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"is a network of Baptist congregations cooperating to share the transforming message of Jesus Christ"
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THE GIFT OF GOD “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (KJV) During the beauty, excitement, family gatherings, food, and fun of Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, let us not lose sight of the wonder of God’s gift of Jesus. The Creator became part of His own creation. The Almighty became a babe. The King of kings became subject to the authority of humans. The ultimate ruler of the universe became a servant. He experienced discomfort, fatigue, hunger, dirt, pain, and death. He was homeless and a refugee in a foreign land. He was hated and hunted, betrayed, denied, and rejected. That didn’t change who He was. He never lost control. He was never defeated. He lived true to His Word. He died true to His prophecies and principles. He arose according to His promises. From Glory back to Glory, He revealed the majesty of God’s character. Yes, He could astound the doctors and scholars with His knowledge and wisdom even as a child. Yes, He could turn water to wine, feed thousands with a little boy’s lunch, and heal any disease. Yes, He could command the wind and seas. Yes, He could cleanse a leper and raise the dead. All power and authority in heaven and earth was His. But, He was still God at His most humble times. He was God in Mary’s womb. He was God in the stable. He was God being baptized. He was God when He slept. He was God when He was mocked, spit upon, and beaten. He was God when He was stripped of His clothing, marched through the streets, and crucified. That’s a god-sized love. He spared Himself nothing. He gave everything. Our sin cost Him that. When you are tempted to keep silent when someone puts down the Lord or His church, when someone says all religions are equal, when someone approaches you with another “gospel,” remember the cost. When our nativities, crosses, and other symbols of faith offend someone, let us multiply them all the more. If they outlaw them from public display, every yard of churches and Christians should abound with testimonies to our Lord. Let our choirs and carolers hit the streets. Let us fill the air with praise and worship. He is risen from the dead, and He is God. In the glory of heaven, He is God. To the angels, He is God. To every man, woman and child who ever lived, whether they believe it or not, He is God. Forever, He is God in majesty, in power, in righteousness, and in judgment. We are thankful for who God is. He showed us in Jesus.
Dr. Richard A. Harris, D. Min. Director of Missions
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Santee
Baptist Association