As a child, Christmas was a time of wonder for me. School was closed. Sledding, hot chocolate, decorations, and social gatherings were the order of the day. Finally, on early Christmas morning, I would scurry downstairs to behold the lights ablaze on the tree and gifts stuffed underneath. With great anticipation, and impatience, I would wait for the rest of the family to get out of bed so we could open our presents.

So, “Is Christmas truly about gifts?” I say, “Yes, absolutely.” Christmas continues to be a time of wonder for me; but for a very different reason now. Today, let’s go back in time to one of those early Christmas mornings infused with that child-like exuberance. However, this time, let’s view the presents under the tree with spiritual eyes and envision the gift-giver as God Almighty. In keeping with the spirit of the song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” let’s relish each present as, one by one, we open Twelve Gifts of Christmas From Our Heavenly Father.

Is there any doubt that a full-fledged spiritual war is raging all around us? The legal, moral, and social battles taking place in our homeland are not simply ideological; they are spiritual as well. The increasing rampant rage, random violence, and growing disregard for human life leave many of our neighbors fearfully asking, “What is happening in America?” The entire body of Christ should understand the origin of this onslaught because nothing new is happening in Satan’s war against God. Only the intensity has changed, increasing to become a full-frontal assault. The ultimate goal is to separate as many people as possible from God Almighty for eternity.

What is the solution? How do Christians witness to lost souls in the face of increasing hostility? The answer to all these questions has been, and continues to be, Hope Through the Truth. It is an eternal living hope for those who believe the truth of God’s Word exemplified by Jesus’s perfect life. God’s plan for his ambassadors is the same today as it was two-thousand years ago when Jesus was resurrected from the grave. The church needs to seize this golden opportunity with enthusiasm, standing in the gap between eternal life and death; calm and resolute in the faith; pointing concerned souls to the Messiah, the Christ. For believers, these darkening days are not something to fear; but should be a time of excitement and expectation.