The 7 Best Gifts of Christmas

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” – 2 Corinthians 9:15

Christmas gifts come in all sorts of wrappings, but the greatest gifts aren’t wrapped in paper or placed under a tree. They were given over 2,000 years ago in the person of Jesus Christ — gifts that never fade, break, or lose value.  When you receive Christ, you get a great number of other wonderful gifts. 

1. The Gift of Mercy

         Ephesians 2:4–5"Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."  Mercy is not getting what we deserve. It is God's mercy that keeps us from the judgment that our sins deserve. Mercy means total acceptance, no matter what we have done.  It is mercy that sent Christ to the cross to keep us from judgment and it is His gift of mercy to us that keeps us from judging others when they hurt us.

2. The Gift of Hope

    Isaiah 9:2 says that “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…”   In a world filled with uncertainty, Jesus came as the Light that pierces the darkness. Hope in Him is not wishful thinking — it’s confident expectation. This Christmas, hold on to the hope that God’s promises are true, even when life feels uncertain.

3. The Gift of Grace

      Ephesians 2:8 says that it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and it is not something you have earned by works. Grace gives us what we do not deserve.  Grace means we get every gift God has for us without cost... and He keeps giving and giving more grace.  This grace then becomes our method of dealing with others. But we can only extend God's grace if we have fully appropriated it in our own lives. 

4. The Gift of Peace

    In John 14:27 Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…”   The angels at Jesus birth declared “peace on earth” because Jesus reconciles us to God and calms our troubled hearts.  When we get Jesus, we get the seeds of peace.  Our role is to allow His peace guard your mind when anxiety tries to take over.

5. The Gift of Joy

    The angel's message to the shepherds on that first Christmas was (Luke 2:10) – “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”  Christ's Joy is deeper than happiness — it’s rooted in knowing we are loved and saved.  Now, it is up to us to Choose joy by focusing on God’s goodness, not just your circumstances.

6. The Gift of Love

     John 3:16 reminds us that– “God so loved the world…” The manger is proof that God’s love is personal, sacrificial, and unconditional. Our role is to Share that love with others — especially those who feel forgotten.

7. The Gift of Salvation

   The angel said in Matthew 1:21 – “He will save His people from their sins.”   The greatest gift is eternal life through Jesus Christ. It’s not earned — it’s received by faith.   Have you accepted this gift.  If you haven’t yet, today is a wonderful opportunity to do so.  If you have trusted Him, live in gratitude for all these gifts that come when you receive the greatest gift of all, Jesus!

Conclusion

The best gifts of Christmas — Mercy, Hope, Grace, Peace, Joy, Love, and Salvation — can’t be bought, but they can be received. This year let’s not just open presents; let’s open our hearts to the Giver of all good things. When you accept Christ, you get a new family (the family of God), all these gifts... and many, many more.

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Ken

PS. Just a note for those who are praying for Barb.  After she was prayed for at church on Sunday, her jaw twitching stopped and has not come back. Praise the Lord.

Ken Coutier is doing well and recovering from heart surgery at home. Physical Therapy starts next week.

Christmas Week in Advance @ Faith Fellowship:

Wed. at 4 PM is Christmas Eve service

Sat. at 7 AM NO Men’s Bible & Breakfast  

Sun. 9 AM is Sunday School / 10 AM is Christmas Worship and community give-away

Faith Fellowship -Our Forever Family, 2597 State Hwy 35, Luck, WI

Ken Mettler, Pastor (715) 475-7666