Topic: "GIVING GIFTS"

Scriptures: Matthew 2:10-11; John 4:10; Isaiah 9:6; John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Acts 2:38-39; Matthew 2:2,11; Mark 15:22; John 19:38

Everywhere in the world, there is a tradition of giving of gifts, which includes occasions such as Birthdays, Weddings and Other Celebrations. This are done between family’s and friends. But in this Christmas Season, we must remember the Primary Reason for this Season. As a fact in the Bible, we learnt that the Wise gave Jesus the best and appropriate Gifts.

“A Gift must be the best and must be appropriate” – Pastor John Tangalobani

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew: 2:10-11

They have moved from a stable to a House, from a temporary to a permanent home.

The birth of the tradition of giving of GIFTS. Giving a best and appropriate gift to commemorate the occasion of season.

DIVINE GIFT OF GOD

1. Gift of God

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. John4:10 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 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. John 3:16

Jesus Christ is the best and appropriate gift of God to you brothers and sisters.

2. Eternal Life through Jesus Christ

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

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. John 3:16

3. The Gift of the Holy Ghost

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. Acts 2:38-39

GIFTS FROM THE WISE MEN

These gifts were given to Jesus, that declares who Jesus Christ is from the beginning of his journey to the end. Jesus was called Emmanuel "God with Us"

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

GOLD

It is usually presented to Kings (Hierarchy) Wealth (Precious Treasure). Jesus Christ is the King.

FRANKINCENSE

Sweet smelling incense burned to offer sacrifice

MYRRH

Ointment to purify death. also, can be used as pain relief. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. Mark: 15:23

Jesus was experiencing a lot of pain, on his way to Calvary, but he refused to drink. Why? He wanted to feel the real pain to the cross.

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross is the best sacrifice. The best free package. Gift from the Wise men.

And after this Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred-pound weight. John 19:38-39

This Season is a Season of Giving Gifts. Prioritize your giving this Christmas Season. The question we may ask is What will you give Jesus this Season?