Scripture: John 1:16-17
Key Words: giving, grace, gift
Big Idea: Grace is the greatest gift that we have ever received and we get to unwrap it each and every day.
Christmas has become synonymous with gifts. Bright packages tied with bows cover the floors around shimmering trees — in stores, in commercials, and in our own homes. Suspense, excitement, wonder fill our hearts as we anticipate what treasures might be lurking beneath the festive paper.
Take a minute and think about your favorite gift you’ve ever received.
Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, but they all share one thing in common: a true gift is given without being earned. A true gift is given out of love for the recipient. The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas can be one of the simplest ways to remind one another of the incredible gift that God gives us: GRACE.
Grace is unmerited favor. In simpler terms, grace is getting something really great without deserving it. Grace isn’t a reward. Grace isn’t a trip to the treasure box for good behavior. Grace is a gift.
Take a minute to read Ephesians 2:4-10. Note every time you read the word “grace.”
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Let’s unwrap this a little:
Romans 3:23 says we are all sinners.
What does it mean to be a sinner?
Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death, BUT it also says that the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Christ Jesus, the tiny baby born on the first Christmas, is the free gift of God. Baby Jesus is God’s grace to us!!!
So, this Christmas and beyond, when we are wrapping a gift for someone else or unwrapping a gift for ourselves, let’s remember the incredible gift of grace that we have been given. Let’s give gifts freely, regardless of what the person has done for us, because God has given us life instead of what we deserved.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see!
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come. ‘Tis grace hath brought me save thus far and grace will lead me home!
The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures!
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun!