Gifts of Christmas
A Gift Worth Waiting For
Luke 2:1-7, Galatians 4:4-5
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire.(This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. Luke 2:1-5
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. Luke 2:6-7
But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. Galatians 4:4-5
1. Jesus is God’s gift, a gift worth waiting for!
a. Christmas is about God’s sovereign timing in the lives of mankind.
Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
2. God’s gift came at an inconvenient time for Mary
a. It was not a good time for Mary to have a child.
Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future. Psalm 37:37-38
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
3. God’s gift was given at the perfect time.
a. God first promised His gift in the Garden of Eden
b. God promised a blessing through Abraham
c. The tribe of Judah and the house of David
d. The Messiah would be born of a virgin
e. Words from the prophet Micah
But you, O Bethlehem, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf. Micah 5:2
f. The presentation of gifts by foretold
The eastern kings of Sheba and Seba will bring him gifts. Psalm 72:10
4. The world stage was perfectly set for the Messiah
a. A favorable religious climate among the Jewish people.
b. A favorable legal climate.
c. The political climate was favorable for the birth of Jesus.
d. A favorable cultural climate.
e. A favorable philosophical environment.
5. God’s gift is for you today! His timing is just right in your life.
For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes. Matthew 24:27
Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28
