Exchanging Gifts Matthew 2:1-11
At this time of the year, we all get to exchange gifts. Families all come together from all over to enjoy each others company, food and gifts. This Tuesday we celebrate Christmas and last Sunday evening the youth presented a play about our Savior’s birth.
Jesus, the Son of God came to earth, born of a virgin, however that was not His beginning as John 1:1-4 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.”
This morning I want us to focus on the Magi or wise men and the fact that they brought gifts to give; in giving they also received gifts. When we come to Christ we also exchange gifts with Him. What gifts do we bring and exchange you might ask.
Turn in your Bibles to Matthew 2:1-11
I remember when I was growing up; many times we made our own toys and gifts: but we always exchanged gifts. There are many traditions in the way gifts are exchanged. I remember a time we were at a friend’s home at Christmas and the way they exchanged gifts was that one person would open a gift and then the next, however if you did not like your gift you could exchange it with someone else. Each person would do that and it would go on and on. Some would get a gift that was worth more than another but it was a fun time.
Have you ever received a gift at Christmas that was not what you wanted or maybe it was not as good as the gift you gave? What about that ugly tie or that fruitcake that was preserved for all time? Think on those things as we go through this sermon. There are times when you get a gift and it is just not right that you can take it to the store and return it, however what about, lest say a great aunt gives you a gift (an ugly clock or sweater) that she made herself. You can not return it so you put it in the closet and only take it out when you know she is coming over. You have something like that don’t you? Now I am not going to embarrass you this morning so will not as you to share it so do not worry.
We all get all get a gift sometimes that although we smile on the outside, on the inside we are cringing, wondering what are we suppose to do with a tie that lights up. What about the gifts we give? What about the gifts we exchange with each other? What are they worth? Are they of equal value of what we receive? Now I know you are thinking that it is the thought that counts and you are right. What about the gifts we receive from God and what we give Him?
God gave us the greatest gift of all, His Son!! Jesus was born on Christmas morning and the gift was given. Isaiah 9:6 says, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
What gift do we give to God for the gift of His Son? When we accept Gods gift we give Him our sins!! Now there is a lopsided gift if I ever saw one. Think about how you were before you came to Christ…the Bible says we were like filthy rags. Imagine this if you will…suppose I gave you a gift and it was wrapped in nice paper with a bow. Then when you opened it all that was there was some old moldy bread, wouldn’t that be nice. That is what we bring to God when we accept His free gift of His Son. Why would God receive our sins and give us eternal life in Christ? Because He loves us!
There are other things we receive from God in exchange for our sins. There are many, so I will just list a few.
Forgiveness
A new heart
Inner peace
The Holy Spirit
God’s unconditional love
Eternal life
God takes your sins and gives you His Son!
Have you exchanged your sins for the righteousness of God? Have you accepted the gift of Jesus Christ? Jesus says to come to Him as little children, come today and accept the free gift of God.
Come to Christ and receive forgiveness, a new heart, inner peace, the Holy Spirit, God’s unconditional love, and life eternal!!
