Andy Wi
lliams is famous for singing the line “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” and in many ways it is. Even though the time of year is set more by tradition than the actual date of Jesus’ birth, we reflect more of our creator at this time of year than any other because of one word: generosity. I’d like to take this time to think about our Lord’s generosity toward us.Think about the lavishness of that gift the first Christma
s morning; the extravagance of love that came in the form of a tiny, helpless newborn baby. Consider the GIFT for a minute or two, what Jesus really did. He traded a spotless castle for a grungy stable. He exchanged the worship of angels for the company of killers.If 
you were God, would you sleep on straw, live in poverty and become subject to the authorities that you created? Jesus did। If you knew that only a few would care that you came, would you still come? If you knew that those you loved would laugh in your face would you still care? He humbled Himself. He went from commanding angels to sleeping in the straw. From holding stars to clutching Mary’s finger. The palm that held the universe took the nail of a soldier. 
Why? Because that’s what love does. It puts the object of love (me and you) before itself. Your soul was more important to Him than His blood. Your eternal life was more important than His earthly life. Your place in heaven was more important to Him than His place in heaven. He gave up his so that you could have yours.
That’s what extravagant giving is all about— love, God’s love, a love that knows no bounds, limits, nor ends. The Christmas kind of love. The type of love we are commanded to give others: (John 13:34, NLT)
“34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” (NLT)
There’s one catch. You cannot give something away that you have not first received. Make sure this Christmas that you have received your gift from God of eternal life. It’s not a matter of whether you’ve been naughty or nice—we’ve all been naughty according to Rom. 3:23 and Rom 5:8.
you were God, would you sleep on straw, live in poverty and become subject to the authorities that you created? Jesus did। If you knew that only a few would care that you came, would you still come? If you knew that those you loved would laugh in your face would you still care? He humbled Himself. He went from commanding angels to sleeping in the straw. From holding stars to clutching Mary’s finger. The palm that held the universe took the nail of a soldier. 
Why? Because that’s what love does. It puts the object of love (me and you) before itself. Your soul was more important to Him than His blood. Your eternal life was more important than His earthly life. Your place in heaven was more important to Him than His place in heaven. He gave up his so that you could have yours.
That’s what extravagant giving is all about— love, God’s love, a love that knows no bounds, limits, nor ends. The Christmas kind of love. The type of love we are commanded to give others: (John 13:34, NLT)“34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” (NLT)
There’s one catch. You cannot give something away that you have not first received. Make sure this Christmas that you have received your gift from God of eternal life. It’s not a matter of whether you’ve been naughty or nice—we’ve all been naughty according to Rom. 3:23 and Rom 5:8.
Our objective is to pass the gift along. So many of you are sacrificially committed to sending the Gospel around the world via Operation Christmas Child, and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. So many of you are compassionate to those in our community with our Angel Tree ministry and other ministry opportunities, too. I would just like to thank you for generously sharing the Gift that God has given you.
Until He comes,
Pastor Marty
Until He comes,
Pastor Marty
Kudos to the Kirksville High School Arts Dept. performance of the Wizard of Oz. They nailed it!
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