And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, ²² he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,

Colossians 1:21-22 (ESV)

THE GREATEST GIFT

Have you ever been to a rivalry game? Alabama vs. Auburn, Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State, Duke vs. UNC, Falcons vs. Saints—they can get pretty intense. Walking into the opposing team’s stadium, wearing the “wrong” colors, and just hoping your team can pull off a win? The worst part is walking through that sea of people in opposing colors. Sometimes, you hear comments or snide remarks about the team you cheer for. You know you’re there for an intense game, but those fans are the hostile ones—the rude ones, the ones who lack honor. You would never act as foolishly or as loudly as they do… or so you tell yourself.

When you think about the opposing team, you can use pretty strong language to describe them. Alienated, hostile, evil… These are not words we like to apply to ourselves. We prefer to think of ourselves as neutral at worst or maybe just a little misguided. But Scripture pulls no punches. Our sin created a barrier far too great for us to overcome! We became spiritually dead and incapable of bridging that gap on our own. This wasn’t a minor misunderstanding—it was a complete separation between humanity and the God who created us to live in perfect relationship with Him.

But God had a greater plan! He would send a gift for you and for me. Here’s the craziest part: God didn’t just meet us halfway in our hostility toward Him. He went all the way to bridge the divide in our relationship.

Our sin built up a debt we could not pay. We were eternally separated until Jesus filled the gap. Through His death, we were given a chance at life. This is a free gift, one offered to all people. Reconciliation and a new identity are available to everyone. But the key word here is offer. While God has done everything to make reconciliation possible, each of us has a choice to make. The gift of salvation is free, but we must choose to receive it. Just as you would accept a present when it’s given to you, you must accept the gift of salvation through Jesus.

You may have heard this message before, but during the busy holiday season, it’s important to pause and reflect on what we are truly celebrating. Christmas is about more than family gatherings, decorations, and exchanging presents—it’s about the greatest gift ever given: the gift of reconciliation through Jesus Christ. But what will you do with this gift? Will you receive it with open hands, or will you reject it, as so many people do?

If you’ve already trusted in Jesus as your Savior, I encourage you to take time today to thank God for the gift of reconciliation. Thank Him for sending Jesus to bridge the gap that separated you from Him. Reflect on the incredible truth that, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, you stand before God as holy, blameless, and free from accusation. This is not because of anything you’ve done but because of everything Christ has done for you.

If you’ve never made the decision to trust in Jesus as your Savior, I urge you to consider the magnitude of what’s being offered to you. You can be reconciled to God. Your sins, though many, can be forgiven. The debt you owe, which you could never repay, has already been paid in full by Jesus. And you can receive this gift today.

If you’re unsure about what that means or if you want to take the next step in accepting this gift, I encourage you to reach out. Our team is here to help. We would love to walk alongside you as you explore what it means to follow Jesus and embrace the life He offers.

Sellers Hickman serves as College Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their one year old, Emery. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.