The God Who Gives His Son

The God Who Gives

He Gives His Favor

He Gives the Message

He Give a Sign

The Beginning Before All Beginnings

John 1:1–4 ESV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

The Gift of God in One Sentence

John 1:14 ESV

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

God Gives His Son

John 3:16 ESV

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

The Story Comes to Life in Jesus

Bethlehem’s Appointment with the Almighty

Luke 2:1–2 ESV

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

Joseph, the Faithful “Everyman”

Luke 2:4 ESV

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

Mary, the Favored Mother of Jesus

Luke 2:5–6 ESV

5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

Taxes, An Instrument in God’s Hands

A Christmas Tapestry: page 74. By John Johnson, Missionary, written in Cairo, Egypt, 1994

Jesus, the Promised Son

Luke 2:7 ESV

7 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.

Simeon, the Spirit-Filled Worshiper

Luke 2:25–26 ESV

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

Luke 2:27–28 ESV

27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

Luke 2:29–32 ESV

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

A World Without a Clue

John 1:10 ESV

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.

A People In the Dark

John 1:11 ESV

11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.

Accept and Receive Life

John 1:12–13 ESV

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Jesus’ birth was not only an event in history but also an act of salvation and reconciliation. As we contemplate this great gift, we are reminded of our own insignificance.

We have all sinned against God and fallen short of His perfect standards. Yet, even in our brokenness, He sacrificed His Son as penance for our transgressions.

This sacrifice is a sign of God’s great love, mercy, and desire to bring us back into the fold of the divine. It serves as a reminder that we are loved and cherished by our heavenly Father.

Respond to this great gift with humility, gratitude, and awe, and accept it with an open heart.

May we extend the same grace and love to others, sharing the good news of this incredible gift with a world that is longing for hope and redemption.

Consider: In the spirit of reconciliation, ask your congregation to sit down with someone this week they have recently found themselves in a disagreement with. Ask them to intentionally give their time this week to sew peace into the world! Love Gives peace.