18 - What is Your Family Giving to Jesus this Christmas?
December 13, 2021
We all give each other so many gifts for Christmas, and that's all fine. But there's one Person we often leave out -- Jesus Christ! In this episode, Graham and Katie dive into the Scriptures to explore what it could look like in our families for each person to give Jesus a gift. After all, it's His birthday we're celebrating! Think about what we do for others' birthdays: we give them gifts that THEY want. How do we know what Jesus wants? He's told us -- in His Word.
We all give each other so many gifts for Christmas, and that's all fine. But there's one Person we often leave out -- Jesus Christ! In this episode, Graham and Katie dive into the Scriptures to explore what it could look like in our families for each person to give Jesus a gift. After all, it's His birthday we're celebrating! Think about what we do for others' birthdays: we give them gifts that THEY want. How do we know what Jesus wants? He's told us -- in His Word.
We discuss:
- Exploring the Word for what God wants from His people -- reflecting His character, "a broken & contrite heart" (Psalm 51:17). Idea: write a letter to Jesus.
- Serving & loving the "least of these" -- gift catalogues from groups like Compassion International & Samaritan's Purse; serving in our local communities as well.
- Allowing the LORD to develop in us the talents and spiritual gifts He's given us -- growing in our gifts and using them for God's glory; singing "a new song" to the Lord (Psalm 96:1), honoring Him with art forms, helping your kids know their spiritual gifts if they're in Christ.
- Scriptural examples of people giving things to the Lord that honor Him -- wise men bringing their treasures (Matthew 2), Zacchaeus getting right with God and others (Luke 19), Josiah ruthlessly eliminating things that dishonor God and leading his people back into a covenant with God (2 Kings 22-23).
- Holding a birthday party for Jesus filled with worship -- sing Christmas carols, have a birthday cake, sing happy birthday, read the Christmas story, wrap a gift and put it under the tree.
- Spending quiet, quality time as a family reflecting on what we can give Him.
Scriptures referenced:
- Micah 6:6-8
- Matthew 25:34-46
- Psalm 96:1-4
- Romans 12
- Luke 19:1-10
- 2 Kings 22-23
- Isaiah 9:1-7
- 1 John 3:17-18
- Matthew 2:11
- Matthew 25:14-30
- Acts 20:35
Hymn referenced:
- Nations that Long in Darkness Walk'd
Album referenced:
Devotional book referenced:
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