2005-12-25 A God First Christmas - Understand Gifts

Why is gift-giving the most acknowledged Christmas tradition? What does a gift in purest form communicate? This concluding message explores how Christmas centers on God giving His best gift—Himself—in Jesus Christ, revealing that true Christianity is about being good receivers rather than achievers. Discover why nine out of ten people mistakenly believe being "good" earns heaven, how pride blocks God's gifts like defensive ends, and why worshiping gifts instead of the giver provokes God's anger. Learn that all God's gifts have your name on them because His love is personal, including five categories: healing (eternal life curing sin's disease), forgiving (clean slate), equipping (meaningful purpose), relational (love overflowing), and peace (sustaining grace in crisis). Until unwrapped by faith, these gifts remain unused under tree despite believing they exist.