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“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (ESV)

From glittery sparkly trees to snow covered fields and red trucks, Christmas cards are still a part of the holiday season. With the first-ever Christmas card making its debut in 1843, we’ve come a long way from simple, artistic renderings. Family photos are the common take these days, and I have a drawer full of Shutterfly keepsake memory cards.

What was the most popular Christmas card of all time? It was a simple one with an image of three angels on the front. The heartfelt message inside read: “God bless you, keep you and love you…at Christmastime and always.”  First published in 1977, this Hallmark card has sold 34 million copies – it’s really the message inside that makes the card.

Sound familiar? Numbers 6:24 – 26 echoes the sentiment of this famous holiday card:

“The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”

God gave instructions to Moses that these words, known as Aaron’s blessing, be spoken over the people of Israel. A sentiment that has endured from generation to generation.

Blessings in scripture were expressions of divine favor and human gratitude and were tied to the covenant relationship between God and His people. Page after page of scripture unfolding God’s redemptive plan – His Son would come to this broken world wrapped in swaddling clothes. Jesus, born in a manger, lived among us and experienced every aspect of human life. The perfect spotless Lamb of God died for our sins, and His Resurrection ushered in the greatest hope and blessing for all who would  accept His gift of redeeming grace.

The best card of all echoes these beautiful words of blessings:

“Your name is etched on the palm of my nail pierced hands. I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Not that you loved me, but I loved you and sent my Son as an atoning sacrifice for your sins. Place your faith and trust in Me and my goodness will follow you all the days of your life. And one glorious day, you will dwell with Me in my house forever.”

Sweet friends, God loves you and desires to bless you at Christmas and always. There’s no better time than today to accept His invitation… to place your faith and trust in the One who proved His love for you by giving His Son on that first Christmas morn. The gift that kept giving all the way to the cross, and the gift that walked out of that grave so we could spend eternity with Him.

“Father, what a glorious way to spend the holidays by choosing to invite You into our lives. The blessings of Your loving kindness, faithfulness, mercy and grace are more than we could ever dream of receiving. Your sacrifice is far more than we deserve. Thank You for blessing us with true peace (shalom) found in the gift of your Son.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

If you have never received Jesus as your Savior would you consider accepting His gift? Simply believe He is the Son of God, confess your sins and invite God into your life. It’s the best way to start the holiday season.