Christmas- Jesus’ Birth: Characterized by Giving

Topic:  Christmas – Jesus’ Birth: Characterized by Giving 

Memory Verse: …  ” For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16 (NKJV).

Text: Isaiah 9:6-7

Spiritual Emphasis: True followers of Jesus is a giver – not just at Christmastime, but throughout the entire year. Generosity is part of our identity in Christ and should be our natural response to God’s blessings and provisions. Giving just reminds us that Jesus is the source of all we have. God gave His best to redeem us, that should motivate us to always give our best at each opportunity.

• Mary gave her body and reputation: Mary willingly surrendered her body to bear the son of God. Furthermore, because she was not married, she gave her reputation – Luke 1: 26-28; Matthew 1:18-23. 
• The innkeeper gave a stable: When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, the city was so crowded that there was no place to give birth. The inn was also fully booked, but the innkeeper gave what he had – a stable for Jesus’ birthplace – Luke 2:4-7.
• The angel of the Lord gave an announcement: The first report of Christ’s birth was delivered by a glorious angel to a group of simple shepherds. Upon hearing the announcement and the location of the birth, they hurried off to find the Child in a manger with Mary and Joseph at His side – Luke 2:13-16.
• The shepherds gave a testimony: After seeing the Messiah, they couldn’t keep the good news to themselves, but told everyone what they had heard and seen – Luke 2:17-20.
• The wise men gave gifts and worship: They were probably astrologers or philosophers who came from Persia. When this star caught their attention, they followed to find the newborn King. When they found Jesus, they worshipped Him and offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh – Matthew 2:1-2; 9-12.
• God gave His only begotten Son: The greatest gift of all came from God the Father who gave His Son to the world to die as a sacrifice for our sins – John 3:16.

Questions/Activities: What can we do better individually and collectively to give someone every day the gospel message of Christmas – The Good News about Jesus?

 Conclusion. Of all the gifts we have ever received, the gift of eternal life is by far the most valuable. That’s why we must double our effort to tell others what Jesus has done in our lives. Use this Christmas season and every other day of the year to spread and give the Good News about Jesus Christ. We’ll never know how our words will influence someone else unless we speak up.  

Shalom! Self-Study: Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 10:47-49; Luke 6:38; John 4:4; 2 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 4:4.