President’s Blog

December 19, 2024

Season’s Greetings of peace and goodwill toward everyone!

I just wanted to share a few comments about this ‘most wonderful time of the year, when hearts are aglow,’ and feet run to and fro to celebrate family—and Jesus. I hope you’re doing this for His glory and your good (in that order, by the way). And so, I hope this year is the merriest of all your previous Christmases!

In this season of gift-giving, we would certainly fail in utter neglect if we don’t recognize that the 1st Giver, the Ultimate Giver, gave to us before we ever gave to Him or anyone else…as the prophet recorded…

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” [Isaiah 9:6-7—NKJV]

Sometimes, we hear the qualification of a gift described as ‘the gift that keeps on giving, and in this passage, we find absolute evidence that God gifted humanity with just such a gift—for the ‘gifts’ of God reside within the ‘Gift’ of God. The Spirit of God inspired Isaiah to provide a short list of some of those gifts: wonder, wisdom, power, eternity, and peace—within an unending kingdom of justice and order, and here’s the motive behind this gift that gives forever—Yahweh’s passion to provide it!

Friends, as we celebrate Christmas this year, please let us not possess and exhibit more passion about red suits, green wreaths, colorful trees, delicious foods, pretty cards, ribboned presents, etc. Instead, let us experience awe as we ponder the zeal and love of an Almighty, Eternal, Compassionate, Humble, Servant-hearted God who gave us the Gift of Himself and all the gifts that continue from that very Living Gift. We bless you in the Name of Jesus, who has come to save us all from sin and self!