“The Half-Unwrapped Gift”
Mt.2:1-12; Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7 Christmas Eve Dec. 24,
2005 Play
video
Gifts that Give One Pause
• some gifts not enthusiastically received
• driver with bad tires needs more than tow
• Jesus’ birth challenges us to accept long-term help
Evil that’s Herod-itary
• Herod political leader who would Grab, Smash ‘n’
Take
• disturbed at report of legitimate king of Jews
born (Mt 2:3)
• finds out info secretly, lies, arranges massacre
to protect power (2:7f, 16)
• need to say ‘no’ to our Herod-like ungodliness,
passions, malice (Titus 3:3)
The Gracious, Giving King
• Jesus our “great God AND Saviour”: mercy not
massacre
• sanctifies (makes pure, holy) as well as justifies
(acquitted before Judge)
• unwrapping Gift requires humble worship,
willingness to change behaviour
Empty Manger / Jesus Inside
• little girl wanting unaffordable baby Jesus
figurine
• realize more important to have Jesus in heart
• grace in another paying the price for us
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