And there are the gifts
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10 -11 ESV)
Not everybody was prepared
And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (1 John 5:11 NASB)
I always have You and Your love
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:36 KJV)
Will you do your best?
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (John 20:21)
His peace to the hearts of all men
Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
Jesus, the Lord of peace
Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13–14)
Paying homage to the King
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15 NKJV)
The core of My nature
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:11)
God’s wonderful gift
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
But how different the life of a real Christian
Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (John 12:24 KJV)
This gift was unlike anything I’d ever experienced
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10 ESV)
This is so contrary to the carnal mind
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8 ESV)
Love—this is My special gift for you
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 36:7 ESV)
Love God by loving your neighbor
Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV)
Oh Jesus, why didn’t You come?
Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. (Matthew 25:40 ESV)
Why would God choose the shepherds?
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. (Luke 2:8-9)
There can be awe-inspiring life transformation
And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.' (Luke 2:10)
How tough it must have been for them at times!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13 ESV)