The birth of Jesus is something to celebrate because Jesus changed the world. He didn’t just make the world better, though… he made it possible to truly live. Through Jesus, we have extra blessings of life.

How has the Christmas season blessed you?

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! —Luke 2:9-11 (NLT)

Sometimes we think that the blessings from God are the gifts he brings us, but the greatest blessing is the gift of “Christmas Presence”. God came to live with us, and this changed everything.

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. 6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. —Galatians 4:4-7 (NLT)

What is this passage saying about why Christ came?

1. We are blessed to bless others.

You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. —2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT)

Why would God make us rich?

The reality is that we have been given an extra blessing so that it overflows to other people.

What comes to mind when you think of sharing your blessing?

2. We are blessed to bless God.

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— 2 so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. 3 May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. 4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. 5 May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. 6 The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. 7 May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him. —Psalm 67 (NIV)

Why does the psalmist ask for a blessing from God? (What is the motivation?)

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Why should we be concerned about whether God is blessed?