The First Christmas Gift

The Gift Worth Giving To

Matthew 2:1-12

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Magi – Magicians or astrologers – possibly wise men from Persia whose knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures could be traced back to the time of Daniel

The Different Attitudes of Those Who Heard the News about God’s Gift

• The Magi were Expectant

• Herod was Resistant

• The religious leaders were Indifferent

Question:  Who are you more like right now? JESUS

The Wise Men Did Five Things

1. They Sought to Be in the Presence of Jesus – God’s Greatest Gift

Like any relationship, our relationship with Jesus does not get better or deeper accidentally.  It takes Desire and Effort

Question:  What efforts are you making that express your desire to spend time in the presence of Jesus?

2. They Rejoiced In the Gift (10)

2 Things about Expressed Joy

• Fits your Personality

• Doesn’t have to be a Christian Cliché

“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17–18)

Question:  How is your joy level this Christmas?  How are you expressing your joy?

3. They Gave Jesus the Gift of Worship (11)

They recognized they were in the presence of someone greater than themselves

We are living moment by moment in the presence of someone greater than ourselves!

Question:  What can you do to help you to view every moment of your life as potential worship before your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

4. They Gave Him Material Gifts (11)

•  Gold: Jesus is the King
• Frankincense: Jesus is the Priest
• Myrrh: Jesus is the Savior

Question:  What gift will you give Jesus this Christmas?  How will you use your resources to give to Jesus by giving to others?

5. They Gave God the Gift of Obedience (12)

We cannot truly encounter the living Lord Jesus and remain the same!

Question:  What has God clearly told you to do that you are not doing? 

Making It Personal:

• Have you personally received the greatest gift of all, the gift of Jesus Christ made possible by God’s grace?

• Review the questions in the material above. Which question do you need to spend a little more time with reflecting on your answer in the presence of God?

• “Who’s Your One?” Will you spend time this Christmas season praying intentionally for them to receive the greatest gift of all Jesus Christ?  How will you seek to share Christ with them this Christmas season?

• Who can you share these truths with?