Christmas Deals

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve been trying to get my Christmas shopping done.  Although it can be a bit of a hassle, I really don’t mind it too much. But what makes it really fun is trying to get the best price possible or finding that really great deal.  I don’t go out on Black Friday, but I have learned that many Christmas deals carry through the next week and that there are ways really make your dollar stretch. 

For example, last week I saved 30% on my Amazon purchases because it was “CyberMonday Week!”  Kim and I went to Kohl’s with our 20% and 25% coupons in hand, getting our discounts on already discounted items bringing some items to 75% off the original price.  In one store, before purchasing the item I was going to buy, I found a 20% coupon on-line via my iPhone.  And in Toys-R-Us, I found the same toy I was buying on Amazon for $5 less and asked the cashier if they would match the price.  And, they did! 

But, can you imagine walking into a store and seeing a sign that says, 100% off?  In other words, what they are selling is completely free. What one would normally have to pay something for has a price of $0!  Now that would be some deal!  I think we would all buy a few items in that store.

Well in fact, that’s the way it is for us when it comes to God’s forgiveness and salvation. The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 - NIV) and “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God….” (Ephesians 2:8 - NIV)

Although we ought to be paying something for our salvation, God himself has paid the price through the giving of his Son, Jesus.  When it comes to God’s grace and forgiveness, there is no 20%, 30%, or even 75% off. Rather, what God offers to us is completely without charge. It is 100% off.  It is 100% free.  It truly is the best Christmas deal of all! 

Have a great day and enjoy the shopping! 

Pastor Tim Harris

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