The Greatest Gift | CHIEF GEORGE COTE

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 KJV

I remember hearing a story about this young boy in an orphanage and there was this couple that wanted to adopt him, and they were to meet him, and interview him. The boy was brought to the couple, and they were very excited when they saw him. The couple told the boy, “would you like to be our son and come home with us?” The boy asked, “what do you have to offer me?” The couple said, “well we will buy you clothes, buy you toys, and give you a nice home.” The boy said, “why would I go home with you on that offer?” The couple were confused and asked, “why would you not come home with us with all that we will provide for you?” The boy said, “I get that all here already, all I want is someone to love me!”

The world can offer a lot of things, but it can’t offer what God can provide. Charity covers a multitude of sin. 1 Peter 4:8 (KJV). I recall when I was in the world and sin was the barrier between me and God. Nothing could satisfy the hunger I had in my empty soul. The greatest gift to mankind was the birth of Jesus, our King of kings, Lord of lords. Christmas to me was getting gifts and candies as part of a tradition that I always expected year after year. The real meaning of Christmas was not part of my life back in my early years. Once I gave my life to Christ, it gave me a whole new relationship on that special day, December, 25, every year. I look forward not to the gifts that the world provides, but the gift of Christ given by our Heavenly Father. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16.(KJV) The scripture is the greatest love letter given to me and to those who believe. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Psalms 23:1. (KJV). With God in our lives, what more do we need? He is our protector and provider. HIs wisdom and knowledge is a guiding tool to fulfill the will of God. The enemy cometh not but to kill, and to steal, and to destroy, but I come to give life, and to give it abundantly. John 10:10 (KJV). Satan is always working to destroy what God has created since the garden of eden, when Eve was deceived by the serpent, therefore sin came into the world. Through Christ, we are able to live. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled: neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 (KJV). The love of God gives us the peace we seek. It’s not material wealth that God has for us, it is the glory of His ability to be content no matter our circumstance. Even the wealthy need His blessings. Every good gift and perfect gift comes from above. James 1:17 (KJV). A promise for spiritual provision which transcends our circumstances. Christmas is always a reminder of the birth of Christ, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to all men. Luke 2:14 (KJV). Imagine seeing the angels announcing this beautiful gift to mankind, seeing the glory of God coming to fruition as the scriptures says: Fear not, for I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 (KJV) For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37 (KJV). His love promises that to us and His glory shines through the impossible; that is love unconditionally provided. When God speaks; love is released. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (KJV).

Rest assured a promise from God, Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ, we will never be taken away from the Love of God. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the Shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1 (KJV). God will protect us as a Father loves His child, we are his children adopted into His kingdom. According as he hath chosen us in him; before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Christ Jesus to himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. Ephesians 1:4-5 (KJV). Living in the family of God provides the love you need, the hope you seek, the mercy He gives, the unmerited grace He provides, the forgiveness of our sins, the will He has planned, all for the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. Life has never been the same since I built a relationship with Christ, having His light shine in my life, I allow the Light of Christ shine through me. He gets all the glory for He has delivered me from a life of destruction for His love overcame the darkness I was in. In a broken world, we come to Christ broken. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalms 147:3 (KJV). Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV). We rejoice with the angels in heaven for the birth of Jesus Christ coming into the world not to condemn the world but through him that it might be saved. John 3:17 (KJV).

Lord, thank you for coming into my life, your love is unconditional and it was the hope I was seeking and the love you have given to heal my broken heart. May others proclaim your gift of salvation. I give you all the glory. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

George Cote
Chief of Cote First Nation
Treaty 4 Territory in Saskatchewan

With the arrival of Jesus over 2000 years ago which was prophesied in the Old Testament, we are blessed to have this love scattered all over the world, to all Nations to know that we are not alone when we feel alone; the love of God is a glory we can always cherish when we are going through tough times, and also to be thankful in the good times. Salvation is of Christ; it’s free and it is the best choice I have made in my life. Christmas is a time to reflect on the goodness of God for providing a hope in me and others who have believed and gave their hearts to Christ to make Him our Lord and Saviour. A King that will rule in righteousness so no sin will destroy us!