Unwrapped Presents

What if Jesus had never been born? How would our world be different?

In “It’s a Wonderful Life” George Bailey learned how friends and family would have suffered without him. His brother would have drowned. His wife, mother, and many others would have experienced a different world. Indeed the town would have borne the name Pottersville, after the greedy man who would have owned the community and fashioned it in his image.

In much the same way, if Jesus hadn’t been born we’d live in a different world. Hitler might have succeeded. Communism might never have collapsed. Liberty might have all but disappeared, because it only exists where the Lord’s spirit reigns triumphant.

In fact, if Jesus hadn’t died to redeem us from sin’s grasp, we’d still be its captives. Or at best, we’d be under the Law, the first covenant. There would be no atoning sacrifice to satisfy God’s wrath so the guilty could be declared innocent.

Without Christmas, the world and our lives would be very different. Thankfully, we’ll never know what that might have been like. Then again, maybe some do.

There are those who for a variety of reasons—pride mostly—have not accepted God’s gift. And because they have not, it’s as if the greatest present ever given remains unwrapped and unused.

Until we receive a gift, it’s of no value—at least to us. An inheritance uncollected makes the heir no richer. A check uncashed is of no benefit to the payee. In the same way, if we don’t appropriate God’s salvation it is of no value to us.

Salvation will benefit others who accept God’s grace. But for those who reject Christ—and that is what we do as long as we cling to our ability to do reimburse God—grace and mercy remain unopened gifts.

This year, make it a point to open all of God’s gifts. After all, you wouldn’t leave any presents still wrapped under the Christmas tree.


Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.