The Gift - Part II

What if the greatest gift ever given contains multiple gifts inside? This powerful message unwraps the profound truth that Jesus Christ is not just one gift, but a treasure chest of divine provisions for our lives. Drawing from Matthew 1:18-23, we discover three essential gifts wrapped within the incarnation: the Presence of God (Emmanuel - God with us), the Power of God (Yeshua - the authority to save), and the Promise of God (the living Word made flesh). Before Christ, humanity was separated from God, requiring priests and prophets as intermediaries. But through the birth of Jesus, everything changed. We now have direct access to God's presence 24/7, the authority to be saved from our sins, and a legally binding covenant through His Word. The sermon uses a brilliant illustration of wrapped gifts within gifts, and even demonstrates how a device without power is useless - no matter how much information it contains. Similarly, we must daily tap into the power available through Christ. The message reminds us that when the enemy accuses us, Jesus stands as our advocate, holding up the legal document of His covenant, sealed by His blood. This Christmas season, we're challenged to see beyond the baby in the manger and recognize the risen, powerful Savior who intercedes for us at the Father's right hand.