1 Corinthians 12-16: Of First Importance

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. - 1 Cor. 5: 3-8: 

This is the message of most importance.  Among the hustle and bustle of this season, the trappings and the trimmings, the giving and receiving, we overlook the gift of most importance.  God appeared.  He appeared in the flesh, he died for our sins, he was buried, he was raised and he appeared to the twelve, to hundreds of others and he appeared to Paul.

He has appeared to countless others down through the ages.  He has appeared in word and in deed.  He appears when we least expect it and certainly when we least deserve it, but he appears.  The vision of him and his truth becomes seared in our memory.  It is more than we can describe and  it keeps our faith alive. This is the true gift this time of year, he has appeared.  He appeared and we are forever changed.  Love is here.  We love him because he first loved us.  Everything Paul said about Christ is true. This is the message of first importance. 

2010 Post - 1 Corinthians 12-16:  Seek the Giver Not the Gift