December 25: The Unopened Gift

Therefore, there is NOW no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1 (NASB-emphasis added)

Christmas is my favorite holiday. My love language of gift- giving finds this holiday season invigorating. The warm fuzzies this mother of six receives from giving and receiving gifts are tender. So rewarding are the smiles, wonder and delight as paper is flying and the special gift is revealed. So much love is packed under our Christmas tree.

The gifts at the foot of the cross are the most precious gifts of all. However, recently, this saint discovered a gift, wrapped in grace, and left unopened. I could not imagine how I had missed it. My guilt and condemnation in my roles as mother and wife shrouded this gift. As I drew near to the cross, I noticed the tag did not say, “Wait until My Second Coming.” In bold red capital letters, it screamed “Open Now!” As I unpacked this gift, all my wasted years of stress and fear faded away. Peace, joy and victory tumbled forth like packing peanuts. Tucked within were the fruits of righteousness, holiness and moral character. Sin had no more dominion over me. What is this gift? The Gift of No Condemnation!

Father, thank You for Your gift of no condemnation.
Because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross,
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
May I see myself as you see me.

Zane Williams