Love Came Down Series

Sermon: Love Came Down

Thesis: The message tonight for the Christmas is all about God’s Love for us – God sent “Love Personified” who is Jesus to show us how much He loves us – God sent Love in human form born as a baby to show us His love in the flesh – in a tangible way – that’s really to me “The greatest show ever presented on earth” God’s Love showed up on earth in human form to touch us, speak to us, encourage us and present to us God’s love in person! It was and is the greatest gift you could ever receive!

Jesus is “Love” personified - To personify something is to represent a quality or concept by human form.

Scripture Text:

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Jesus left the throne of Heaven to become the “Manger King” who upon arrival in this world became God’s Love in human form – the perfect personal gift for you and me.

The greatest gift and present of all time. Jesus was sent by God “The Father” - who is the creator and author of Divine Love to show us what love smells like, taste like, looks like, sounds like and feels like. Jesus came so we all could experience this gift of love – and all we have to do to experience it is to believe on Jesus and receive Him into our hearts.

Scripture:

I John 4: 7-9: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.”

I. God’s Love personified reveals to us the depth of God’s Love for us! (The greatest gift anyone could receive)

a. We see His love in the manger born as an infant baby just like us!

b. We see His love revealed in His words and actions throughout His life.

c. We see his love as He had compassion on the outcasts.

d. We see His love as He forgave people of their sins.

e. We see His love as he heals people even lepers.

f. We see His love as He gave people second chances Peter.

g. We see His love as He raises to life people who have died – kids and adults.

h. We see and hear His love in His messages of love, faith and hope from the Gospels.

i. We see His love revealed at His death and resurrection.

i. Jesus came so we could experience God’s love personally and intimately!

1. Have you experienced Jesus – God’s Love personified?

a. He is waiting for you to believe and receive His divine Love – it’s just an action away!

ii. God’s Divine Love was and is manifested in human form – Why?

1. So, we can be deeply, impacted by God’s Love Personified! God wants us to taste, smell, see, hear and feel His love – especially in this season – if you pay attention to this Christmas season, I believe you can experience this “Divine Love” especially if you ask the Lord to help you experience it this Christmas Season.

II. A true story of Love personified in a wrapped gift!

a. The Christmas spirit (of love in the flesh) strikes again by Heather Thompson

i. Quote: “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love (in person!)—by Hamilton Wright Mabie (Readers Digest)

1. I always dreamed of pulling off the surprise prank of a lifetime. You know, the kind you see on TV, or laugh about late at night with friends? Well, thanks to a little determination, some luck, and a generous helping of Christmas Spirit, my dream became a reality. My family is Canadian, although my sister moved down to Australia a few years ago to study speech pathology. She was graduating just before Christmas, but due to my own scholarly schedule back home, I would not be unable to make it down in time for her graduation. She was understandably disappointed, and I felt guilty that I wasn’t able to be there for her on this most special of occasions.

2. While I was talking to my supervisor the week before my sister’s graduation, the conversation drifted toward Christmas plans. When I mentioned that I would be missing my sister’s graduation by less than forty-eight hours, she commented, “Well, if you want to go, I have no problem with it, so go ahead!” I couldn’t believe my luck! I nearly jumped for joy. “Just make sure you get permission from admin,” she added. My heart sank. The administration at my school was notorious for denying any sort of time-off requests, and last-minute pleas would undoubtedly draw nothing but ire (frowns). I almost didn’t bother asking, because I knew it would be a waste of time and I didn’t feel like a thorough chastisement. Plus, I knew the answer already: no. But something in me decided to try, just in case. Maybe it was the hope that the Christmas Spirit would somehow permeate the administrative office at this time of year.