THE GIFT FROM THE FATHER

By Rev. Jay Pearson

Imagine with me for a moment. It is Christmas morning, and we are up and approach the tree and the presents under. There are gifts under the tree with our name on them. We pick them up and take them to our seat and set them on the floor in front of us. The one who gave us each gift is excited for us to open the gift and check it out with joy.

This reminds me of my Dad’s brother, Dink, who came to live with us after their mother, my grandmother passed away. He was not used to receiving gifts on Christmas or any other day. Long story, but I will share that with you one on one, one day if you wish. For this story I’ll share that he would take his presents in his room and put them on the dresser and not open them. His needs were small and he had no desire to open until my mother forced him to a month later. She explained we were waiting. It’s a true story,

Now back to my story. Forgive me for that detour. We have not opened the gifts at our feet. Now we open our gift. It could be a wireless charger or something we don’t know how to use. The person giving the gift is so joyed that we received the gift, opened it, and considered its use. It’s Christmas Day.

John 3:16-18
16 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.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

God gave us a gift many years ago.  He gave us his Son Jesus Christ and he is just as real and effective as he was then and is now. This gift doesn’t require batteries, it is the gift that keeps on giving, and he has supplied all the energy needed for eternity to work with his gift. He is joyed and please for you to receive, check it out, and utilize. The shepherds that night were excited when they heard the news. They stop their evening duties and had to go and check it out. Let’s you and I check it out now.

Luke 2:1-20
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Oh, that our hearts would be filled with the shepherds' joy. May we glorify and praise God this Christmas Day for all the things he has done. Thanking him for the birth of his dear Son, for the sacrifice he made for us, for the things that he endured for us, and for the Comforter that he sent to us. He is alive this Christmas day and every day to come. May we open our gifts and check them out. May we pray in every way possible to our Father in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and thank him for his gift to us.

1 Peter 1:8-9
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

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Presented 12 December 2021 in French Settlement, Louisiana