The Greatest gift I can give my Grandchildren

Dear J.T., Avery, Emma, and Ella Rose I know you will receive all kinds of toys and clothes this Christmas that will ultimately end up in the back of your closet, and eventually, they will be thrown away. My dear grandchildren, there is one gift I hope you discover in your life that is not found under a tree. This gift will last a lifetime, and It will see you through every situation and every age in your life. I know your parents and Sunday school teachers will teach you the stories of Jesus, but I want you to learn more than the stories, I want you to know the heart of God, and I want you to know Emmanuel. “Immanuel, God with us” (Matt. 1:23). Immanuel is more than a name; it is a description of who He was, is, and will be for you. You are going to need Him more than you can ever imagine. “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! (Immanuel, Jesus Christ, has) overcome the world (John 16:33).” When the world, your friends, call you names and cast you out of their friend circle, remember the story of Zacchaeus. Remember how Jesus called him by name and remember that Jesus thought Zacchaeus was worth spending time with (Luke 19:1-10). When the world thinks you are untouchable, unworthy, and unwanted, remember the leper, and remember how Jesus reached out His hand and touched the untouchable (Matt. 8:1-3). When you're broken, guilty, and humiliated by your shame, remember the woman who was caught in her sin and was brought to Jesus. Everyone wanted to destroy her. Jesus rescued her and forgave her (John 8:1-11). When you are overwhelmed by the storms of life, remember The One who can walk on water and calm your storm with just a word (Mark 6:47-52, Mark 4:35-41). When you are heartbroken and unable to hold back the tears from your loss, turn to the Christ of compassion. Remember that when Jesus saw Mary weeping for Lazarus, Jesus also wept (John 11:33-35). When Jesus saw the widow of Nain morning over her son, his heart went out to her (Luke 7:11-13). Know this, my dear grandchildren, when times are hard, and it looks like the entire world is against you, Immanuel, God is with you. You are not alone. I want you to know that Christ, The One who is the very heart of God. As you grow older, there will come a day when you realize the full weight of your sin. Guilt will try and make a home in your heart. When that day comes, remember the gift that God gave you so many years ago. God gave you, His one and only Son so that you don’t have to live in your guilt and brokenness. Remember the words Christ spoke on the cross “Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34). Freedom from guilt, the forgiveness of sin, Immanuel, this is the gift of God. Unlike some of the gifts you will receive this Christmas, the gift of God is not forced upon you. It is not like some of the sweaters and socks you will receive through the years. The gift of God is a choice that is waiting for you. My prayer for you is that you will find the gift given to you before you were ever born. Born in Bethlehem, crucified outside Jerusalem, Jesus is not found in a tomb. He is revealed in the pages of The Book and the heart of the seeker. He rose from the grave, conquered death, and showed His power to give life, forgive sin, and transform the believer. I look forward to the day when you accept the gift and enter into the covenant with Christ through the waters of baptism. I look forward to the day when we hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matt. 25) You will always be my grandchild. I look forward to the day when you will be a child of God. In Him Papaw Tom