Christmas Presence Part 1: God’s Gift to You Pastor Kevin Cotton; November 26, 2017

What does the Bible say that God gives as Christmas gifts? And how does he deliver his gifts? Matthew 2:1-8 NIV “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 1. It is ___________________ (although it shouldn’t be!)

Luke 2:1-7 NKJV “And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” 2. It doesn’t look at all ___________________ (but appearances can be deceiving.) Philippians 2:5-7 ESV “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

3. We don’t ___________________ the gift (but He gives it anyway!) Genesis 6:5 NIV “The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.” Romans 5:8 NKJV “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 4. The gift reveals the ___________________ of the ___________________ (and, if you allow it, it can build character in the reciever!)

John 3:16-17 NIV “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” 1 John 4:9-10 NLT “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 5. It’s the most ___________________ gift you’ll ever receive (but you don’t have to pay for it!) Matthew 20:28 NIV “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Luke 2:10-12 NIV “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” John 1:12 NASB “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” 6. His ________________ is the only ________________ you can’t live without! Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Romans 8:22 “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?”