Good morning,
What’s under His tree?
For most of us we still have green trees with shiny lights, but nothing left under them. When it comes to our Savior’s tree, that cruel tree has been carried away, but there are all kinds of gifts and boxes that are still waiting to be opened for those of us who are genuine members of God’s eternal family. What none of his followers of that day and still those of us today still think about, is what happened is the most important thing that will ever happen in time and eternity. For those who had died in the centuries before his death and resurrection, it meant following Jesus from paradise to heaven and an eternity of celebration and joy. Since then, those of us who trust Jesus as our Savior are discovering all kinds of gifts that are waiting for us to open. The gifts that our Lord has left for us to enjoy are designed to meet the needs that we have at each stage of our lives here on earth. As new believers, we have the gift of joy and freedom from the heaviness of carrying the load of guilt and fear that we had been carrying, and when we opened the box marked MY SINS we discovered that it is empty except for the note that says, "Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight.(Rom.4:7) And also, "I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.”(Heb.10:17)
There is another official gift that when opened is a document that tells us that, we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.(Phi.3:20) Right next to that gift is a beautifully wrapped package that when opened says, "I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.(Jn.14:27) Then there is a very sturdy gift that tells us what David knew when he wrote, You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.(Ps.139:16) Ah, there is another long and bulky box that when we open it up tells us in Jesus’ beautiful hand writing, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?(Jn 14:1,2) Wow, there are still all kinds of gifts waiting to be opened. I will try one more. This gift in wrapped in gold and silver and when opened is Jesus’ promise, He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.(Phi.3:21) Dear Lord, will you please keep taking us to your promises and gifts that you have kept alive and active for us in your Eternal Word.
John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Roy Wisner
