You may recall that at the cross, just before he died, Jesus cried out, “Tetelestai!” (which means It is done; it is paid, it is finished!) What’s finished; what is done; what’s been paid? The price for our salvation: the payment of our sin… – it is a gift of God, offered freely to all who will accept and receive it. That’s what the Christmas message is about, the gift of God to mankind. But, as with any gift, it only becomes ours if we accept and receive it. Forgiveness and eternal life are not forced or bestowed on us automatically, but they are offered freely to all who will receive. Friends, it’s our call!

R. Ian Seymour