Devotional for the Week —4 January 2010

Devotional for the week – 4 January 2010

Sermon Title: The Greatest Gift
Scripture Text: Isaiah 9:6

Introduction
All over the world people celebrate Christmas on 25 December. They celebrate it with pomp and glamour - having big parties and exchanging greetings and gifts - but wait a minute; where is the birthday boy? He has not been invited to many of these parties - His birthday parties. Jesus is the reason for the season and yet His name is not honored in most celebrations.

Jesus – The Greatest Gift
Jesus was born around two thousand years ago, in a little town in Bethlehem. (25 December may not be the exact date, although it is universally recognised as Christmas) Christmas should be a time to celebrate and thank God for sending Jesus to us. In Isaiah 9:6 it states that the government would be on His shoulders and He is accorded the titles of Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.

1) Jesus is Wonderful Counselor
When we need direction and purpose in our lives, He is the answer. We need to seek Him to give us direction and purpose for the coming New Year and each day of our lives.

2) Jesus is the Mighty God
Jesus is a Mighty and Powerful God. We try to do things with our own strength, but we have our limitations. We can turn to our mighty God who controls all things.

3) Jesus is Faithful, Everlasting
Father God’s love does not change. We may think of ourselves as insignificant, but God does not look us in that way. He loves and cares for us. He even knows how many strands of hair are on our head. He is always there for us. We need to build a personal relationship with Him.

4) Jesus is the Prince of Peace
He brings peace to our hearts. He gives us peace that guards our hearts. When we face situations that are beyond our control – we experience peace in our hearts.

God’s Grace Upon Sinners
The bad news is that all of us are sinners. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” Romans 6:23

The good news is that there is a way back to God for us – Jesus, who came to earth to die for our sins. Only His blood can wash away our sins. Nothing else, apart from this perfect sacrifice by God, can reconcile us to Him. Hence, it is by God’s grace that we have been provided a way back to Him – the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) It is also written in God’s Word, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Conclusion.
God gave us His greatest gift – His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. Invite Jesus into your heart if you have not done so. Only you can make this personal decision – no one can do it on your behalf. When you accept Him into your life you will find peace in your heart and enjoy a relationship with Him.

Prayer Response
Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. Come into my heart and dwell within me. I need You, Lord, in my life. I need your direction and purpose in my life in the year ahead and every day of my life that You bless me with. I know that You care and love me because You have given me the greatest gift – Jesus Christ. In all these I am very grateful. Amen

Devotional based on the sermon by Rev Lawrence Seow

(Rev Lawrence Seow has been preaching the Gospel since 1983 and holds a Master of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies. Besides preaching, he has also authored five books to-date – Our Finest Hour, The Greater Glory, What Life Taught Me, Twenty-first Century Christians and A Simple Life.)

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