Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. ....My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 3 and 1 John 2

Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. ....My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 3:7-8, 2:1-2

This morning, I continued with my listening/reading of a Christmas/Advent devotional from John Piper. Today's entry focuses on what John Piper sees as three implications - or gifts - that result from the truths espoused by John in his epistles for this morning.  The truths for this morning - on Christmas Day - include how (1) Christ came to destroy the works of the devil - sin, and (2) that we have forgiveness of sin.  The implications, or gifts, that Piper sees in these verses are:

1. We have a purpose for living
2. Hope that our failures will be forgiven
3. Christ will help us

These are all incredible encouragements and underscore how Christmas - and of course Christ - are worthy of celebration.

Christ for us is indeed the greatest gift of all time - and this morning Piper helps us begin to unpack how many blessings flow from this. Merry Christmas to all!

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are worthy of celebration and white-hot worship - today and every day.  I am not deserving of how You give me the greatest gift of all time - Yourself...and You never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving at all - I worry and I have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.