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
John3:16
Introduction: The Core of Christmas
Christmas is bursting in gifts, carols, and lights. Families meet throughout this season; homes are decorated and happiness fills the surrounds. But one may easily forget what Christmas actually signifies throughout the excitement.
Christmas is not really about gifts or customs starting from first morning. About God’s best gift to mankind – the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. The foundation of our faith is this act of love, which inspires our celebration also. Through Jesus in John 3:16 we discover the depth of God’s love for the earth and the ageless hope He bestows.
As we examine the real meaning of Christmas and appreciate this gift of love, atonement, and everlasting life, let us consider the blessings we could present to others this season.
1. Perfect gift from God: Love above limit
Christmas begins with a quite wonderful show of love. God, the Creator of the universe, saw among people sin and brokenness. Born in a manger instead of allowing us to deal with the outcomes of our choices, he chose to live among us.
He sent Jesus His only Son to atone for every one of us personally. Not a passing fancy, this present was a deliberate, modest display of affection.
Everywhere one could hear the gift from God. For every person, it addressed past as well as background and status. The angel told the shepherds*: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people”. Ten in Second Luke:
Nothing earthly gift can supply; only through Jesus will we atone and enjoy lifetime rebirth.
This wonderful present reminds us that Christmas is about realizing the reason Jesus came—that of bringing hope and atonement to the earth—not merely about celebrating His birth.
2. Hope Discovery by Jesus
Jesus set down on less than perfect ground. Political unrest, persecution, and spiritual search set the time apart. It presents in many respects the difficulties we face right now. But with His birth, Jesus promised hope spanning all kinds of situations.
Arriving to soothe those in suffering, heal wounds, and mend damaged, Jesus was Isaiah 61:1.
Declared Himself the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus offered a road to atonement with God.
Jesus abolished sin and death with His death and resurrection, so presenting to us the hope of eternity with God.
Christmas reminds us that whatever the darkness life may seem to be—that Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12.). For everyone who believes, his birth starts an idealized love story still full of promise.
3. Mastership of God’s Gift
We have to respond after getting God’s best gift. God freely gives; so, we are asked to show our gifts for others. This Christmas let’s focus more on the people truly displaying Christ’s heart than on worldly gifts.
a. The Love Gift
God shower upon us love; show love by being present, attentive, and compassionate for people around by. Consider how you might relate to someone this season who be feeling isolated or overlooked.
**Let us not love with words or speeches but with acts and in truth, dear children.”In John 3.18
b: Gift of pardon
Christmas is the perfect time to pardon and let bitterness pass. Like God forgiving us by Jesus, we are urged to pardon others.
Scripture says: “Bear with each other and pardon one another… As the Lord pardon you.”13: Colonists III:
c. The Courtesy Gift
Little acts of compassion add up to a big difference. Compassion reveals God’s love in action whether one is helping a neighbor, writing a heartfelt letter, or working at a shelter.
Scripture : “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
4. Consideration of Christmas Gift That Count
Think about the gifts you might offer this Christmas that truly celebrate God’s best gift. Several ideas apply:
- Consider the meaning of Jesus’ birth with songs of thanksfulness, scriptures, and prayer.
- Ask someone in need. Find out how you may support someone right now who might be hurting.
- Christmas offers an opportunity to remind others of the hope discovered in Jesus and share the gospel with them.
Thanking the Ultimate Gift
Remember that even if you celebrate Christmas this year, the most worthwhile gift has already been given. Jesus stands for God’s love, a love so immense it closes the gulf separating heaven from earth.
Christmas reminds us that we should be spreading that with others as we are highly loved. Let us take love, forgiveness, kindness, and hope instead of focusing simply on what we get.
Consider what Christmas really meant before then. Whose Christmas Present You Would Want?
Who should you declare to be loved this week? Someone you might forgive? How could one be empathetic in daily life?
Note one action you wish to do this Christmas to show God’s love to others.
Christmas ought to offer plenty of opportunities for fun, peace of Christ’s presence, and lifetime promise of giving.
