12/25/2024: Christmas Day

THE GIFT OF GOD

When a father puts gifts under the Christmas tree, it is not to compensate his children for doing their chores. That would make whatever is inside that wrapping paper a wage, not a gift. A gift is given voluntarily simply so the giver can show favor to the one receiving the gift, without any expectation of repayment. In the season of Christmas, we receive the gift of God. That does not simply mean we receive the gifts God gives. When we look into the manger, we see that God is the gift.

In the person of Jesus, God gave us himself. And because our God became true man and did everything necessary for our salvation, he is able to give us so many other Christmas gifts: forgiveness, hope, peace, a place in his family, eternal life in paradise. “That is too much!” you object. “I don’t deserve any of it!” True enough. However, none of these things are wages. We could not and need not earn them. Because they are gifts, given by our gracious God to show us his favor.

GOD GIVES HIMSELF AS ONE OF US

Have you ever opened a Christmas present and had to ask, “What is it?” Perhaps it was some new type of technology or perhaps a unique toy. You were grateful for the gift, but also not 100% certain what you were looking at. “What is it?” Today, as we look into the manger, we ask that question. In this case, the question is not quickly or easily answered. It requires both deep thought and humble awe. We are looking at the same God who once told the prophet Moses, “No one may see me and live.” Yet, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds all saw their holy God and survived. How? God became human, hiding his glory within our flesh, so that he might come to us without instilling fear or dread.

“What is it?” This gift is God and man in one person, exactly what humanity needed to deliver us from our greatest enemies: sin, death, and Satan. On the Festival of Christmas, we thank God for this greatest of gifts.

God bless your Christmas Day worship!

Pastor Adam Mueller preaches on Exodus 33:18–23; 34:5-7

Watch service online. (Christmas Day - Wednesday, 9:15am MST)

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