The Neglected Gift - Part 1

Introduction: Imagine you are given a gift of immense value - the kind that could change your life. This gift came at a great cost tot he giver, and yet on Christmas morning when you open it, you give it a glance, put it to the side and leave it undervalued and neglected.

We know that Jesus is "the reason for the season," but are we receiving all that Jesus’s incarnation means for us this week? Looking at the angelic description of Jesus in Luke 2:10-11, we consider the magnitude of the Gift of God's Son and what it means to us here today.

Read Luke 2:1-20

Pray

The Gift of Salvation

We undervalue the Savior because we underestimate sin.

Like a child chasing butterflies at the edge of a cliff so many are oblivious to the danger they are in.

It’s devastating. Sin kills. It condemns, and corrupts. It ravages and ruins.

Every sorrow, every ounce of pain and suffering are not from God, their from sin. Every failed marriage. Every abuse. All injustice, cheating, hatred, violence, exploitation. Every hateful hurtful word. It is sin and is because of sin in this world. The worst part is that not only are we victims, but we are perpetrators!

Ezekiel 18:20 ““The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son’s iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.”

We underestimate sin because we underestimate the Holiness of God. Our sin condemns us before the Holy purity and perfection of our Creator and Judge.

It’s universal. No one is immune.

Isaiah 53:6 “All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.”

We need rescue!!! From sin’s penalty power and presence. But we cannot undo what we’ve done. We cannot make up for breaking God’s law and heart.

Hebrews 2:3 (NASB95)

how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?

Only when we come to term s with our sin can we rightly value what it means that God has sent us a Savior.

The Shepherds knew well the cost of sin - were employed in the raising up and sales of sacrificial lambs and sheep. Atonement

How they must have wondered at the efficacy of such a system. They saw corruptible people running an enterprise of greed and exploitation to make money off of those who sought forgiveness of sins before God. Would God truly accept the sacrifice of these innocent animals as payment for the wickedness of the people? How could He, given the rampant wickedness, idolatry and neglect God and of what is good?

They needed more than a Priest’s word that they were okay. They needed God. They needed Him to act for them and in them. That’s what He did.

That’s why God’s gift is so precious, so valuable. He did what the blood of bulls and lambs could never fully do. He paid for our sins and entered into our suffering. He sent a Savior to deliver us fully and forever.

We undervalue God’s Gift of Salvation when we forget this.

This week we celebrate Jesus - His gift of salvation - Matthew 1:21

This gift is exclusive

Heidelberg Catechism Q:29

Q. Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is, Saviour?

A. Because he saves us from all our sins, and because salvation is not to be sought or found in anyone else.

Acts 4:12 NASB95

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

This gift is sufficient

Heidelberg Catechism Q:30

Q. Do those who seek their salvation or well-being in saints, in themselves, or anywhere else, also believe in the only Saviour Jesus?

A. No. Though they boast of him in words, they in fact deny the only Saviour Jesus. For one of two things must be true: either Jesus is not a complete Saviour, or those who by true faith accept this Saviour must find in him all that is necessary for their salvation.

Saved fully and completely in Christ Jesus by faith. His righteousness. His work, His transforming power, wisdom and strength. Not your own! No other Way! Nothing else needed!

Read Hebrews 7:25

For whom? This is for “you” - v.9 they came to the Shepherds, v.10 “bring you good news...to all the people”, v.11 “… born for you a Savior...”, v.12 “sign for you” - Personal! These outcasts were sought out and included by God!

No matter who you are, no matter what others think of you, no matter how cast down, there is a Savior sent for you.

John 3:16 - do you believe in Him?

Have you forgotten? Are you striving to save yourself? Remember dear friend that a Savior has been given as a gift to you. Receive it by faith!

Heidelberg Catechism Q:21

Q. What is true faith?

A. True faith is a sure knowledge whereby I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in his Word. At the same time it is a firm confidence that not only to others, but also to me, God has granted forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and salvation, out of mere grace, only for the sake of Christ’s merits. This faith the Holy Spirit works in my heart by the gospel.

In Him you are Forgiven. Beloved. Redeemed. Restored. Delivered. Set free. Saved. It is a gift of faith, not of works, but by His amazing grace and love.

The Gift of God’s Faithfulness

The Gift of God’s Care

Conclusion