Matthew 2:1-12
Since the wise men from the east arrived at the stable with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, people have been exchanging gifts at Christmas.
A GIFT FOR A GIFT? John 17:3
“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
1. A gift for a gift is usually purchased in haste.
2. A gift for a gift is usually given out of obligation.
“Giving with a glad and generous heart has a way of rooting out the tough old miser within us. Even the poor need to know how to give. Just the very act of letting go of money or some other treasure does something within us. It destroys the demon of greed.” -Richard Foster
GRACE GIFTS ARE THE BEST GIFTS: John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
1. A grace gift can never be repaid.
2. A grace gift cannot be measured with money.
3. A grace gift is always given with thoughtfulness.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” -Ephesians 2:8-9.
THE WISE MEN SETTING THE STANDARD FOR CHRISTMAS 2001: Matthew 2:2
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
1. Give an unexpected gift.
2. Give with great joy.
3. Give something of personal value.
4. Give a gift that will endure.
WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
So bring him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king to own Him.
The King of Kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
This, this is Christ, the King.
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
-William C. Dix