Outline for "The Unwanted Christmas Gift"

by Jonathan Spurlock
(Holts Summit, MO)

Text: John 1:1-12

Introduction How many of you got something for Christmas that you really, really wanted? Maybe a toy, a model, certain item of clothing? I remember getting some stuff that made me happy beyond words! But then, there were some Christmas gifts that. . . I just as soon could have done without. Was that true for you, too?

This text is not usually used for Christmas but think about it--if not for Jesus, there would be no Christmas, no need for a Christmas. But because He came, we can and we do! Besides, He not only brought the greatest Christmas gift: He IS the gift!

Sadly, for so many, He was and is the unwanted Christmas gift.

I He came unto His own

The very world He had made!
Prophecy that He would reign as King (Dan 2 and 7)
Prophecy that He would be born into this world—compare this with the “birth” of some pagan deities!
He was born to die, and rise again, before He reigns as King
He not only brought the gifts—He was and is THE Gift!

II His own received Him not

Born into a despised, hated people
Born into a rebellious people
Rejected time and again (Isa 53:3)
They tried to stone Him at least twice (Jn 8:59, 10:31-32), and shove Him off Nazareth’s cliff (Luke 4)!
Refused to accept His teachings, refused to believe the miracles
Eventually He was betrayed and crucified
People still deny He rose from the dead!

III But those who received Him got the greatest Gift ever!

“As many as” received Him, no contradiction: difference between the group, the masses, and the individuals.
They received salvation, forgiveness, and membership (adoption) into God’s own Family!
Believe isn’t just agreeing with the head—it’s deeper. It’s an agreement from the heart, the innermost part of one’s being/

Conclusion: Sure, we may have had some “gifts” we didn’t really want. But with Jesus, we get the best of everything! Believe in Him today!