Who Doesn’t Want to Open a Christmas Gift Early?

Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy: "Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us. He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant—the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham. We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God's tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace." John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel. Luke 1:67-80 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Consider sin and forgiveness.

 

Even before Jesus was born it was foretold that people would find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. This focus scripture today was Zechariah speaking to his son, known later as John the Baptist. Zechariah was Mary’s cousin’s husband, making John a cousin of Jesus. Small world. 

God’s love revolved the mercy that He was showing to mankind—forgiveness of sin. That forgiveness began with God’s covering Adam and Eve after they disobediently “sinned” by eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Paul wrote about forgiveness in Romans that extends to all men and women.

But there is a great difference between Adam's sin and God's gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:15

Read more of Romans, especially Romans 5, for further understanding of this sin-forgiveness-gift relationship.

Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Romans 5:18

Note that Christ's one act of righteousness, His death and resurrection, was new life for everyone. That everyone is just that…everyone. Jews and Gentiles. Everyone is offered the gift of new, eternal life—not just at Christmas time…but every day, always. Do you accept God’s gift to you today? You don’t have to wait until Christmas. Who doesn’t want to open a Christmas gift early?!

 

Prayer – Lord Jesus, Thank You for being the “Open Me Early Christmas Gift” that is offered to everyone. I’ll accept Your gift today…and every day. Help me share it with others. That’s how some gifts are…meant to be shared.  

 

Verse of Salvation ~ You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Luke 1:77

 

© 2025 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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