Embracing the Gift of God's Love at Christmas

 

Summary

Christmas is a time to reflect on the profound love and presence of God in our lives. In the hustle and bustle of finding the perfect gift, we often lose sight of the true essence of Christmas—God's love for us. The story of Johnny and his red wagon humorously illustrates our attempts to negotiate with God, but it also reminds us of the simplicity and purity of a child's faith. The prophecy from Isaiah, fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, is a testament to God's promise to be with us, to be our Emmanuel. Jesus' birth was not just a historical event but a divine intervention, bringing light to those in darkness and offering a relationship with God through His life and sacrifice.

God's love is demonstrated in the incarnation of Jesus, who came to rescue us from our sinful state. This love is unconditional, not based on who we are or what we've done, but on His desire for a relationship with us. His presence is a gift of grace, covering a debt we cannot pay. Despite our unworthiness, God provided a sacrifice in Jesus, taking our place on the cross to offer forgiveness. This is the ultimate message of Christmas: God became flesh to save us.

Moreover, Jesus is the Prince of Peace, offering a peace that surpasses worldly understanding. True peace is found in a personal relationship with Him, not in external circumstances. His presence also brings the gift of life—eternal life and abundant life here on earth. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the greatest gifts, offering us a chance to experience the fullness of God's love.

The question remains: Have you received this gift? It's not enough to hear about it; it must be accepted in your heart. By confessing and believing in Jesus, you invite Him into your life as Savior and Lord. This Christmas, may you embrace the indescribable gift of God's love, grace, peace, and life.

Key Takeaways

- Christmas is a reminder of God's love, embodied in the birth of Jesus, who came to be with us as Emmanuel. This divine presence is not just a historical event but a personal invitation to experience God's love and light in our lives. [34:54]

- God's love is unconditional and not based on our actions or worthiness. Jesus' incarnation is a testament to this love, as He came to rescue us from sin and offer a relationship with God. This love is a gift that transcends our understanding and circumstances. [39:01]

- Grace is a central theme of Christmas, as Jesus' sacrifice covers the debt of sin we cannot pay. Despite our unworthiness, God provided a way for forgiveness through Jesus, who took our place on the cross. This grace is a gift we must accept with humility and gratitude. [41:32]

- True peace is found in a relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace. While the world offers temporary solutions, only Jesus provides lasting peace that fills our hearts and minds. This peace is a gift that transforms our lives and aligns us with God's purpose. [43:57]

- The gift of life through Jesus is both eternal and abundant. By believing in Him, we receive eternal life and experience the fullness of life on earth. This gift is an invitation to live in the power and love of God, embracing the height, depth, width, and length of His Spirit. [45:25]

Youtube Chapters

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [33:07] - Introduction to Christmas Message
- [34:54] - The True Meaning of Christmas
- [35:48] - Johnny's Red Wagon Story
- [36:46] - Prophecy of Isaiah
- [37:55] - Fulfillment in Matthew
- [39:01] - God With Us: Emmanuel
- [40:23] - The Gift of Love
- [41:32] - The Gift of Grace
- [42:32] - Our Greatest Need: A Savior
- [43:07] - The Gift of Peace
- [43:57] - True Peace in Jesus
- [45:25] - The Gift of Life
- [46:28] - One Solitary Life
- [48:13] - Receiving the Gift
- [49:59] - Invitation to Respond
- [51:01] - Closing and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
2. Matthew 1:18-23
3. John 3:16

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the prophecy in Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 say about the coming of Jesus and His titles? How do these titles reflect His role in our lives? [36:46]

2. In Matthew 1:18-23, how does the angel reassure Joseph about Mary's pregnancy, and what significance does the name "Emmanuel" hold? [37:55]

3. According to John 3:16, what is the reason God sent His Son into the world, and what promise is given to those who believe in Him? [39:01]

4. How does the story of Johnny and his red wagon illustrate our attempts to negotiate with God, and what does it reveal about childlike faith? [35:48]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the prophecy in Isaiah about Jesus being the "Prince of Peace" challenge our understanding of peace in today's world? [43:57]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of God's love and grace, especially in relation to our unworthiness? How does this impact our view of forgiveness? [41:32]

3. How does the concept of Jesus as "Emmanuel" change the way we perceive God's presence in our daily lives? [39:01]

4. In what ways does the sermon describe the gift of life that Jesus offers, and how does this relate to both eternal and abundant life? [45:25]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the hustle and bustle of your Christmas preparations. How can you ensure that you don't lose sight of the true essence of Christmas, which is God's love for you? [34:54]

2. Consider the unconditional nature of God's love as described in the sermon. How can you extend this kind of love to someone in your life who may not seem deserving? [40:23]

3. The sermon mentions that true peace is found in a relationship with Jesus. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him and experience this peace more fully? [43:57]

4. The story of Johnny and his red wagon humorously highlights our attempts to negotiate with God. Can you identify a time when you tried to bargain with God? What did you learn from that experience? [35:48]

5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of receiving the gift of Jesus in our hearts. Have you truly accepted this gift, and if not, what is holding you back? [48:13]

6. How can you share the message of God's love and the gift of Jesus with someone who may not know Him this Christmas season? [49:59]

7. Reflect on the idea of Jesus bringing abundant life. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to live more abundantly in His love and purpose? [45:25]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: God's Love as Emmanuel
The essence of Christmas is the profound love of God, embodied in the birth of Jesus, who came to be with us as Emmanuel. This divine presence is not just a historical event but a personal invitation to experience God's love and light in our lives. The prophecy from Isaiah, fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, is a testament to God's promise to be with us. Jesus' birth was a divine intervention, bringing light to those in darkness and offering a relationship with God through His life and sacrifice. This Christmas, reflect on the true meaning of the season, which is not about the material gifts but the gift of God's love and presence. [34:54]

Isaiah 7:14 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

Reflection: How can you make room in your heart and life to experience the presence of Emmanuel this Christmas season?


Day 2: Unconditional Love and Grace
God's love is unconditional and not based on our actions or worthiness. Jesus' incarnation is a testament to this love, as He came to rescue us from sin and offer a relationship with God. This love is a gift that transcends our understanding and circumstances. Despite our unworthiness, God provided a sacrifice in Jesus, taking our place on the cross to offer forgiveness. This grace is a gift we must accept with humility and gratitude. Reflect on the depth of God's love for you and how it can transform your life. [39:01]

Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."

Reflection: In what ways can you show gratitude for God's unconditional love and grace in your daily interactions with others?


Day 3: The Gift of Grace
Grace is a central theme of Christmas, as Jesus' sacrifice covers the debt of sin we cannot pay. Despite our unworthiness, God provided a way for forgiveness through Jesus, who took our place on the cross. This grace is a gift we must accept with humility and gratitude. The story of Johnny and his red wagon humorously illustrates our attempts to negotiate with God, but it also reminds us of the simplicity and purity of a child's faith. Embrace the grace offered to you and let it guide your actions and thoughts. [41:32]

Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."

Reflection: How can you actively live out the grace you have received in your relationships and daily decisions?


Day 4: True Peace in Jesus
True peace is found in a relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace. While the world offers temporary solutions, only Jesus provides lasting peace that fills our hearts and minds. This peace is a gift that transforms our lives and aligns us with God's purpose. Reflect on the areas of your life where you need peace and invite Jesus to bring His peace into those situations. [43:57]

Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you lack peace. How can you invite Jesus to bring His peace into that situation today?


Day 5: The Gift of Life
The gift of life through Jesus is both eternal and abundant. By believing in Him, we receive eternal life and experience the fullness of life on earth. This gift is an invitation to live in the power and love of God, embracing the height, depth, width, and length of His Spirit. Reflect on the abundant life Jesus offers and how you can live in the fullness of His love and purpose. [45:25]

John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

Reflection: What steps can you take to embrace the abundant life Jesus offers and live fully in His love and purpose today?

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Quotes

"Christmas is about God's love for you and for me. It does remind me of my favorite Christmas story. Some of you may have heard this before, but it still is my favorite Christmas story. This little boy named Johnny, he really wanted a red wagon for Christmas, and he just knew that he couldn't count on Santa, so he went straight to the top. And he got out his piece of paper and his pencil, and he wrote a letter to Jesus." [00:35:14] (27 seconds)


"It's the prophecy of the coming of the Christ. And just to remind you, let me read it for you. The people walking in darkness has seen a great light. And on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned. For unto us, a child is born. And unto us, a son is given. And the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." [00:37:05] (26 seconds)


"The promised child in our very presence as promised. Right here, right when we needed him most, wrapped in human flesh, dwelling among us, so that through his life and through his sacrifice, we who were lost could be found and we who were flawed could be forgiven. That's why God came near, to rescue you and me into a relationship with God. And he promised in his coming to give us the gift of love." [00:39:09] (32 seconds)


"His gift of love comes in John 3, 16. For God so loved the world, for God so loved you and me, he gave his one and only son, that whoever would believe in him, whoever would believe in him, would not perish, but would have eternal life. It's because of God's perfect love that he incarcerated himself in flesh." [00:39:50] (24 seconds)


"It doesn't matter who you are. It doesn't matter what you've done. It doesn't matter where you've been. It only matters that he loves you and desires a relationship with you. And so God did what was only necessary, only what he could do. He became flesh and dwelt among us. He stepped into time and space in order to rescue you and me from our sin." [00:40:23] (26 seconds)


"His presence is a gift of love. His presence also is a gift of grace. Grace is receiving a gift that you don't deserve to cover a debt you cannot pay. And in Christmas, the sinless God became man to atone for the sinful mistakes of every person from the fall of Adam and Eve to you and me today." [00:40:58] (21 seconds)


"And now the challenge comes that there's nothing we can do to ever earn God's forgiveness or his favor. And so God did for you and me what we could not do for ourselves. He took our place. And that really is the ultimate story. Or the ultimate message of Christmas. God became flesh in order to take your place and my place on a cross so that we could be forgiven." [00:42:03] (28 seconds)


"His presence is a gift of love. It's a gift of grace. And it's a gift of peace. Go back to the prophecy. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and he shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father. Say it with me. Prince of Peace. You know, people look for peace in all kinds of directions." [00:43:21] (21 seconds)


"And he became flesh in order to bring us peace. See, real peace can only be found in one place. And that's in a personal relationship with Jesus. Our trouble is we want peace without the Prince of Peace. And that's not possible. Jesus said this. Peace. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives it, but as I give it." [00:44:00] (24 seconds)


"John 10 .10 says, The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I have come to give life and to give life abundantly. See, from the cradle to the cross to the crown, Jesus did what was necessary to seek and to save the lost, to bring them to him because he wants to give each one of us life." [00:44:56] (21 seconds)


"Eternal life in heaven and an abundant earthly life here today. But here's the thing. It's only when his life is born in us through our belief that our hearts become this lowly major that receives his grace, that houses the Savior, so that we can begin to experience what Romans says is the height and depth and width and length of the Holy Spirit. The love of God that's found only in Jesus." [00:45:57] (33 seconds)


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Transcript
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