The Greatest Gift Luke 1:26-38; Romans6:23; Ephesians2:8; John4:10; John3:16-21

Most westerners say that Christmas should be more about time together with family and friends than about gifts. However, in 2007 spending on Christmas presents was in the neighborhood of $474.5 billion; each American spending an average of $923.36. With credit card rates often as high as 24 percent, that $923 cost the average consumer closer to $6458.87 when interest and finance charges are included.

This year, Americans and Canadians say they intend to spend 50% less, but it is still expected that Canadians will spend $28.7 billion this Christmas and US shoppers will spend $470.4 billion.

PNC Christmas Price Index 2008: the cost of the gifts in the holiday classic, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” have increased 8.1%. The greatest increase this year was in swans a-swimming with a whopping 33.3% increase due to scarcity. True Loves will spend $5,600 this year for Swans compared to $4,200 in 2007. However, gold rings have dropped in price by 11.4% to $349.95 from $395...

For the next few moments let us consider what is the greatest gift that could ever be given. What makes a gift a great gift?

A GREAT GIFT NEEDS TO BE A GIFT GIVEN OUT OF LOVE

• For God so loved

• infinite -- from before the foundation of the world – Psalm 103:17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, Psa 5:7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house.

• unchanging – same yesterday today forever Heb.13:8 Jas1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

• Holy --- be ye holy ... I am holy 1Pe 1:16 since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy.

• just and righteous Hos 2:19 And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy.

• great – God so loved the whole world = Cosmos (186 times in Greek New Testament) = world full of sinful people – like us. ref. Romans3:23.

A GREAT GIFT NEEDS TO BE PERSONAL

• A couple in counseling; The man said,“I have given you everything” ...”Yes, but not yourself” Whereas God gave Himself and gave Himself to you.

  • Luke 2:11 “Unto you is born...a Savior who is Christ the Lord

• Unique (“one and only” NIV) No one like Him – No one His equal

  • uniquely begotten (virgin born),

  • become flesh,

  • eternal God in temporal flesh

• Best – not cast-offs (like we give to charities) We may give away some good stuff, but not our best.

A GREAT GIFT NEEDS TO ADD TO THE RECEIVER

• Not like - noisy gifts for nephews; pets that need up keep; cameras and gifts that need supplies to be enjoyed

• Does God's love for the whole world save the whole world?

  • No. God's love is sufficient for the whole world but

  • Only effectient for those who believe and receive eternal life by faith (the gift of God)

  • What about those who do not believe Jesus? V.17-18 – condemnation

Illustration: A fellow was given a private tour of the British Museum .... Masterpieces, sculptures, beautiful artifacts. … At end of tour the man said, “Well, I don't think much of your old pictures.”

The guide said quietly, “Sir, I would remind you that these pictures are no longer on trial, but those who look at them are.”

The fellow who thought the priceless treasures were worthless passed judgment on himself. What should have brought joy, wonder, and awe revealed his ignorance, lack of understanding, and his lack of appreciation. (William Barclay)

If one looks at Jesus and does not see the love and the blessing to his life and the deliverance from his lostness and just the beauty of the holiness of Jesus, that one's reaction confirms their condemnation.

NOTE The scripture does not say if you do not believe in Jesus you will be condemned or you will be lost. It says you will stay lost and condemned.

But Unto You God Gave His Only Begotten So that You Can Have Eternal Life in Place of Eternal Death

Responsive Reading

God The greatest Lover

so loved The greatest degree

the world The greatest company

that he gave The greatest act

His one and only The greatest gift

that whosoever The greatest opportunity

believes The greatest simplicity

in him The greatest attraction

shall not perish The greatest promise

but The greatest difference

have The greatest certainty

eternal life The greatest possession

And all God's people said, “Amen!”

(from Pastor David Jeremiah)