Jesus our Gift

This morning as we have recounted the story of the birth of Christ we are reminded of the precious gift we have in Jesus. It would be easy today to allow the hustle and bustle of the season to rob us of the magnitude of the gift that is Christ. For a moment let’s pause to reflect.

Isaiah 9:6-7 “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

Jesus was more than a child. He was and is the savior of the world.

He is the God of Wonder. He does magnificent things. He makes everything beautiful in its time. He has set eternity in the hearts of men.

He is the Counselor giving wisdom, advice, purpose and plan for our lives.

He is the Mighty God! He is strong and valiant! There is nothing to hard for the Lord. When He speaks who will change it. When He has released his word it will not return void.

He is Eternal! His kingdom shall not end! He reigns forever! Though Heaven and Earth pass away His word will never pass away.

He is the prince of peace. (Shalom: completeness, soundness, welfare, peace, completeness (in number), safety, soundness (in body), welfare, health, prosperity, peace, quiet, tranquillity, contentment.

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

What a precious gift we have in Jesus.

This morning we take the time to worship because He is worthy of it. I believe that is important to not allow the busyness of the season to crowd out Christ.

The stress and strain of tradition and gifts can subtly crowd out Christ. This morning my desire is for the lost. This gift given by God the Father is for you. My prayer today is that each of us would receive the fullness of the gift.

1. That if you do not know Him you would first receive the precious gift of salvation. John3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Romans 10:13 “For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.””

2. That you would make Him Lord and Master of your life.

Romans 6:16 “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?”

This is more than a story to be celebrated once a year. It is a reminder that God has removed the separation of man from the Garden. He has given us opportunity to come into the kingdom, that we might become sons and daughters of God. This is the gift of God to you today.

Altar Moment: Give opportunity to receive Christ.

For those who have received Christ we also want to give thanks.

If you would prepare your communion elements this morning.

COMMUNION:

To close out our time together we are going to receive communion.

The Lord instructs us that often as we receive communion to do it in remembrance of Him. The elements that we hold in our hands represent the costly gift of salvation.

First the cup reminds us of the precious blood of Jesus that washes away our sin. Because of it we can stand justified before God.

Second, is the bread which represents the body of Christ which was broken for you and I. In His brokenness you and I are made whole. He became the author of our salvation putting the broken pieces of our life back together. For this we give thanks!

(Pray)

Close with Amazing Grace.