of sin. 7 We know sin doesn't have power over dead people.

8 As surely as we died with Christ, we believe we will also live with him. 9 We know that death no longer has any power over Christ. He died and was raised to life, never again to die. 10 When Christ died, he died for sin once and for all. But now he is alive, and he lives only for God. 11 In the same way, you must think of yourselves as dead to the power of sin. But Christ Jesus has given life to you, and you live for God.

12 Don't let sin rule your body. After all, your body is bound to die, so don't obey its desires 13 or let any part of it become a slave of evil. Give yourselves to God, as people who have been raised from death to life. Make every part of your body a slave that pleases God. 14 Don't let sin keep ruling your lives. You are ruled by God's undeserved grace and not by the Law.

Slaves Who Do What Pleases God

15 What does all this mean? Does it mean we are free to sin, because we are ruled by God's gift of undeserved grace and not by the Law? Certainly not! 16 Don't you know that you are slaves of anyone you obey? You can be slaves of sin and die, or you can be obedient slaves of God and be acceptable to him. 17 You used to be slaves of sin. But I thank God that with all your heart you followed the example set forth in the teaching you received. 18 Now you are set free from sin and are slaves who please God.

19 I am using these everyday examples, because in some ways you are still weak. You used to let the different parts of your body be slaves of your evil thoughts. But now you must make every part of your body serve God, so that you will belong completely to him.

Jesus: The OG Christmas Gift

20 When you were slaves of sin, you didn't have to please God. 21 But what good did you receive from the things you did? All you have to show for them is your shame, and they lead to death. 22 Now you have been set free from sin, and you are God's slaves. This will make you holy and will lead you to eternal life. 23 Sin pays off with death. But God's gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord.