Title: Radiant: The Greatest Gift
Scripture: Matthew 1:22-23
Date: 12/24/23
Bible Version: NKJV
BOTTOM LINE: Christmas is not about a gift we might receive, a relative we might see or a place that we love, it’s about the gift God has given us.
The Greatest Gift
Luke 2:1-12
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
The gift of Jesus was not a last minute thing, God was very intentional with this gift.
The gift of Christ radiates Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
The announcement was for a savior, not a reformer or great thinker. God gave us a SAVIOR.
God With Us
Matthew 1:22-23
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
- God sent His one and only son (Jesus) to you and I as a gift.
That is the essence of Christmas. The baby in the manager was God himself in the person of his Son. He was deity in a diaper. Heaven was coming down to earth; eternity was invading time. The king of the universe had come to be with us and save sinners. —Tony Evans
The Gift of Christ:
- Comes with no strings attached.
- Never breaks or expires.
Is exactly what you and I need.
- The only way we are made right with God, is through the gift of Jesus.
Romans 3:22
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.