The ice on the river beckoned. Oh, how I wanted a pair of skates! But those were depression days, and funds were not available for such items. However, a search of our home turned up two old skates: one too big and one too small for my feet. No matter. Soon, I was learning to navigate the glassy and sometimes bumpy surface of the river. What a thrill to learn to stay upright on that challenging surface even with ill-fitting skates!

One day, good news came my way. Elderly family friends gifted me with a brand-new pair of skates! They were my size, just right. How grateful I was and incredibly happy! I treasured them so much that at night those skates accompanied me to bed. What a wonderful gift in those days of scarcity!

The skates were a gift, just for me. But a generous God sent a gift for all humankind, an incredible gift of love, for which we all have cause to be very grateful! Luke tells the story so beautifully. In part we read:

Luke 2:10-12 – But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." (NIV)

The birth of the baby Jesus was indeed good news, for it signaled a new era for humankind. God knew that each one of us needed salvation, for all of us have sinned and come short of God's standard for living. We needed a Saviour to forgive all our sins and bridge the gap of our shortfall to reconcile us fully to God.

The celebration of Christmas reminds us that God offers us the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. When we admit to God our need for forgiveness and open our hearts to receive His free gift of forgiveness, we can be assured that we have salvation. One day, we shall meet our Saviour face to face. We have reason to be incredibly happy for this amazing Christmas gift! Praise be to God!

Luke 2:14 – Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. (NIV)

Prayer: God of good gifts, in these dark days of COVID-19, we pray that You will shine the bright light of Your love and grace into each of our lives. Enable us to rejoice and be glad in the face of the darkness around us, because of Your good gift that came in the birth of Jesus Christ of our Lord and Saviour, in whose name we pray. Amen.

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