As the Advent season culminates in the celebration of Christ's birth, we turn our attention to the essence of love. Let's uncover how God's love is not just a feeling, but a powerful, enduring gift that shapes our lives and humanity's future.
We celebrate Christmas to honor God's profound love, demonstrated when He sent Jesus, His Son, as the ultimate expression of His gift to the world.
Getting Started: How does our human understanding of love fall short of the perfect love that God offers us through Jesus' birth?
Beginning Prayer: "Dear God, we thank You for the peace that comes from Your Son, Jesus. Help us prepare our hearts for His coming by focusing our lives on Your will. Guide our thoughts, open our ears to Your Word, and fill us with Your peace as we study today, in Jesus' name. Amen."
I. The Nature of the Gift: Unmerited, Costly Love
Key Scripture: John 3:16
The Christmas story isn't just about a baby in a manger; it's about a divine rescue plan initiated by love. The "gift" is Jesus Himself, a sacrifice given out of pure generosity and an infinite love that we did not earn.
Exploring the Scriptures: Read the following scripture verses for a deeper understanding of the preceding text.
- Ephesians 2:4-5; 1 John 4:9-10
Let's Talk About It:
- How does the human experience of receiving an undeserved gift help explain the nature of God's gift of His Son?
- In 1 John 4:10, God takes the initiative in love by providing an atoning sacrifice. What was involved in God's act of "giving" His only Son to be the payment for our sins?
- Does understanding the cost of the gift of Jesus Christ alter your perception of God's love at Christmas?
II. Gift of Reconciliation, Gift of Life
Key Scripture: Titus 3:4
The necessity of this gift stemmed from humanity's separation from a holy God due to sin. Jesus arrived to mend this broken relationship, offering peace and purpose, and transforming spiritual death into the hope of eternal life.
Exploring the Scriptures: Read the following scripture verses for a deeper understanding of the preceding text.
- Luke 2:10-11; John 10:10 (b); Romans 5:8
Let's Talk About It:
- According to the announcement in Luke, a "Savior" brings "good news." What does this salvation rescue humanity from, and what new life or purpose does it offer them for?
- What is the significance of the phrase "while we were still sinners" in Romans 5:8 regarding God's demonstration of love?
- How does having Jesus transform my perspective and bring deep, lasting joy, peace, and purpose to my ordinary days, as described in John 10:10?
III. Accepting the Gift: Belief and Its Reception
Key Scripture: Galatians 4:4
The mere offer of a gift is not enough; it needs acceptance to be possessed. The universal promise from God demands a personal decision to believe and accept it, turning a general offer into a personal reality.
Exploring the Scriptures: Read the following scripture verses for a deeper understanding of the preceding text.
- John 1: 11-13; John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10
Let's Talk About It:
- How does a personal acceptance of Jesus as Savior differ from a general awareness of the historical and commercial aspects of Christmas?
- According to John 1:12, those who accept the divine gift are granted the authority to be called "children of God." What does it mean to be adopted into God's family?
- How can we translate the joy and meaning of the Christmas gift into an everyday practice of love and giving?
On a Final Note: Love: Humanity's Enduring Light
Love is an enduring gift, beautifully exemplified by the arrival of the Savior. This week, fully embrace that love in your life and share it generously, offering its warmth, peace, and acceptance to those around you.
Final Prayer: "Heavenly Father, we're grateful for the incredible gift of love You sent us through Jesus. Guide us to truly welcome that love into our hearts, not just think about it, so we can generously share Your light with everyone we encounter. Amen."
In God's name,
Amy
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