God's greatest gift

Christmas is one of the most happiest times of the year for children, adults for all Our families. It is a time for fun, celebration, special food and gifts. No party or get to gather is complete without a gift. And children anticipate gifts and there is excitement, most often hoping that they will get what they want. That can be seen when they open their gifts.

Well, the highlight of Christmas is about a gift and opening it with much expectation and joy. This gift is the most valuable gift the world has received. It is a gift of God's love to this world - Jesus. Jesus is God's gift to this whole world. To every man and woman, to every child, to the youth, to the elderly, to those who speak different languages, to those who are of different social class, you name it, to everyone. Jesus is a unique gift. A gift that is useful and valuable to everyone. 

Just as we open the gifts that we receive at Christmas, we ought to open the gift that God has given us - Jesus, and see what it there for us who are living in this world in challenging and trying times. We do this through the readings we use for Christmas. 

A great light - Light is a positive symbol and a symbol of life. It dispels darkness and all that is associated with it. We all know that when there is light, we can see the path ahead and we are able to see the right path. 

Prince of peace - God is peace. In him there is tranquillity, contentment, there is wholeness. And the prince of peace can become our peace in time of confusion, trouble, worry, you name it.

Wonderful councilor - We all know who a counsellor is. One who can give advice or guide, help us take decisions. Now this gift of God - Jesus, is a marvellous and extraordinary counsellor. Sometimes hard to comprehend but always there in times of need. His counsel is never outdated.

Mighty God - God who is faithful, holy, strong, true, is a rock. A god who never changes. Always relevant to the times. 

And this God is Immanuel -  God with us, the message of the angel to Joseph. Not far, far away. But with us, beside us, in us. Those who experience God know how mighty God is. 

And then he is also saviour. The message of the angels to the Shepherds. Someone who can save or redeem, who can pull you out from any situation. Would do anything, even sacrifice his life to save someone.

Jesus is a gift that we received at Christmas not just for Christmas but for our daily life, for every situation in our lives. that is the confidence we have as we move beyond Christmas and look to the new year, which we don't know how it will be. 

Jesus is a gift that will not get wasted, a gift that will not lose its value. Jesus is God's gift to the world and brings meaning and relevance in all ages and to all types of people- the rich the poor, the meek and lowly, the oppressed and the persecuted, the sick and the healthy, the broken and the hard hearted. 

They all find meaning in Jesus, they all find answers in Jesus, they all find peace in Jesus, they all find Jesus walking with them, close beside them, in their everyday life.

Our  celebrations climax on the 25th and after that everything ends abruptly. Sometime the gifts that we get are used and finished. Some may be put away to use whenever needed. Some may be given away because it is not what we want. 

But let us remember that God's great and valuable gift of love - Jesus,  is with you all as Immanuel through all the changing scenes of life.

May God bless you all in your preparations for Christmas, bringing meaning and value to your celebrations.

A blessed Christmas to you all.

Sermon preached at the STC , Bandarawela online Carol Service, December 2021.