Series: “All I Want For Christmas”- Part 4

Sermon:“Love”

Scripture Lesson: 1 John 4:9-11

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Series: All I Want for Christmas is… Part 4

LOVE

1 John 4:9-11

I have been told that Santa takes advantage of the technology of the modern age, using GP, iPhones and the internet.  Did you know that you can email your Christmas wish list to Santa Claus at emailsanta.com. They get over a million emails a year.

But, did you know that Jesus is the real reason for the season? Well, of course you do, that’s why you’re here. But do we know why He’s the reason?

What do you think would be the best present you could receive at Christmas? We can all picture in our mind what the best present is. But how do you measure the value of a present? How do you judge its worth? By its size? By its weight? Do you judge it by its cost or perhaps by its usefulness?

What I would like to do this morning is examine God’s present to us. It is wrapped up – it has bows on it – it is under the tree and it is large. Follow along with me as I read from God’s Word.  “This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God. My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other.”   1 John 4:9-11 (MSG)

How do you measure the value of God’s gift to you? I would suggest three ways:

I. God’s gift to you is measured by its USEFULNESS.
What is the usefulness of God’s gift to us? Notice in verse nine the usefulness of the gift. “…so we might live.”  Jesus said it this way:  “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (NKJV)  What a promise that is! God has made you a SPECIAL PERSON for a SPECIAL PURPOSE.  “He chose us – actually picked us out for Himself as His own – in Christ before the foundation of the world; that we should be set apart for Him. . .” Ephesians 1:4 (AV)  You were specially created – hand crafted – uniquely make – for the purpose of bringing glory to God.

II. God’s gift to you is measured by its COST.
What God has done for us is given us the most precious gift He could possibly give – something of worth – something of value. He gave us His son. God knew what had to be done. He knew what price had to be paid. He knew what it was going to cost Him and He sent the best for you and me. He sent Jesus Christ – born as a child for the salvation of the world. If He gave that much to you – what should you give Him?

III. God’s present to you is measured by its EFFECTIVENESS.
Why did God send His Son to die for you? What is the love of God intended to do? Let me tell you: CHANGE YOU.   Verse eleven says this: “If God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other.” Why? Because God is not done loving the world yet. He wants to keep loving the world – through you and through me.

God’s Gift to you is useful – It gives you meaning and values and brings Glory to God!

God’s Gift to you is valuable – It paid the price for your sins and set-you free!

God’s Gift to you is effective – It changes your life – so you love the way God loves!

It is the best Christmas present ever! It is Jesus Christ and His love of you!