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December 25, 2011

The Gifts of God for the People of God

The message for this Christmas morning included the use of ‘gifts’ in many ways and shapes.  The gifts were in the Jesus Box, wrapped, and were unwrapped by the children and adults who are present as part of the message.

  • A candle – Jesus was the ‘light of God’ that came into the world on Christmas day (John 8:12 – 12Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”)
  • A dove – Jesus came to give us peace in our hearts, even in the most troubled times.  (John 14:27 – 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.)
  • A key – Jesus came to show us how to live well with each other and with God, and He has prepared a place for all us to live throughout eternity.  (John 14:2-3 – 2In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. )  The Word of Jesus in the Bible are the true key to eternity.
  • Misteltoe – God loves us and ‘kisses’ us with blessings each and every day.  It was also an ancient tradition to ‘greet each other with a holy kiss’ (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, and 1 Thessalonians 5:16 all contain such an instruction from Paul) to show love and welcoming.
  • A star – it lit the way for the Wise Men and lights our way still today.  (Matthew 2:9 – 9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.)