December 25th, 2011 - The Gift of Jesus

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When kids open their gifts, they're excited at the prospect of having it, but it's shortly forgotten with the anticipation of the next gift. Many view Jesus in the same way. We get excited about eternal life in heaven, but put Him aside as we live our lives.
But we need to see Jesus as the permanent gift, one which we will love and live with at all times.
Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:1-11
Salvation is not just about accepting Jesus in your life, but letting Him live in your life and through. Allow Him to rule over you and follow His lead.
What do we give God in return for the gift that He gave us? He doesn't necessarily need our tithes, or our money, but us. He wants us to serve Him. Besides, if He's got us, then He's got everything we have. It all came from Him anyway.
Often times we stay so busy that we don't have time to spend time with God. Even when we have down time we get involved in pointless activities that are simply distractions. That is the challenge presented to us. We need to make the effort to devote to spending time with God.
Philippians 2:5-13
There are tasks that God gives us to accomplish. Often times we don't have the ability to do what He asks, but through prayer, we can call upon Him to equip us to complete those tasks.
Hebrews 10:26-30
Hebrews 10:16-23 - Our sins remembered no more... completely forgotten! And God wants us to unwrap the gift He gave us and that He can unwrap the gift we give Him so that He can show the world.