The True Gift of Christmas: Receiving Jesus
Summary
In our Christmas Eve, Eve service, we gathered to reflect on the true essence of gift-giving, especially during this festive season. We began by sharing personal stories about the joy and challenges of finding the perfect gift, highlighting the effort and thoughtfulness that goes into selecting something meaningful for our loved ones. This led us to the realization that not all gifts are created equal; some hold more significance and value than others.
The greatest gift of all, we believe, is Jesus Christ. Unlike the gifts we choose for others, Jesus was not a gift we selected. Romans 3:10-12 reminds us that no one is righteous or seeks God on their own. Jesus is a gift we could never afford, as 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 explains that we were bought at a price, a debt paid by Jesus himself. Unlike traditional gifts placed under a tree, Jesus was placed on a tree, crucified for our sins, offering us salvation.
Our role is not to search for, purchase, or unwrap Jesus as we do with other gifts. Instead, our task is to receive Him. The value of Jesus does not diminish if we choose not to accept Him; rather, we miss out on the blessings He offers. The gift of Jesus is immeasurably more valuable than any material gift, and it is available to all who willingly receive it.
As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the blessings we have in Jesus, often without realizing it. He is the living water that sustains us, and His presence in our lives is a gift that keeps on giving. This season, let us reflect on whether we have truly received the gift of Jesus and recognize the blessings that come with it.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Effort in Gift-Giving: The process of selecting a meaningful gift involves thoughtfulness and effort, reflecting the love and care we have for others. This mirrors the intentionality of God's gift to us in Jesus, who was given out of love and purpose. [03:19]
2. Jesus, the Greatest Gift: Unlike material gifts, Jesus is a gift we did not choose or purchase. He was given to us freely, and His value is beyond measure. This gift is available to all, regardless of our ability to earn or deserve it. [11:45]
3. Receiving the Gift of Jesus: Our role is to receive Jesus, acknowledging that His value remains unchanged whether we accept Him or not. By receiving Him, we open ourselves to the blessings and eternal value He brings into our lives. [15:24]
4. The Unseen Blessings in Jesus: Often, we are unaware of the blessings we have in Jesus. He is the living water that fulfills our deepest needs, and His presence in our lives is a constant source of strength and joy. [20:19]
5. Reflecting on Our Acceptance: This Christmas, we are called to reflect on whether we have truly received the gift of Jesus. His love and blessings are available to us, and by accepting Him, we embrace the fullness of life He offers. [22:19]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:28] - The Art of Gift-Giving
- [03:19] - Finding the Perfect Gift
- [04:31] - The Joy of Wrapping
- [05:28] - Christmas Morning Unwrapping
- [06:29] - Experiencing Joy
- [07:47] - Not All Gifts Are the Same
- [09:41] - Making Choices
- [10:49] - Unwrapping the Gifts
- [11:45] - Jesus, the Greatest Gift
- [12:45] - The Cost of Jesus
- [13:45] - Jesus on the Tree
- [15:24] - Receiving the Gift
- [17:26] - The Value of Acceptance
- [19:37] - The Blessings of Jesus
- [22:19] - Have You Received Jesus?
- [23:03] - Closing Prayer and Offering
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 3:10-12
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- Ephesians 3:20
---
Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 3:10-12, what does it say about humanity's natural inclination towards seeking God? How does this relate to the idea of Jesus being a gift we did not choose? [11:45]
2. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, what does it mean that we were "bought at a price"? How does this concept of being bought relate to the sermon’s message about Jesus being a gift we cannot purchase? [12:45]
3. How does the pastor illustrate the difference between material gifts and the gift of Jesus during the sermon? What examples does he use to show that not all gifts are the same? [07:47]
4. What does Ephesians 3:20 suggest about the nature of God's gifts and blessings? How does this verse support the idea that Jesus is the greatest gift? [17:26]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus being placed on a tree, as opposed to under a tree like traditional gifts? What does this symbolize about the nature of His sacrifice? [13:45]
2. The pastor mentions that the value of Jesus does not change if we choose not to accept Him. What does this imply about the nature of God's gift and our role in receiving it? [16:17]
3. Reflecting on Ephesians 3:20, what might it mean for believers to experience blessings they are unaware of? How does this relate to the idea of Jesus as the living water that sustains us? [20:19]
4. In what ways does the sermon encourage individuals to reflect on their acceptance of Jesus? How does this reflection impact one's understanding of the blessings available through Him? [22:19]
---
Application Questions:
1. The sermon discusses the effort and thoughtfulness involved in gift-giving. How can you apply this intentionality in your relationships with others, reflecting God's love and purpose? [03:19]
2. Jesus is described as a gift we did not choose or purchase. How does this understanding challenge your perspective on grace and receiving gifts you feel unworthy of? [11:45]
3. Consider the blessings in your life that you might be unaware of. How can you cultivate a greater awareness and gratitude for these blessings, especially those that come through your faith in Jesus? [20:19]
4. Reflect on your personal journey of accepting Jesus. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him and fully embrace the life He offers? [22:19]
5. The sermon encourages us to recognize the unseen blessings in Jesus. Identify one area in your life where you might be overlooking His presence and blessings. How can you become more attuned to these gifts? [20:19]
6. How can you share the message of Jesus as the greatest gift with someone in your life who may not have received Him yet? What practical steps can you take to demonstrate His love and grace? [17:26]
7. As you celebrate this Christmas season, what specific actions can you take to ensure that the focus remains on the true essence of the holiday, which is the gift of Jesus? [23:03]
Devotional
Day 1: The Intentionality of Gift-Giving
Gift-giving is an art that requires thoughtfulness and effort, reflecting the love and care we have for others. This mirrors the intentionality of God's gift to us in Jesus, who was given out of love and purpose. When we select gifts for our loved ones, we often spend time considering what would bring them joy and meaning. This process is not just about the material value of the gift but the sentiment and thought behind it. Similarly, God's gift of Jesus to humanity was not a random act but a deliberate expression of His love and desire for a relationship with us. [03:19]
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you received a gift that was particularly meaningful to you. What made it special, and how can you apply that same intentionality in your relationships with others today?
Day 2: The Unchosen Gift of Jesus
Unlike material gifts, Jesus is a gift we did not choose or purchase. He was given to us freely, and His value is beyond measure. This gift is available to all, regardless of our ability to earn or deserve it. In a world where we often measure worth by what we can achieve or acquire, the gift of Jesus stands apart as something we could never earn. It is a reminder of God's grace and the immeasurable love He has for each of us. [11:45]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Consider the ways you might be trying to earn God's love or approval. How can you embrace the truth that Jesus is a gift freely given to you, without conditions?
Day 3: Embracing the Gift of Jesus
Our role is to receive Jesus, acknowledging that His value remains unchanged whether we accept Him or not. By receiving Him, we open ourselves to the blessings and eternal value He brings into our lives. The act of receiving is not passive but an active choice to welcome Jesus into our hearts and lives. It is about recognizing the transformative power of His presence and allowing it to shape our actions and attitudes. [15:24]
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:12, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to actively receive Jesus into your life? How might this change the way you approach your daily routines and interactions with others?
Day 4: Recognizing the Unseen Blessings
Often, we are unaware of the blessings we have in Jesus. He is the living water that fulfills our deepest needs, and His presence in our lives is a constant source of strength and joy. In the busyness of life, it is easy to overlook the subtle ways Jesus sustains and nourishes us. Taking time to reflect on His blessings can deepen our gratitude and awareness of His work in our lives. [20:19]
"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" (John 7:38, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one blessing in your life that you may have taken for granted. How can you express gratitude for this blessing today, and how might it change your perspective?
Day 5: Reflecting on Our Acceptance of Jesus
This Christmas, we are called to reflect on whether we have truly received the gift of Jesus. His love and blessings are available to us, and by accepting Him, we embrace the fullness of life He offers. This reflection is an invitation to examine our hearts and consider the depth of our relationship with Jesus. It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to Him and to live in the light of His love and grace. [22:19]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your relationship with Jesus. What areas of your life might need a deeper acceptance of His love and guidance? How can you take a step towards embracing His gift more fully today?
Quotes
"We believe that Jesus is the greatest gift of all. We believe that he is. That's why you're here, isn't it? That's why you're here celebrating Christmas. Eve, Eve. The main difference is that we did not pick Jesus out as a gift the way we pick gifts for other people." [00:11:45] (19 seconds)
"Romans chapter 3 verse 10 and 12, 10 through 12 says this. As it is written there, is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away. They have together become worthless. There is no one who does good, not even one." [00:12:07] (18 seconds)
"Secondly, we don't buy Jesus like we buy regular Christmas gifts. Nobody here or who has ever lived is rich enough to buy Jesus as a gift. It doesn't matter how much money you have in the bank, how much Bitcoin you have, nobody, nobody who has ever lived or ever will live has the resources available to buy Jesus as a gift." [00:12:51] (24 seconds)
"Corinthians chapter 6, 19 and 20 says, do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. You were bought by God at a price. Jesus paid the debt that we all owe because of sin. He purchased it." [00:13:20] (21 seconds)
"The gift of Jesus was not put under a tree. The gift of Jesus was put on a tree. Jesus went to the cross, and they nailed him to the cross for your sin and for my sin and for all sin. And he was the final blood sacrifice to atone for sin." [00:13:45] (22 seconds)
"We don't unwrap Jesus the way we unwrap presents. God already unwrapped Jesus. God already ripped that paper open and revealed Jesus to everyone. He did not take his time and pop the tape on the end and slowly remove the paper. No, no. He ripped it off and revealed Jesus to everybody." [00:14:12] (25 seconds)
"So if we can't look for the gift of Jesus or buy the gift of Jesus or unwrap the gift of Jesus, then what is our role? What do we do? Well, the only thing, there's only one thing we must do with the gift of Jesus, and that is to receive it. We must receive the gift of Jesus. That's it." [00:15:24] (20 seconds)
"The only thing that's going to change is the value of the gift. that happens is they miss out on the blessing of the gift. They miss out on the blessing of the value of the gift. And the blessings of the gift of Jesus are eternally more valuable than $50." [00:17:09] (17 seconds)
"And he's already blessed us, and we don't even realize it sometimes. In Jesus, we have all that we need already, and many times we don't even realize it. He is the living water that flows through us." [00:18:59] (16 seconds)
"As I was saying earlier, not all gifts are the same. Some gifts are better than others, right? And I was telling everybody that when we receive the gift of Jesus, we have everything we need even if we don't understand it. We have all the blessings even if we don't know we have the blessings." [00:20:39] (20 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 24, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?