Psalm 130:1-8 Where would we be if God marked our iniquities? We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. God’s plan has always been to redeem us, not condemn us. Redemption is extended to us through Jesus, and the possibility of having our sins, transgressions and iniquities all forgiven is offered to all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
This psalm says with the Lord there is mercy and plenteous redemption. How sad it is that men refuse such an offer to have their sins washed away so they can receive a fresh start—newness of life. Why would anyone reject such an offer? People refuse to believe in Jesus Christ because they are blinded by Satan. He deceives many and convinces them that they do not need a Savior.
Pride is often the stumbling block to receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Some people actually believe they have no sin, and therefore they do not need a Savior. Before redemption can take place, we must first believe our lives need to be changed. We must admit that our nature is to sin, and we need a second nature—the very nature of Jesus Christ who was sinless.
God promises to redeem all who will believe in His Son Jesus Christ. His invitation to us all is to receive His precious gift to earth given two thousand years ago. Now that Christmas is coming, I have been cleaning out the basement to ready it to receive the Christmas gifts I purchase. Every year when I do this, I discover there are some presents remaining from last year that were never wrapped or given. So I simply wrap them up and give them to someone this Christmas.
Two thousand years ago God wrapped Himself in an earthly suit, and Jesus was born to give us life and life more abundantly. He died and was resurrected to set us free from the bondage of sin and death. Listen as this great gift on the first Christmas is described: “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17, KJV).
Have you failed to receive God’s gift to you given on the very first Christmas, or have you shelved this gift and refused to open it? The only way we can know God personally is to come to know His Son who was freely given to you. Don’t let another Christmas go by without receiving this precious gift, and when you do, be sure to pass this gift on to others.
READ: Amos 4:1-6:14; Revelation 2:18-3:6; Psalm 130:1-8; Proverbs 29:21-22
Bill Wiese 
Paul McGuire 
