The First Gift

This is the only day, literally, the entire world thinks about Jesus Christ, in their own way

I look at Christmas like I look at Thanksgiving, July 4, Memorial Day or Veterans Day

There’s a lot of gift giving

I want to talk about the First Gift

Greatest gift of God is his grace and mercy - exemplified in Jesus Christ

Humble Gift

Luke 2:6–10 ESV

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Joseph and Mary were not rich

Manger not a palace

God announce it to Shepherds not the ruling class, or those in power

The greatest demonstration of humility is being born in human form

Hebrews 2:14 ESV

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

Yes we can see the humility of the gift. Yet it was also a..

Priceless Gift

1 Corinthians 7:23 ESV

You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men.

1 Peter 1:18–19 ESV

knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Divine Gift

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

God’s first demonstration of His grace was our creation

We know how that went - man sinned

So, instead of abandoning us or retaliating against us, he offers us a gift, the best gift that has ever been given: his Son, crucified and raised to life again.

John 1:11–12 ESV

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Universal Gift

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 6:33 ESV

For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

John 1:12 ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,