Thanks be to God for His gift that is too wonderful for words.
— 2 Corinthians 9:15
A few years ago I read the script of a sermon that Rick Warren delivered to his congregation. It was entitled God’s Christmas Gift To You. Some of those thoughts are included below.
Have you ever received a gift within a gift? I heard once about a woman who got some gloves for a gift and when she went to put them on, she found a 20-dollar bill in each finger. That is a gift within a gift.
At the first Christmas, the world received a gift. It was a big one. God sent us a Savior. He sent us Jesus. But when we accept that gift, many other blessings come our way. Let’s look at three of those today.
God’s Gift of Joy:
Announcing the birth of Jesus, the angel said it:
… “I bring you good tidings of great joy!”
— Luke 2:10
In John 10:10, Jesus himself told those around him that, “I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.” Some Christians have a Savior, but they do not seem to have much joy. That is a shame.
Did you hear about the preacher who went into a bank and the teller looked at him and said, “You look like a preacher.” The preacher replied, “Well, I have the flu.” The gift of joy was given to us on that first Christmas. Others should see a God-given joy in us.
God’s Gift of Harmony:
God sent us a Savior. He wants us to get our lives right with him and right with other people. Christmas is a time of reconciliation.
God reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
— 2 Corinthians 5:18
God’s Gift of Peace:
The Christmas gift to us of a Savior means forgiveness for our past, power to overcome problems in this world, and a peace in knowing that our eternity is secure. That is a great gift. If you have never received the gift of salvation, talk to someone in your Community Group or to one of our pastors. These are some gifts that are too great to be left unopened.
Thanks be to God for His gift that is too wonderful for words.
— 2 Corinthians 9:15