Believe and Receive

Happy Sunday and Merry Christmas. In Matthew Chapter 2 we read that three wise men from the East followed a star that led them to the newborn King Jesus. They brought gifts to Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrr. Some say that is the beginning of the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas. I'm not sure what giving gifts to other people has to do with Christmas, but I must admit it's fun to give.

We're told that Jesus said that it is better to give than to receive. As a child, I thought that those words must have been switched around. I thought in those days it was much better to receive than to give. Through the years I've learned that giving is truly better than receiving.

When our children were small, I looked forward to seeing their reaction at Christmas. Their excitement was just a joy to witness. Now they have children of their own, and I get to live that feeling all over again as my grandchildren excitedly await Christmas morning.

Years ago we would look at the Sears catalog or the JC Penney wish book and show our parents the things that we needed. I am so fortunate. I had great parents that loved me and gave sacrificially to me and my siblings.

Today we're going to look at a scripture about giving gifts. It's not part of the Christmas story, but it is most relevant. In Matthew chapter 7, Jesus is teaching about prayer, and he tells us to ask, and many times we don't. He then Compares our heavenly father to our Earthly ones. I begin reading at verse 9. Jesus said, "Is there anyone among you who, if your child asked for bread, would give a stone? Or if the child asked for a fish, would give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father in heaven give good things to those who ask him."

Let me read verse 11 once more: "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father in heaven give good things to those who ask him."

In these verses, Jesus wants to let us know just how much God loves us. We are human, and God is God. God is perfect, and we are not. What Jesus is doing here is pointing out that even as flawed as we are, by and large we do the best we can for our kids. We love our kids; God loves us more. We give to our kids; God gives us more.

This Christmas, I pray that you are convinced that God loves you. You may argue that you've been too naughty. You may feel that you have failed too many times. Please know that your feelings have nothing to do with the promises of God. Jesus said this in John 3:17: "God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved." That's what God wants.

Be careful not to condemn yourself if you're a believer. If God is willing to forgive you, you should let him. Over the years, I've seen people refuse the gift of God. They just cannot grasp such love. They cannot accept such a gift that they feel they have not earned.

Let me take you back to Christmas morning when you were, say, 10 years old. Do you remember the excitement? Do you recall wanting all sorts of things? I bet no 10-year-old opened a present and got a great gift and turned turned to their parents and said, "You know, this is too much. I, I, I don't deserve this." What usually happens is that the 10-year-old will tear through all the presents, and when they are through, they'll ask, "Are there any more?" Children will receive an unearned gift. We should learn from their example.

Do you remember how Matthew 18 begins? Let me read it to you: "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who's the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?' Jesus called a child, who he put among them, and he said, 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you'll never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.'"

It's my prayer that you receive God's gift as a child. Don't refuse. Believe, ask, enjoy. Mery Christmas.

Pray with me. Lord, if we're watching this the day of comes out, the 24th, Christmas Eve, tomorrow's a big day. But because you came for us, every day is a big day. Let us follow you every day. Let us accept your love every day. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for coming for People Like Us. Bless this time as we draw close. In Jesus name, amen.

Thanks for joining me. Merry Christmas.