Receiving Christmas
One of the quiet challenges of the Christmas season is learning how to receive a gift well. As children, this comes naturally. We tear open wrapping paper with unfiltered joy. But as we grow older, gifts can feel complicated. We wonder about expectations, obligations, or whether we deserve what has been given. Sometimes, in an attempt to regain control, we try to repay generosity rather than simply receive it.
Yet Christmas confronts us with a gift that cannot be repaid, matched, or managed. God gives Himself.
This Lord’s Day, we will turn to Luke 1:26-38 and consider the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, the first human recipient of the gift of Christmas. In this familiar passage, we see not only the coming of Christ into the world, but also a living picture of how God’s people are called to receive Him. To come prepared for the service this Sunday take time to read and meditate upon Luke 1:26-38, Genesis 1:2, Psalm 51:16-17, Romans 4:18-21, 2 Corinthians 8:9, James 4:6, and this article on Receiving Gifts.
As we gather this fourth Sunday of Advent, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Angels We Have Heard on High,” the Acclamation of Praise “Silent Night,” and the Hymn of Response “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information:
Text: Luke 1:26-38
Title: Receiving Christmas
Outline:
- You Must Receive Christmas in Humility (vv. 26-30)
- You Must Receive Christmas Through the Son (vv. 31-33)
- You Must Receive Christmas By God’s Power (vv. 34-38)