THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL TIME
LUKE 2:8-20 NLT [8] That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. [9] Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, [10] but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. [11] The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! [12] And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." [13] Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God and saying, [14] "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." [15] When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." [16] They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. [17] After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. [18] All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, [19] but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. [20] The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
THE GIFT OF HEAVEN THAT HAD BEEN SO LONG AWAITED ON HAD FINALLY ARRIVED.
REVELATION 3:20 NLT "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
THREE POWERFUL TRUTHS THAT HAPPEN ONCE WE RECEIVE THE GIFT OF JESUS
ONE | ONCE WE RECEIVE THE GIFT OF JESUS, THERE’S NO STRUGGLE WE CAN’T FIGHT AGAINST. HE IS OUR SAVIOR, CHRIST, AND LORD.
LUKE 2:10-11 [10] but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. [11] The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
I know you might be going through pain. I know there’s some struggle. I know that it’s not been a perfect year. I know that there’s been some ups and some downs. But no matter what has happened in your life, your gift has arrived. It’s at the door of our hearts, waiting to be received.
In moments of difficulty, find strength and comfort through the power of prayer and worship.
TWO | ONCE WE RECEIVE THE GIFT OF JESUS, WE CAN’T GO BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS BEFORE. IT CHANGES US FOREVER.
When we let Jesus in, we experience His transforming love and live a life worthy of His praise, presence, and purpose.
2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-18 NLT [17] This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! [18] And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.
THREE | ONCE WE RECEIVE THE GIFT OF JESUS, OUR LIVES BECOME ABOUT GIVING WHAT WE’VE RECEIVED TO OTHERS
LUKE 2:17-20 NLT [17] After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. [18]All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, [19] but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. [20] The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
LIVE YOUR LIFE AS A GIFT FOR OTHERS!
When you say yes to Jesus, your life, giving, finances, time, and talents should become a gift for everyone else.
There is no fun when we live in me-ville. All the joy is being had in we-ville.
This Christmas season, let’s receive the gift of Jesus and live a life that gives the gift and hope of Jesus to others.