SCRIPTURAL BASIS
Responding to the Gift of Jesus
The 'Stuff' Christmas isn't Made of...
The purpose of Jesus is the Gift is certainly not to say material gift-giving is inherently wrong. Indeed, the giving of gifts is central to the nativity story of Christ as the three wise men recognized the honor due to God’s Promised One.
“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11 NKJV)
However, Jesus is the Gift does ask believers to keep all gifts in proper perspective and remember, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” (James 1:17 NIV)
As Luke 12: 32-34 reminds us, we must always ask ourselves what is more important—our earthly treasures or the joys He has won for us in heaven?
Through Jesus, we are strengthened in this purpose, as found in Titus 2:11-12 NIV: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
And so the question becomes: Does your giving or receiving of material gifts take away from or contribute to your ability to honor the ultimate Gift-Giver and His example? Jesus is the Gift hopes to offer you ways to make material gifts extensions of your daily ministry in the world and encouragements for living in Christ.