You Can Trust The Genuineness of God's Gifts

According to Consumer Reports, sales of counterfeit and pirated products totaled between $1.7 trillion and $4.5 trillion globally last year, and this figure is expected to grow exponentially. Consequently, there is a significant concern that the gifts people are shopping for during the Christmas season, especially online, may be fake.

Although it's understandable to feel apprehensive about shopping these days, one thing remains certain: you can always trust the authenticity of God's gifts. You can have confidence in everything that God provides, and that assurance is rooted in His Word.
To grasp this idea, let's examine the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke. He begins by stating, "Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught" (Luke 1:1-4.)

Luke's account doesn't start with phrases like "Once upon a time..." or "In a galaxy far, far away." This is because the Bible serves as both a spiritual oracle and a historical document, written over a span of more than 2,200 years across three continents and in three different languages. Additionally, the Holy Scriptures contain numerous archaeological and numerical clues that can help even skeptics find belief.

As you read Luke's opening statement, you'll realize that this is not a fairytale, folklore, or fictional story. Instead, Dr. Luke presents the details of Jesus' birth, life, and ministry with remarkable precision. He even interviewed Mary, the mother of Jesus, and, as a physician, found the miraculous conception to be extraordinary. Therefore, it is no surprise that Luke begins by emphasizing the authenticity of his writing. As an accomplished historian and physician, Luke was well-suited to compile this particular Gospel. Moreover, the direct recipient, Theophilus, adds to the integrity and trustworthiness of Luke’s authorship and writing.

How do these facts affect your life? How can the opening verses of a gospel written over two thousand years ago be helpful to you? Well, if you can trust the validity of the Scriptures, then you can rely on every promise that God has made.
This Christmas, you can have confidence that surpasses your circumstances, hope that rises above your hardships, trust that exceeds your troubles, and a focus on faith that overcomes any fear. Luke's account is solid, reliable, and trustworthy. A strong belief in God's Word—the Bible—is essential to truly understanding Christmas and to spiritual growth.

You can trust in the authenticity of God's Word and in every plan He has for you!