From the beginning, giving gifts has been a part of the celebration of Christmas. In the first Christmas, the wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child. Today, as we approach yet another Christmas holiday season, no doubt many of us are already thinking in terms of what gifts we want to give to whom.
However, we need to remember that the greatest gifts of Christmas are not the ones we give to each other, but the gifts which God has given to us through sending His Son. In this expression of praise found in the book of Revelation chapter one, we see what these gifts are.
1. He loves us - v. 5b - “Him who loves us”
What kind of love does one receive from Jesus?
A. A pursuing love.
When we did not deserve it, when we had not right to expect it, when we were yet in our sins, God demonstrated his love by sending Jesus.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8 (NIV)
“[God’s love] is at God’s initiative and choice; it isn’t given out on the basis of my performance. God’s gospel love is not wages that I earn with a model life; it is a gift. It is a gift that I cannot earn; more than that, it is a gift that I do not even deserve. God loves weak, ungodly, sinful enemies. The gift is the opposite of what I deserve. God ought to kill me on the spot. Instead, He sent His Son to die in my place.” - David Powlison
B. A pardoning love.
The word “love” is the Greek word, “Agape.” It is a love that is willing to think the best and wants the best. “Agape” love is willing to wipe out the past and embrace us today, regardless of what we did yesterday.
In Tennyson’s story of King Arthur, the king was gone on a long trip, and Lady Guinevere was unfaithful, having an affair with handsome Sir Lancelot. Upon the king
