Christmas Eve

It’s amazing how the the most unexpected gifts are often the ones that are most cherished.

We’ve all been there on Christmas morning,

and you’ve been dropping hints for weeks about what you want—a nice jacket,

maybe a new pair of shoes.

But when you unwrap your gift, there it is: an ugly Christmas sweater.

You try to hide your disappointment,

Here’s the funny part: That “ugly” sweater, in all its awkward glory, might just be the most memorable gift of the season.

but it’s the kind of gift that brings people together,

makes memories,

and even has a way of growing on you.

In a way, God’s love is like that gift. It comes in the most unexpected way

In our sin we really were not look for Christ

Initially we did not want him in our lives

We see that God sent Jesus anyway

At Christmas, we celebrate the ultimate expression of this love—God taking the first step toward us through the gift of His Son.

1. Christmas is Love Initiated by God

1 John 4:9 “9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.”

If you have ever questioned God’s love for you

Know that God answers your question with Jesus.

He sent Jesus into the world so that we might live through having a relationship with him.

2. Christmas Shows us that Love Sacrifices Selflessly

1 John 4:10 “10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

The world defines love through the lens of something that makes me happy.

The world defines love as personal fulfillment

Most of the time our love is tied up in

Emotional effection

Conditional

Temporary

The bible defines love as

True love is costly; Jesus bore our sins through His sacrificial love.

Christ shows us that love is sacrificial.

Communion: Pray

3. Christmas Shows us that Love Calls to Action

1 John 4:11 “11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

• God’s love saves and transforms, compelling us to love others.

• Christmas invites us to respond to God’s love by taking action:

LANDING

This Christmas, may God’s love inspire us to reflect His kindness, selflessness, and action, becoming living witnesses to the world of the love Jesus brought.