GOD’S CHRISTMAS GIFT
2 COR 9:15
We all like gifts. We like to receive them from those that we
love. And we also enjoy giving them. What Jesus said is certainly
true: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35). I
used to think that the greatest joy of Christmas belonged to children
because they get to experience the excitement of opening their presents.
But I’ve learned that the real excitement of Christmas comes in being
able to give to those who mean so much to you.
ILLUSTRATION:
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The widowed father looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. But the day came when war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram that his beloved son had been killed while carrying a fellow soldier to a medic.
On Christmas morning a knock came at the door of the old man’s home, and as he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.” “I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of his son. Though the art critics would never consider the work a piece of genius, the painting did feature the young man’s face in striking detail, and seemed to capture his personality.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation! According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned. The day soon arrived, and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Minutes passed with not a sound from those who came to buy. From the back of the room someone callously called out, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the important paintings.” There were other voices which echoed in agreement. But the auctioneer replied, “No, we have to sell this one first. Now, who will take the son?” Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. “I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it. I will bid the $100.” “I have a bid for $100,” called the auctioneer. “Will anyone go higher?” After a long silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once. Going twice. Gone.” The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone was heard to say, “Now we can get on with it!” But the auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art here! We demand that you explain what’s going on!” The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son... gets it all.”
That is the essence of the story of Christmas: Whoever takes the Son gets it all. The Bible puts it like this: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11_12). The one who has the Son has it all. But exactly what is included in the “all”? There are several things, and I would suggest that the first thing is that Advent promises new life in Christ because: It means we now know what God is like. The coming of Christ gave us a living picture of who God is. Christ’s coming put a face on God. The Bible says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible” (Colossians 1:15_16). This is what we mean by the incarnation — God came to earth wrapped in a human body.
John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Matthew 1:22-23 says, “So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated “God with us.”
The God of heaven came to live among us that we might know what he is truly like. He came to teach us.
He came to die for us that we might be forgiven. He rose from the dead to help us know that we too will be raised. He promised that he will return so that eternal hope would burn in our hearts. He opened the doors of heaven.
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” That was God’s gift to all mankind. A little baby born of the virgin Mary, wrapped in swaddling clothes, laying in a manger. Do you see Him there, do you know Him today?
I heard the story about a woman who was doing her last-minute Christmas shopping at a crowded mall, something I’m sure no doubt some of will be doing again this year.
She was tired of fighting the crowds. She was tired of standing in lines. She was tired of fighting her way down long crowded aisles looking for a gift that had sold out days before. Can anybody relate this morning?
Amen.
Her arms were full of bulky packages when the elevator doors opened. It was full. The occupants of the elevator grudingly tightened ranks to allow a small space for her and her load.
As the doors closed she blurted out, “Whoever is responsible for this whole Christmas thing ought to be arrested, strung up, and shot!”
A few nodded their heads or grunted in agreement.
Then form somewhere in the back of the elevator came a single voice that said, “Don’t worry. They already crucified him.”
We need to remember who is responsible for the whole Christmas thing. It is all about how God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, what whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Christmas is a time for giving gifts. And this means that Christmas is a time for shopping. Since the Wise Men brought gold, frankincense and myrrh, there has always been an exchange of gifts among people at Christmas.
Of course it is a lot more complicated today then it was in their day. First, they didn’t have to contend with the malls filled with presents going from store to store, looking desperately for the latest toy.
The Wise men didn’t have to worry about sizes, colors, or store policy about returns you aren’t satisfied with.
They were wise. They just bought one size fits all, unisex tunic.
They didn’t have robot dogs, or lifesize dolls. Only Gold, incense, and myrrh.
do you know what would have happened if it had been three wise women instead of three wise men?
they would have:
- asked directions
- arrived on time
-helped deliver the baby
- cleaned the stable
- made a casserole
- brought practical gifts
Well, in this year, like in all others, millions of people, children and adults alike will open millions of Christmas presents or for some like my brother it will be birthday presents. Some will not work, others will not be the right color or they won’t fit.
Joke: One year, a man decided to buy his wife a different gift for Christmas.
He decided to purchase a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift for her.
The wife thought it was quite strange but she figured: “at least
We won’t have to buy one when the time comes.”
So the next year comes around and the husband did not buy her a gift this
time.
When she asked him why, he replied,"Why should I, you still haven’t used the gift I bought you last year!"
I want to talk to you about a gift that never gets old, doesn’t break and is appropriate for all – from children to elderly.
The gift that we all need is the Indescribable gift of Jesus Christ, who really is the only reason for this celebration of Christmas.
On Christmas Day, we celebrate the fact that God has given us the gift of His own Son, Jesus Christ, that through faith in Him, we might be forgiven of our sins and given eternal life.
In 2 Corinthians 9:15 which is our text this morning, the apostle Paul says, “But thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.”
What are some of the gifts God gives us through Jesus?
Eternal life. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, this is what we deserve, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Peace. John 14:27 - “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Grace and faith for salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast.”
Wisdom for the trials of life. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it shall be given to him.”
Daily provision for needs. Matthew 6:31-33 says “So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat? Or What shall we drink? Or What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek ye first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”
So as we enter into this Christmas season, let’s remember to put Jesus first. And be His Christmas gift of love to others as we serve Him.
