“Unwrapping the indescribable gift.”
Well everybody it’s Xmas eve, can I say you might be pushing it a little to late, if you haven’t found it that gift as yet. But don’t despair because there is a gift here tonight that you can personally receive
2 Cor 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
It has been mayhem in the city centre people buying last minute presents. Some people rushing around like headless chickens others like Gun dogs sniffing out those gifts, others like Olympian athletes with tunnel vision – looking to their goal whilst laden down with bags.
I consider myself like the S.A.S military operative on exercise - military precision – Plan – recognisance - work via the Internet -equipped correctly - debit visa card – credit visa card - store card – master card- and of course money to find that perfect gift - I have to be equipped yet with all this in place my mission failed it was aborted I didn’t find the gift I was looking for, store after store Sold out! No longer available.
The great news this Christmas is that the indescribable gift is still on offer – don’t miss out on this gift.
The story of my search: Although I have failed in my mission in buying this particular gift for her – She will not be heart broken because she has already received – accepted and opened the most indescribable gift that any human being can receive and that’s Jesus. Have you?
Power point: 2 Cor 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
The story of the wise men 2000 years ago there were three (Church tradition) magi (wise men) who were determined to find Jesus. They came from the east - Babylon descendants of Jews who remained during the exilic period. They too were seeking a gift a gift with a difference - they too planned and did there recognisance work not via the internet but via a star a unique Star a star which spoke of a special child a star which would lead them to Bethlehem.
They followed the star for 1000’s of miles – not to buy gifts - but to give and receive the greatest gift of all. In fact they travelled so far through cities through deserts - it took so long – they were even lost and they had to stop and seek directions Matt. 2:2—6.
• The hardest thing is to ask for help especially about Jesus. Wise men still seek out Jesus
To Ask - they did and they were greatly helped and find the child. But Christmas was over, the manger was empty - it was a couple of years later, Jesus was a small child. Mary - Joseph were married living in a house in Bethlehem v11.
Their Gifts:
These wise men, they went to great lengths to find Jesus they were not ashamed to associate with Him, they weren’t bothered what others thought about them, They brought him amazing gifts of Gold – Frankincense and myrrh and they worshipped Him v11 .
Although these wise men had brought gifts of great expense, they knew that they would be beneficiaries of something far greater than this world can ever give
2Cor 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
“Friends its great to give and receive gifts but does it really satisfy deep down? Lets be honest with ourselves. Does all the material possessions we have bring lasting fulfilment?”
• Heard the story of a small child who was disillusioned with Christmas who said to his father on Christmas day as he unwraps his presents “Daddy does Santa really deliver the goods? After all He has to come back year after year and I’m still not satisfied.”
What about you tonight are you satisfied with it all? Does Santa deliver the goods for you? So many of us are disallusioned like that small child if were honest.
Lets take a look at what these wise men found in Jesus, which is so indescribable? Were they satisfied? I think so... lets take a look at the gifts they brought. This will enable us to wrap the indescribable gift.
1. The Indescribable gift is a King.
• The gold is symbolic to his identity? Who is Jesus? A prophet - priest - good man – teacher – healer – guru. No this child is much more, the Gold represents his kingship he was born King of Kings.
His Family tree: points to the fact - Jesus came from a special line (David’s) Both Mary and Joseph’s – ancestors can be traced back to Israel’s King David. Bethlehem was also the Birth town for such a King. There was always a promise to David and through the prophets that a King would be raised up born in Bethlehem from His line who would rule as King forever.
Power point: The OT Prophets confirmed it V6 The literal fulfilment of this prophecy which was written 700 BC Being read out to these wise men 700 years later - inferring that this child would come out of Bethlehem and would be a King (ruler of Gods people). The wise men recognised Jesus as King – they worshipped Him they brought him gold v11.
• A sharp contrast to queen Elizabeth s recent visit - priceless visitation story Fan fare of creation The Star – the ANGELS
Power point : These wise men knew the child born was a King Matt. 2:2 “Where is the one born King of the Jews, we saw his star in the east and we have come to worship Him.”
“Do you know Jesus as King? Is he your King?”
Allegiance to the King:
We see in this act that although these men were wealthy, Wise and maybe even Kings in their own right they humbled themselves – and made Jesus King of their lives they submitted to the King and his kingdom it was in their hearts.
• Ask yourself this question Do you know Him? Who is King in your life right now? Who is no 1? Who is or what is at the centre of your life? Who is the King?
If we are ever to receive the indescribable gift - we need to make Jesus King of our lives.
How does that happen? When Jesus began his public ministry at the age of 30 he called people to “repent for the Kingdom of God is near!”
Make Jesus King - ‘turn around’ - stop living for self - give him the honour – loyalty and obedience due to Him. When we do this its then we will be able to say.
Power point. 2Cor 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. (1. Jesus as our King)
2. The Indescribable gift is God (Big G not a God)
The next gift brought was Frankincense this was used in the worship at the temple, it was burnt in Gods presence. In giving it to Jesus they proclaimed Him as God. Part of the trinity of God Father, Son, Holy Spirit. These wise men came and they worshipped Jesus. They recognised that this child was not just a King but that he was God with skin on.
• Power point text worships Him.
Made to Worship : Out of all the creation on planet earth human beings are unique they alone have the desire to worship that which is transcendent (God). No matter who you are we all worship something – even the atheist or agnostic bow down to something it could be anything from money sport stars – celebrates etc ( football stadiums 21st temples)
• Ask yourself what is it that I worship? Is it the creator not the created?
• Power point. Isaiah - confirmed this child would be God. Emmanuel God with us:
This is a profound statement that that little child born was no other than God contracted to a span incomprehensibly made man. But the fact that God became a human being makes perfect sense, How could God ever reveal himself to us? God is awesome
• Birds in the garden when we come out just fly away God takes the initiative - HE BECAME ONE OF US. Vincent Van Gogh story: read excerpt
3. The Indescribable gift is our Saviour
So we have seen clearly tonight who Jesus is (His identity) and that’s why this gift is so indescribable because He is King and God. But now through this third gift we will see “why did Jesus come?” (His mission)
The third gift presented to Jesus was the gift of Myrrh this was used at burial- the deceased would be washed with Myrrh and wrapped in cloth – placed in a tomb. The Myrrh points us forward to his death - upon the cross – Jesus was born to die.
Power point: Matt 1:21: A Saviour who dies for our sins - The name Jesus means “He saves” Explain our Relationship with God - severed since the fall we have a bias to sin. You see....
if our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator
• If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist
• If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist
• If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer
• But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Saviour.
So Jesus went from the cradle to the cross He was born to take our punishment for us!
One of the biggest movies of modern times Rocky Sylvester Stallone- almost never got made. Stallone was struggling to find work as screenwriter.- He saw a fight against Ali – little known Church Wepner- Wepner went 15 rounds – it gave Stallone an idea, 3 days later Rocky was written – He got a few producers interested but when they heard Stallone wanted to act – they turned it down- eventually a producer took him on – The film became a hit in 1976 grossing $225 million dollars
Rocky Balboa is a debt collector on the streets of Philadelphia. For a shady loan shark -In his spare time he boxer, but not a good one - Great heart but no style - Out of the blue he gets a chance to fight Apollo creed – world champion - After Apollo creed chooses him out of a boxing registry after his contender backs out through injury - Once in a life time opportunity for this south paw journeyman who has never boxed out of club level.
On the night of the big fight Rocky puts Apollo down in the first round – Apollo fights on with a greater respect – Rocky takes blow after blow he goes the whole 15 rounds battered but determined to go the distance.- Prove He is no bum – Though he loses the Fight in a split decision no one leaves without respect for Rocky.
• Power point : The cross picture
When we think about Jesus death on the cross, its very much in the mold of Rocky Balboa –Looking like the underdog, weak and powerless – Jesus takes all the punishment humanity can throw at him (his beatings) The Romans - The Jews - His friend physically beaten and nailed to a cross mocked and humiliated. Jesus faced the most brutal death and in the midst of it all he cries “ Father forgive them!”
Upon that Cross God is saying, “I’ll take the worst you’ve got. I will experience being God forsaken for all that you humans have done “ I will take the wrap” “ I will absorb the blows “My God My God why have you forsaken me” I will finish this once and for all and I will remain standing. “It is finished.” I will heal my relationship with you, I will be your Saviour!
• Power point: Prayer Give opportunity to get right with God
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”
