Freelance writer Lupie Riley GIFT OF LOVEThought: Love was born that starry night in a little town called Bethlehem. He lay in a straw covered manger, a gift to the world. The Word tells us that God is LOVE and he came that night in the flesh of an infant. Even the Shepherds knew something unique and profound had happened when Angels appeared to them rejoicing over the birth of this special child that would change the hearts of it's people all over the world. He lived only to die in our place for the sins of mankind and save them from spiritual and bodily death. The Son of God was the incarnate God in the body of a man called Jesus. How different our world would be if it's people would realize the immense importance of this event. Do history books mention this birth of the greatest man that ever lived? No Does the educational system embrace his purpose for coming or give him recognition? No Do people realize the impact His spirit has made in millions who have invited him into their lives? No Jesus brought love into the world the night of his birth and at his ascension he returned in Spirit to be in all those who by faith ask him to fill that void in their heart that is reserved for Him alone. We see the opposite of love everyday as hate manifests itself toward all that is good. Black becomes white and white becomes black. Jesus demonstrated His love for us by taking the burden of all our sins upon himself with extreme abuse and a cruel execution on a wooden cross. Through this sacrifice of himself he offers forgiveness and eternal life in spirit and body. He defeated death through his resurrection and this gift of love is found in Him for all who believe in who he is and what he has done for them. This free gift comes packaged in Jesus, with forgiveness and eternal life in new bodies that we receive when our Salvation is complete. Can we afford to miss out on the most important gift God offers to all who will accept it?Prayer: Father God, you came into the world that Christmas eve to offer love, forgiveness and eternal life through your sacrifice on the cross, a priceless gift for the taking. By accepting this gift my CHRISTmas is an every day walk with you and HOPE in your promise of Heaven in the future. AmenVerse: I Tim. 3:16 " And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. John 17:22-23 " And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one even as we are one. I in them, and thou in me that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."