THE GREATEST GIFT EVER!!

Today is my birthday!  This morning I read about the greatest gift ever given.

Hebrews 9: 11-14:

When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation.   He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.  The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean to sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.  How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

It might be a little cumbersome to read through the description of the old system's rituals and sacrifices.  But it is so good to be reminded that JESUS did for us what no religion can:  He gave us REDEMPTION!  He gave HIMSELF so that we can live our lives totally forgiven and free.  Today I thank God for another year in which I am blessed to serve the living God!

p.s.  In a smaller and more superficial way, I also really like the gift that Chip gave me- a small, portable speaker system for my ipod that I can take outside!