God's Present to Us

Introduction:

I would like to talk to you about Christmas this morning

For me it is one of the most important times of the year. I believe that it is the one time of the year when most people think about Christ over a period of a month

I want you to think about a question I will give you. Some of you know what it is and others do not.

I.       What was the first gift given at Christmas?

A.    Was it one of the wise men’s gifts?

1.     Matthew 2:9-11,9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

2.     These gifts were worthy of a king and was not Christ King of Kings and Lord of Lords

3.     Some believe the gifts had further significance by reflecting on the character of this Child’s life. Gold might represent His deity or purity, incense the fragrance of His life, and myrrh His sacrifice and death (myrrh was used for embalming). These gifts were obviously the means by which Joseph took his family to Egypt and sustained them there until Herod died[1]

4.     All these gifts were important, but they were not the first gift of Christmas

B.    It was Christ Himself, in

1.     Luke 2:10-11,10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

a)     The first gift of Christmas was to all people

b)     A Saviour, one who will make a way for all man kind to get into heaven

II.     The Greatest Gift the world has ever known

A.    We dream of gifts

1.     I know as a child I could not wait until Christmas

a)     I would hunt in the house, were the presents where

2.     We hunt for all these gifts when the greatest gift lies before us in the form of Christ

B.    In the Old Test. we try to work our way into heaven

1.     Put nobody could do it

a)     Galatians 3:10,10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

b)     Galatians 2:16,1 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

C.    We have the greatest gift the world has ever know

a)     1 Corinthians 2:2, For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

III.    What does the gift of God do for us?

A.    Salvation

1.     We can not get into heaven by our selves

2.     As I said earlier, we tried and failed

3.     Christ paid the depth for us

4.     John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

B.    Gives us victory in anything we need

1.     1 Corinthians 15:54-57,54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

The greatest gift that has ever been given, was given at Christmas

This Christmas I want you to think what Christmas is all about.

The greatest gift anyone could receive, Christ as Savior

Sunday morning Biker Services 12/16/07

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[1]Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (2:22). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.