The Unspeakable Gift: Embracing God's Grace at Christmas
Summary
On this Christmas Day, we reflect on the profound significance of the words from Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." This day, marked by the exchange of gifts, serves as a reminder of the greatest gift ever given: God's gift of His only begotten Son to the world. This act of divine generosity is unparalleled, and our human traditions of gift-giving are but a faint echo of this monumental event.
The essence of Christmas is captured in the humility and surprise of God's gift. Contrary to human expectations of grandeur and power, God chose to send His Son as a helpless baby, born in the humble town of Bethlehem, to ordinary parents. This unexpected manner of giving challenges our perceptions of greatness and power, revealing the depth of God's wisdom and love.
God's gift is not just a reflection of His love but also of His grace. It is not a reward for our deeds, nor is it given in exchange for anything we have offered. Instead, it is a gift of grace, given despite our shortcomings and sins. This grace is a testament to God's unchanging purpose and truthfulness, fulfilling promises made throughout the ages.
As we contemplate this gift, we are invited to examine our own responses. Do we recognize our need for this gift? Do we appreciate its cost, both to the Father and the Son? The gift of Jesus Christ provides salvation, reconciliation, and adoption into God's family, offering us a new life and eternal hope.
In this season, let us be filled with gratitude and amazement at the unspeakable gift of God. May our hearts be moved to praise and worship, acknowledging the depth of God's love and the richness of His grace.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Greatest Gift: Christmas reminds us of the greatest gift ever given—God's only begotten Son. This gift, wrapped in humility and surprise, challenges our understanding of power and greatness, revealing the depth of God's wisdom and love. [06:59]
2. Gift of Grace: God's gift is an act of grace, not a reward for our deeds. It is given despite our sins and shortcomings, highlighting the unmerited favor and love of God towards humanity. [16:29]
3. God's Unchanging Purpose: The birth of Christ is a fulfillment of God's eternal plan, demonstrating His faithfulness and truthfulness. This assurance allows us to trust in His promises and look to the future with hope. [19:54]
4. Our Response to the Gift: The way we respond to God's gift reveals much about us. Recognizing our need for Christ and appreciating the cost of this gift are crucial in understanding its true value. [27:00]
5. Provision and Hope: Through Christ, we receive salvation, reconciliation, and adoption into God's family. This gift provides us with everything we need and offers a hope that extends beyond this life into eternity. [30:19]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:13] - The Significance of Christmas
- [02:14] - The Tradition of Gift-Giving
- [03:26] - God's Gift to the World
- [04:49] - The Surprise of God's Gift
- [06:59] - Humility in God's Gift
- [09:23] - The Unspeakable Gift
- [11:54] - The Giver and the Gift
- [13:58] - The Love and Grace of God
- [17:25] - God's Purpose and Plan
- [20:37] - God's Truthfulness
- [23:58] - Our Reaction to the Gift
- [27:00] - Recognizing Our Need
- [30:19] - The Provision of the Gift
- [32:50] - Closing Hymn and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 9:6 - "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given."
2. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
3. Galatians 4:4-5 - "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the phrase "unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given" in Isaiah 9:6, and how does it relate to the Christmas story? [01:13]
2. How does the sermon describe the contrast between human expectations of grandeur and the humble manner in which God sent His Son? [06:59]
3. According to the sermon, what does the act of God giving His Son reveal about His character and intentions? [13:58]
4. What are some of the ways the sermon suggests that God's gift challenges our understanding of power and greatness? [06:35]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the concept of God's gift being an act of grace rather than a reward for our deeds? What implications does this have for our understanding of grace? [16:29]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the birth of Christ fulfills God's eternal plan and demonstrates His faithfulness? How does this assurance impact our trust in God's promises? [19:54]
3. How does the sermon encourage us to respond to God's gift, and what does our response reveal about our understanding of its value? [27:00]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the provision and hope offered through Christ, and how does this shape our perspective on life and eternity? [30:19]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea of God's gift being given in humility and surprise. How can you incorporate humility into your own acts of giving this Christmas season? [06:59]
2. The sermon emphasizes the unmerited favor of God's grace. Can you identify a moment in your life where you experienced grace unexpectedly? How did it change your perspective? [16:29]
3. Consider the fulfillment of God's promises through the birth of Christ. Is there a promise from God that you are currently holding onto? How does this sermon encourage you to trust in that promise? [19:54]
4. The sermon challenges us to recognize our need for Christ. What steps can you take this week to deepen your appreciation for the gift of Jesus in your life? [27:00]
5. How does the provision of salvation, reconciliation, and adoption into God's family through Christ influence your daily life? What specific actions can you take to live out this new identity? [30:19]
6. Reflect on the cost of God's gift to both the Father and the Son. How does understanding this cost affect your gratitude and worship during this Christmas season? [28:07]
7. The sermon invites us to be filled with gratitude and amazement at God's gift. What are some practical ways you can express gratitude to God and others this week? [32:50]
Devotional
Day 1: The Humble Gift of God
The birth of Jesus Christ, as described in Isaiah 9:6, is a profound reminder of God's unparalleled generosity. On Christmas Day, we celebrate the greatest gift ever given: God's only begotten Son. This gift, wrapped in humility and surprise, challenges our understanding of power and greatness. Unlike human expectations of grandeur, God chose to send His Son as a helpless baby, born in the humble town of Bethlehem to ordinary parents. This unexpected manner of giving reveals the depth of God's wisdom and love, inviting us to reflect on the true essence of greatness. [06:59]
"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embrace humility in your own life, recognizing the greatness in small, unexpected acts of love and service today?
Day 2: Grace Beyond Measure
God's gift of His Son is an act of grace, not a reward for our deeds. It is given despite our sins and shortcomings, highlighting the unmerited favor and love of God towards humanity. This grace is a testament to God's unchanging purpose and truthfulness, fulfilling promises made throughout the ages. As we reflect on this gift, we are reminded that it is not something we can earn or deserve, but a free offering of love and mercy. [16:29]
"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." (Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you extend grace to others today, reflecting the unmerited favor you have received from God?
Day 3: The Faithfulness of God's Plan
The birth of Christ is a fulfillment of God's eternal plan, demonstrating His faithfulness and truthfulness. This assurance allows us to trust in His promises and look to the future with hope. God's unchanging purpose is evident in the way He orchestrated the events leading to the birth of Jesus, fulfilling prophecies and promises made throughout history. This faithfulness invites us to place our trust in Him, knowing that His plans are for our good and His glory. [19:54]
"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'" (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you need to hold onto today, trusting in His faithfulness to fulfill it?
Day 4: Recognizing Our Need for Christ
The way we respond to God's gift reveals much about us. Recognizing our need for Christ and appreciating the cost of this gift are crucial in understanding its true value. The gift of Jesus Christ provides salvation, reconciliation, and adoption into God's family, offering us a new life and eternal hope. As we contemplate this gift, we are invited to examine our own responses and consider how we can live in gratitude and worship. [27:00]
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to acknowledge your dependence on Christ today, and how can you invite Him into that space?
Day 5: The Hope of Eternal Life
Through Christ, we receive salvation, reconciliation, and adoption into God's family. This gift provides us with everything we need and offers a hope that extends beyond this life into eternity. The provision of this gift is a source of comfort and assurance, reminding us that we are never alone and that our future is secure in Him. As we reflect on this hope, we are encouraged to live with a perspective that values eternal things over temporary ones. [30:19]
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary concerns to the eternal hope you have in Christ, and what practical steps can you take to live with this perspective today?
Quotes
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. Now those words remind us of what is, after all, from our standpoint as human beings, the most important thing for us to realize on this Christmas Day, on any Christmas Day. This is a day in which it has become the custom for people to give gifts and presents to one another." [00:01:15]
"Let's start about first of all by looking at the gift itself. That's the first thing we do always, isn't it? We look at the gift, and the moment you look at God's gift to mankind, what surprises you is this very element of surprise. We all, as I said, try to anticipate these gifts, and children particularly do so." [00:04:57]
"God in His infinite majesty and glory, in all the infinitude of all his perfections and attributes, what would we have expected God to do for this world? Well, we know we have both men and women, and we're told in so many parts of the Bible where people did expect of God." [00:06:55]
"God's gift is not just a reflection of His love but also of His grace. It is not a reward for our deeds, nor is it given in exchange for anything we have offered. Instead, it is a gift of grace, given despite our shortcomings and sins. This grace is a testament to God's unchanging purpose and truthfulness." [00:14:11]
"God has surpassed all that and have done all that. I say it with reverence, and this is the thing that should fill our minds and hearts with astonishment this Christmas morning. But here God has done something which even he himself cannot excel. He's given his only son, his eternal son." [00:10:44]
"The gift itself tells us of the purpose. We say, why there was Jesus Christ born there in Bethlehem on that particular day? Why did this happen, and why did it happen then? There's only one answer: it had all been planned by God. That's why we must all result on to that great statement of the Apostle." [00:18:39]
"God is keeping his promise. God is fulfilling his word. God is doing what he said he would do, and is there anything more wonderful than that? Earthly gladsome, the savior comes, the Savior promised law, and here he's come, and God's veracity and truthfulness vindicated and established and proclaimed." [00:20:45]
"Do you realize this morning that here is God's unspeakable gift, the most precious gift? How do we realize its preciousness? Well, these are the simple tests out there. Do you see your need of this gift? The great world this morning is not where ly interested that God sent His only Son into the world." [00:26:37]
"Think of what this gift has cost the father. Can you imagine it? Regard, of course, the Eternal Father, Son, and Holy Spirit dwelling together from eternity, and suddenly the father sends the son. Any parent knows what it is for a child to leave home for the first time." [00:27:44]
"Do we realize exactly what this gift of God to us provides for us? Do we realize that it provides exactly what we need and infinitely more? Do we realize that it is because God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish?" [00:29:38]
"Through this gift, we are able to see beyond this world, beyond this life, through death, beyond it all to the glory everlasting that is coming in which we shall be with him and reign with him and enjoy his glorious presence forever and forever." [00:31:08]
"With reverence, at first sight, the parcel seems to be a very small one, but all the God has opened his heart has given the ultimate that such a cause and in this gifted with this gift he gives us all we need and infinitely more ransomed healed, restored, forgiven." [00:32:55]
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