The Gift of Christmas

Christmas a time of gifts.

Many times they are things that we want.

Sometimes they are what we need.

Yes there are a lot of objects, a lot of things that might bring temporal pleasure…

But what do people around the world want and need? What do we want and need?

What do we really want?

Freedom...

Freedom from guilt and shame

Freedom from addiction, enslavement, fear

Freedom from concerns of life

that comes from a good leader who cares for us

Matthew 2:1–12 NIV

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

Myrrh

Used for embalming, and when mixed with vinegar, or sour wine, used for deadening pain

Symbolize Jesus coming as the prophet

He revealed the Lord, declared that he would provide salvation for everyone who would believe in him

And like other prophets, was mocked, beaten, and put to death.

According to God’s plan… that he might take our punishment.

Freedom from guilt and shame

2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Acts 13:38–39 NLT

“Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.

Myrrh - the prophet who suffered for our sins

Frankincense

Used in worship, making fragrant offerings with incense

Pleasing God

Jesus is our Great High Priest, providing intercession for us

Providing grace and mercy to help us in our times of need

Providing the way for us to boldly approach the throne of God

Freedom from addiction, fear, enslavement

Hebrews 4:14–16 NLT

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Frankincense - the Priest who gives us the mercy and grace to help in our time of need

Gold

Symbolic of Deity, Royalty, Authority.

One day He will come and establish His kingdom. He will reign as the Holy, Righteous, Just, Gracious King!

Freedom from concerns of life

Hebrews 9:28 NLT

so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

Revelation 21:1–7 NLT

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.

Revelation 22:1–5 NLT

Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.

What is the Greatest Gift?

The Greatest Gift

The One who Gives Freedom - Prophet, Priest, King

Romans 6:23 NLT

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.