Guiding Question: What does it truly mean to receive the gift of Jesus at Christmas—and how do we know if we’ve really received it?

Summary

Description: Robert Lewis offers a rich and heartfelt Christmas message centered on the gift of Jesus Christ. Drawing from the imagery and wonder of the season, he calls listeners beyond the festive emotions to the deeper spiritual reality of Christmas: the incarnation as God's indescribable gift. He contrasts true belief—deep, active, and transformational—with passive or flawed belief that merely observes but never receives. Using John 3:16 and stories of personal restoration, freedom, and surprise, he explores how receiving this gift leads to real-life change. The message invites both seekers and believers to reflect honestly on the nature of their belief and respond to God’s ultimate question: "Do you want me?"

Outline:

1. The Spirit of Christmas

   • Holiday nostalgia and spiritual sensitivity.

   • Christmas is more than feelings—it’s about the gift of Jesus.

2. Jesus: The Indescribable Gift

   • Biblical titles and descriptions of Jesus as a “gift.”

   • 2 Corinthians 9:15; Romans 6:23; John 4:10.

3. The Woman at the Well

   • Jesus’ compassion and invitation to a broken Samaritan woman.

   • “If you knew the gift of God…”

4. God’s Question to Us

   • Christmas answers: Is God there? Does He care?

   • But the real question is: Do you want the gift?

5. What Does It Take to Receive the Gift?

   • John 3:16 and the call to “believe.”

   • The distinction between real belief and flawed, passive belief.

6. Real Belief vs. Flawed Belief

   • Real belief leads to action, life change, and deep connection with Christ.

   • Flawed belief is passive, distant, and untransforming.

7. What the Gift Delivers

   • Forgiveness (Colossians 2:13)

   • Freedom (John 8:32)

   • Restoration (Psalm 23; Joel 2:25; Jeremiah 30:17; Malachi 4:6)

   • Surprise (1 Corinthians 2:9)

   • Reunion and eternal life (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

8. Stories of Transformation

   • Real-life testimonies of people who embraced the gift and experienced freedom, restoration, and hope—even from prison.

9. Final Invitation

   • A call to receive the gift through genuine, life-altering belief.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus is not just the reason for the season; He is the gift that changes everything.

• True belief is not passive acknowledgment but an active, surrendered trust that transforms life.

• Many claim belief but have not received the life promised in John 3:16—because their belief lacks real buy-in.

• The gift of Jesus delivers real change: forgiveness, freedom, healing, purpose, and eternal hope.

• Christmas invites us to answer God's question: “Do you want me?”

• When we truly believe, Jesus surprises us—again and again—with grace, power, and presence.

Scriptural References

• 2 Corinthians 9:15 – “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”

• Romans 6:23 – “The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

• John 4:10 – “If you knew the gift of God…”

• John 3:16 – Belief as the key to eternal life.

• Colossians 2:13 – Forgiveness of all transgressions.

• John 8:32 – The truth will set you free.

• Psalm 23 – “He restores my soul.”

• Joel 2:25 – “I will restore the years the locusts have eaten.”

• Jeremiah 30:17 – “I will restore you to health.”

• Malachi 4:6 – Restoring hearts of fathers to children.

• 1 Corinthians 2:9 – “What God has prepared for those who love Him.”

• 1 Thessalonians 4:17 – “So shall we always be with the Lord.”

Recorded 12/19/04