The Christmas Gift You Can Open
December 25, 2025 · 1:50:21 · Watch on YouTube ↗
Summary
On Christmas morning the church gathered to celebrate the birth of Jesus, opening with the angels' words to the shepherds in Luke 2: "Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy... for unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." The preacher reminded everyone that Christ was born for you personally and for all people, to save them from sin and to give them mercy and hope.
The central message compared Christmas to a wrapped gift. However precious, a present changes nothing while it stays closed; joy comes only when it is opened and received. God the Father has given us a gift that is not a thing, a tradition, or a religion, but His own Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Yet a gift can be refused - "He came to His own, and His own received Him not" (John 1:11) - and the greatest tragedy of Christmas is that the Savior came and some still turn Him away.
Through the story of a rich man who sent a messenger door to door with a document that cancelled debts, gave a new beginning, and granted an inheritance, the preacher showed that the gift must be received personally. One man refused out of pride, another because he was too busy, but a poor man who did not even understand simply said, "If it is a gift, I accept it," and received new life. For some, Christmas remains only a story; for those who open it, it becomes salvation, life, and the riches of heaven.
Key Points
- Christ was born for you personally, not only as a distant event in history
- A gift changes nothing until it is personally opened and received
- God's true Christmas gift is His Son Jesus, not a thing, tradition, or religion
- The greatest tragedy of Christmas is rejecting the Savior who came
- God's gift brings forgiveness of debts, a fresh start, and an inheritance in heaven
- No one can accept Christ on your behalf; you must receive Him yourself
- Today is the time to open the gift and find peace, joy, and salvation
Devotional
A wrapped gift on the table does nothing for you until you reach out and open it. In the same way, the Son God gave at Christmas only changes a heart that personally welcomes Him. Ask yourself today whether Jesus is still a beautiful story you admire from a distance, or a Savior you have truly received. Like the poor man who simply said, "If it is a gift, I accept it," open your hands and your heart, and let Christ be born in you.
“A gift changes nothing in you until you open it.”
“God's Christmas gift is not a thing or a tradition - it is His Son.”
“He came to His own, yet some still leave Him standing at the door.”
