As you open presents this Christmas, I want you to think about the presents that we have in Jesus Christ. You know how when you give someone a present, you expect them to give you one also? This is not true with the gifts that God gives us. He gives them to us freely:

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

James 1:17

17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

These gifts are of infinite value, and cost more than any gift you will receive this Christmas – they cost God His Son!

1 Peter 1:18-19

18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,

19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

These aren’t cheap gifts under God’s tree – they were purchased for us with the blood of Christ.

Remember the gift that your kids were dying to have 4 years ago? How you really slaved to be able to get them, or stood in line at the store before they opened? Where are these gifts now? Have they broken, or been given to Goodwill? The gifts that God has for us will last for all of eternity:

1 Peter 1:3-4

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

Under God’s tree are happiness, freedom from bondage, escape from stress and worry, and the power to overcome any adversity in life. All we have to do is be willing to go under the tree and open it!

Have you ever bought someone you love a present? One that you spent a great deal of money on, and one that you knew was exactly what the person wanted and needed? You carefully wrapped it, and put it in plain sight under the tree where they could find it. You were so excited, waiting for them to open the present, and be happy and thankful! How would you feel if that person never opened the present?

Don’t leave God’s presents under the tree.

Isaiah 55:1-2

1 "Ho! (or should he have said, Ho, Ho, Ho!) Every one who thirsts, come to the waters;

And you who have no money come, buy and eat.

Come, buy wine and milk

Without money and without cost.

2 "Why do you spend money for what is not bread,

And your wages for what does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,

And delight yourself in abundance.