Christmas Love

An older lady shows up to church for the first time and the usher offers to take her to her seat. “Where would you like to sit Madam?” He asks. She says on the front row. He replies, “Madam, you don’t know our pastor, he will put you to sleep madam, maybe you would rather sit in the back?” She replies, “Do you know who I am?” the usher says, no. She replies, “I am the Pastor’s mother.” He asks to you know who I am? She says no. He says, “Thank God.”

Introduction

Christmas is a time filled with many wonderful traditions. The Japanese celebrate Christmas with their favorite holiday meal. Kentucky Fried Chicken. Since 1974 KFC has been the Japanese Christmas meal. Here in America too, Christmas is filled with tradition. Maybe one of the most popular traditions here is the Hallmark Christmas Movie. It is a modern day Harlequin Romance on film. This tradition pales in comparison to the love story that the Bible tells.

Our text today shares the message of Christmas, the message of love.

John 3:16 KJV 1900

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.

Let’s examine the elements of Love found in our story today.

Body

I. Unsolicited Love

John 3:16 KJV 1900

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.

There used to be a popular bumper sticker that said “I Found it” The implication was that someone had been searching and found God and salvation. But the reality is mankind is searching for God. Like Adam and Eve in the garden we are hiding from God. He is searching for us.

Ezekiel 34:11 KJV 1900

For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

Luke 19:10 KJV 1900

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

II. Undeserved Love

John 3:16 KJV 1900

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.

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Titus 3:5 KJV 1900

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV 1900

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

III. Unlimited Love

John 3:16 KJV 1900

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.

Romans 10:11 KJV 1900

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 10:13 KJV 1900

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Revelation 22:17 KJV 1900

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Conclusion

Unclaimed Love

In a few days parents who have worked hard and sacrificed to have a special gift for their children and loved ones will wait with anticipation as the gifts are opened. They long to hear, “Oh this is just what I wanted.” The children will hug mom and dad in appreciation of the gifts given.

Imagine the sorrow one would feel if the gift that they give , that they sacrificed to lay under the tree remained unclaimed and unwanted.

That is exactly what happens to God. He gave his son, and yet many have never received him.

Jesus gave his life on Calvary yet many have never received him.

The greatest gift of all, salvation through Christ…remains unclaimed. Perhaps by someone here today. How sad to give and receive gifts at Christmas and never to receive Christ.

John 1:12 KJV 1900

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

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