THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS
Luke 2

WENTZVILLE | MATT HESS
Christmas Eve 2024 

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when a Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7 
 
“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,Too little to be among the clans of Judah, 
From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2 

1. The gift of Inclusion 

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; Luke 2:8-10 
  
"But when Jesus heard that, he said to them, they that are well do not need a physician, but they that are sick. But go then and learn what that means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Matthew 9:12-13 

2. The gift of Peace 

 
for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:11-14 
 
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. Colossians 1:21 
 
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:10 

3. The gift of Sharing 

 
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.  And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:15-19 

4. The gift of Worship 

 
The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. Luke 2:20 
 

Three Truths that will Transform Your Life 

 

1. While there was no room in the inn for Jesus He came to make room for us. 

"In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:2-3 
 

2. Jesus is the door to open the room.  

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but through me.” John 14:6 
 

3.  Jesus paid a great price in order that we may have access to the room.  

"But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8