Dear Editor
What a simply wonderful time of year this is. Looking around, I see a blanket of fresh snow, sparkling and pure, lights shining invitingly and decorations adding warmth and colour to the scene. People are baking, bustling and busy, yet underlying all this is a sort of joy, which leads most to smile, even to strangers, and cheerfully wish them a "merry Christmas." It's a time to relax, a time to spend with family and friends, and a time to look beyond the festivities to the reason behind them.
Sadly, a vast many never take even a moment to do this, robbing themselves of a beautiful message that was meant for them. Over 2000 years ago, when the angel spoke to the shepherds, those words were intended for all. "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10b, 11)
Why would Christ leave Heaven's glories to come to Earth and die for mankind? We see the answer in His own words, "For the Son of man is come to seek and save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10) What he offers us now is a gift we don't deserve, and could never pay for.
In the midst of the flurry of giving and receiving gifts this season, it would behoove each one to consider the gift Christ offers. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not for yourselves: it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9)
"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Janelle Unger
The Battlefords
