In a few days, we’ll be unwrapping presents from underneath the tree. There’s a joy that comes with seeing what others have gifted us. Gifts make us feel seen, considered, and loved. But they also come at a price. They communicate that we are worth it; our gain is worth the cost.
Thankfully, we don’t have to wait for a specific day of the year to receive the greatest gift of all. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). We tend to think of eternal life as simply meaning that we will live forever, which is true. But the gift is actually Christ’s life in us by the Holy Spirit, which is eternal because he is eternal. God made us alive together with Christ. And now, Jesus lives his life through us!
When we sin, Christ’s life in us convicts us of that sin and enables us to repent. When we feel anxious or afraid, Christ’s life in us fills our hearts and minds with the promises of his presence and his provision. When we don’t know how to navigate a broken relationship or a challenging circumstance, Christ’s life in us gives us wisdom for how to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. The struggles of life don’t stop just because it’s Christmas time. But praise God that the power of Christ’s life by his Spirit is at work in us all the time! It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Though this gift is free to us in Christ, it came at a price. To give us life, Christ gave up his. Our trespasses deserved death, but Jesus died in our place because our gain was worth the cost of his life. We were worth it. He canceled our sin-stained record by nailing it to the cross. And underneath his bloodstained tree, we find forgiveness. We find eternal life.
Respond
What is the most expensive gift you’ve ever received at Christmas? What did that gift say about how much the giver valued you? Christ valued us so much that he gave himself to us as a gift. What emotions does that create in your heart, that he considered you that valuable? Pray those emotions back to God in gratitude.
Engage with Kids
Talk about the punishment for different things: breaking a rule at home, breaking a rule at school, breaking the speed limit, breaking a bigger law, betraying a friend, sinning against God. What does it mean for God to cancel the debt of our sin? Pray together, thanking God for his good gifts of love, grace, and forgiveness.
Week 3 Family Worship
READ Luke 2:1–20
PRAY God, you are the most loving and generous. Thank you for giving us the gift of your presence through Jesus, your Son, and through your Holy Spirit. Help us to worship this Christmas as we celebrate your very good gifts.
SING “Silent Night” (The King Is Born)
Make-It-Stick Activity
Watch a beloved Christmas movie or read a picture book together. Talk about what the book or movie gets right about Christmas and what is different from what we celebrate. We can enjoy movies about Santa or Frosty for their entertainment value, but what do they say about Christmas? Is the lesson true? Is it important? Is it biblical? Discuss over popcorn or cookies!