The Gift of Love: God With Us

Primary Text: John 3:16; 1 John 4:9–10; Matthew 1:21–23

BIG IDEA:

Christmas is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love — not sentimental love but sacrificial love.

INTRO / HOOK:

We hunt for Christmas love in gifts, gatherings, and warm feelings — but the deepest love was found in a manger, wrapped in humanity.

POINT 1 — Love Demonstrated (God Sent His Son)

1 John 4:9–10

God’s love is not abstract — it is seen in the sending.

Love is a verb before it is an emotion.

He loved us first.

Illustration: A parent who sacrifices quietly for their child — genuine love always costs something.

Application: This Christmas, measure love not by what you feel but by what you’re willing to do for others.

POINT 2 — Love Defined (He Saves His People)

Matthew 1:21

Jesus came with a mission — “He will save His people from their sins.”

Love doesn’t ignore sin — it confronts and cures it.

The manger points to the cross.

Application: If you want to see God’s love, look at the cross behind the cradle.

POINT 3 — Love Dwelling (God With Us)

Matthew 1:23

Immanuel — God with us.

God didn’t shout His love from heaven — He showed it on earth.

We are never alone because love came near.

Illustration: A light left on in the window for someone returning home — love waits and welcomes.

Application: Someone in your church needs to hear this: “You are not forgotten. God is with you.”

INVITATION:

“Love has come down in Christ — today you can receive the love God offers freely.”