RJ - The Greatest Gift Ever
Christmas Carol Service • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Bubble Yum Baby - doll - would blow chewing gum bubbles
Doll shaped box - only time we didn’t peel back the sticky tape
The toy that in my mind was the greatest gift ever!
Maybe you haven’t had everything you’ve wanted in life
Maybe things have faded and just don’t have the same appeal they had before
Maybe you got what you and and its just not enough
God has made a way by giving us the greatest gift ever
The greatest gift - Jesus
He did & can do everything
His power is limitless and he doesn’t require batteries!
Scripture Reading: John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
This verse is the heartbeat of Christmas. It tells us about the giver, the gift, and the reason for the gift.
1. The Giver: A Loving Father
Christmas begins with God, the ultimate giver
John 3:16 reveals the motive behind His giving: love.
God’s love for humanity is vast, sacrificial, and unconditional. Unlike human love, which can be fleeting or conditional, God’s love is steadfast and eternal.
In Romans 5:8, Paul reminds us, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This love moved Him to act. He saw a broken world, separated from Him by sin, and chose to intervene.
Think about this: God did not have to give. He could have left us to face the consequences of our choices. Yet, in His great mercy and love, He chose to offer us a way back to Him.
God’s giving nature is the foundation of Christmas.
2. The Gift: Jesus Christ
When we think about gifts, we often consider their value. What makes Jesus the greatest gift?
He is a Personal Gift
The gift of Jesus is not generic. He came for you, for me, and for every individual.
He is Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). His coming signifies God’s desire to be in relationship with us.
This is a deeply personal gift—a Savior who knows our struggles, bears our burdens, and walks alongside us.
He is a Priceless Gift
Earthly gifts have a monetary value, but the gift of Jesus is priceless.
His sacrifice on the cross paid the ultimate price for our sin.
Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:18-19, “For 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.”
No material wealth could ever compare to the worth of His life given for us.
He is an Eternal Gift
Every earthly gift fades with time. Toys break, clothes wear out, and technology becomes obsolete. But the gift of Jesus offers eternal life.
John 10:28 assures us, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Through Jesus, we receive not only salvation but also the promise of a future with Him forever.
What We Receive in Jesus
What We Receive in Jesus
In receiving Jesus, we gain so much more than we could ever imagine. Here are just a few of the incredible blessings we receive in Him:
1. Forgiveness of Sins:
7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
No matter how great our sins, Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses us completely and gives us a fresh start.
2. Peace with God:
1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
The hostility caused by sin is replaced by reconciliation and harmony with our Creator.
3. Adoption into God’s Family:
5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. 6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”
This declares that we are adopted as sons and daughters of God. This means we are heirs to His promises and recipients of His loving care.
4. The Holy Spirit:
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would dwell within us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us. The Spirit is God’s presence in our daily lives.
5. Abundant Life:
10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Jesus said“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” This is not just about material abundance but a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment in Him.
6. Victory Over Death:
55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This passage proclaims that through Jesus’ resurrection, death has lost its sting. We have the assurance of eternal life and a glorious future with Him.
Realised this victory when Mum passed away
7. Joy Beyond Circumstances:
In Jesus, we find a joy that transcends our external situations.
11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
This joy is rooted in Jesus, His presence and promises, offering a deep and lasting contentment.
8.Healing for the Broken:
Jesus brings healing—both spiritual and physical.
5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
The NKJV version says it like this, “By his wounds we are healed.”
He heals our broken hearts, restores our souls, and gives hope to those in despair.
Through Him, we find renewal and wholeness.
The Reason: Redemption and Relationship
Why did God give us this gift? To redeem us and restore our relationship with Him.
From the very beginning, God desired fellowship with humanity. Sin disrupted that relationship, creating a chasm we could not bridge on our own. But through Jesus, God made a way.
4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.
Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger; it’s about a Savior who would grow up to bear the weight of the world’s sin on His shoulders. It’s about God’s relentless pursuit of our hearts.
Receiving the Gift Today
A gift, no matter how wonderful, must be received to be enjoyed. Imagine leaving a beautifully wrapped present unopened under the tree. How tragic it would be to miss out on the joy it brings!
In the same way, God’s gift of Jesus requires a response. John 1:12 tells us, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Receiving Jesus means placing our faith in Him, trusting Him as our Savior, and following Him as our Lord.
For those who have already accepted this gift, Christmas is an opportunity to renew your gratitude for the greatest gift you have received and then share this gift with others.
For those that haven’t received this gift, its a chance to recognise that Jesus loves you and is here for you. Will you unwrap the greatest gift you will ever be given and say yes to him?
Conclusion
Let us close with the words of 2 Corinthians 9:15
15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!
Merry Christmas!
Last carol & pass the parcel
