And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. (Luke 1:30-33 KJV)

What you would want for Christmas this year? Is it car? Is it $1,000,000? If either of item that you would want for Christmas, then you may need to re-exam your heart and check with God before you wish it. Christmas season is not about making a long wish list for Santa to purchase for you, but it’s about giving hope and encouragement to others around you. Even though this holiday was originally arrived from the pagan religion, it’s a good opportunity for Christians to share the message and love of Jesus Christ.

Even Mary received a favor from God that she’s going to birth a Son, He wants to give you a gift—a gift that has a purpose to reach the lost souls and let them to chance to receive the hope that the world cannot give them. The world may give them some cashes to live, but God will give them eternal bread that they never hunger or thirst to live. The world may them medicine that they can have healthy life for while, but God will give them healing for your body and soul that would last forever. The world may tell you to make idol and serve it to have eternal life, but you will not hear any spoken words that comes out from the statue you made.

John 3:16 tells us the reason why God sent His Son to this world was because 1) He loves us and 2) we may receive eternal life with Him. God does not want anyone to go to Hell and suffer forever, but some of us may choose to go there. I’m not talking about unbelievers, but some Christian brothers and sisters, even pastors, may choose the wide gate and would end up in the lake of fire. It’s very sad ending of their lives.

Unfortunately, God would like to give you another chance to accept His gift. The real question is: What are you going to do about it? If you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, then you are guaranteed to be with Him forever. If not, you are loosing the most valuable gift for eternality. Receiving a gift from God is not like Christmas gift that you receive from Santa Clause. His gift cannot be replaced with other things. Jesus said that we cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24). Choose one. This is same thing with gift from God or from Santa Clause (world’s god).