Luke 1 and 2

The Real Focus – Consider the Gift!

At the countdown to Christmas, let us focus on what is really most important.  Too many, including many Christians, miss it by way of their actions and attitudes.  The Gospel of Luke points us to this goal as it challenges us to consider the gift.

The Wrapping

Luke 2:12 – And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

This Child, this gift you are to look for, will not be surrounded by external splendor and outward glitter and glory, but instead by common wrappings.

The Trimmings

Luke 2:13-14 – And 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, goodwill toward men!”

Loud heavenly choruses announce this gift of God’s peace.  But do not miss where the choruses resound; not at the manger scene but in the distance fields where the shepherds are gathered.  At the manger, the trimmings are virtually non-existent and quite ordinary.

The Tag

Luke 1:30-31 – Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.

This name, Jesus, is no accident.  The full name in Hebrew is a sentence name:  “Yahweh” or Lord saves!”

The Contents

Luke 1:32-33 – He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

• His excelling greatness!
• His absolute exaltation!
• His supreme power!
• His eternal reign
• His perpetual kingdom!

The Purpose

Luke 2:29-32 – Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word;   For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”

To bring salvation to all peoples, including the Gentiles!  This gift is available to all, the invitation is to everyone, but the benefits are only for those who will act.

The Conclusion – Unwrap the Gift

The gift of Jesus Christ is God’s present to you.  Simply acknowledging the gift exists, or simply noting its presence does nothing for you personally.  You must unwrap the gift.  If you have, why not share the gift with others?