“What do you like about Christmas?“ I asked my young granddaughter.
“Presents!” she replied with a giggle. I wasn’t surprised. I would have answered the same way when I was her age.
But now as a grandmother, I have a different perspective. For me, the years of accumulating possessions are waning, and I’d rather downsize and re-gift what I have. But I still enjoy buying gifts for my grandkids and others.
Although I’m not looking for packages labeled “To Lydia” under the tree, there are other gifts I really want. They’re the ones mentioned in the Bible in the book of Revelation. I don’t completely understand them, but I know they’re beyond imagination. And they are reserved for those who overcome. Four times Jesus says, “To him who overcomes, I will give” (Revelation 2:7,17, 26; 3:21).
What will Jesus give overcomers? The crown of life (Revelation 2:10); authority over nations (2:26); the morning star (2:28); their names in the book of life (3:5); and the right to reign with Jesus on His throne (3:21). Do these gifts sound good to you?
But how do we overcome? We all experience challenges, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. How do we respond to them? Avoid them, complain about them, or wallow in them? Or do we surmount them and persevere through our difficulties with God’s help?
Jesus, whose birth we celebrate, is the greatest example of overcoming. In John 16:33 Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Through His power within us, we too can overcome and look forward to incredible gifts.
Lord, through your power, help us live as victorious overcomers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Lydia Harris
About Lydia Harris
Lydia E. Harris is happily married to Milt, her sweetheart for 48 years. She has two married children, five grandkids, and is the author of a Bible study, "Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting" (AMG Publishers, 2010 release). She's also a tea enthusiast and writes the column "A Cup of Tea with Lydia."
