Searching for God's Gift to You
Seek the Truth
Matthew 2:1-2 (NLT): Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, [2] "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him."
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV): For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. [12] Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all you heart.
Experience the Joy
Matthew 2:10 (NIV) to the wise men - When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV) to the shepherds - But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Recognize the Gift
Matthew 2:11 (NIV): On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
PROSKUNEO, pros-koo-neh'-o; from Greek 4314 (pros) and a probable derivative of Greek 2965 (kuon) (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literal or figurative) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore); - worship.
2 Cor. 9:15 (NLT): Thank God for his Son -- a gift too wonderful for words!
Accept God's Gift of Happiness
2 Peter 1:3 (NLT): As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness!
Accept God's Gift of Hope
John 3:16-17 (NLT): For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [17] God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.
Accept God's Gift of Harmony
2 Cor. 5:18-19 (NIV): All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.