CHRISTMAS, GOD'S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT - PART 1

Jr. Tree of Life
12/05/2021

Celebrating the Season of
God’s Indescribable Gift: Part 1



Eternity Past, Age of Gentiles, Age of Israel, Hypostatic Union, Church Age, Tribulation, Millennium, Eternal Future

Before you begin this Bible study, if you have never believed in Jesus Christ as your Savior, John
3:16 tells us: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Simply have faith that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and you will have eternal life and be saved. If you have believed in Jesus Christ as your Savior, then 1 John 1:9 tells us: “If you confess your sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Simply privately tell God the Father your sins to be filled with God the Holy Spirit and He will teach you Bible truth. (Rebound)

Promise-Memory Verse
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15
What would happen if baby Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph lived in the United States of America during Christmas of 2021? Do you think that they would be able to figure out the meaning of why we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ?
Let’s take a look though their eyes. The first thing they would notice would be trees with ornaments and twinkling lights inside of the most people’s houses. Underneath the trees would be lots of presents wrapped up with pretty paper. Hanging on the wall would be giant stockings stuffed with candy, and small toys.
Outside in some people’s yards, they would see plastic reindeer, giant 9 feet tall inflatable snowmen, bushes wrapped with colored lights, and houses with lights strung around the roofs.
The stores would be filled with music about bells jingling, and sleighs flying through the air. Everyone would be chatting about all the presents that they wanted to receive. But hardly anyone would be talking about Jesus Christ, who is God’s most precious gift to us.
Of course, we know that Mary and Joseph would probably be shocked by what they saw. But there was a time that that they were both in total shock over something else.
Matthew 1:18-24 & Luke 1:26-38
God’s Word in the Bible tells us that Mary lived in Nazareth of Galilee over 2,000 years ago. There was a Jewish custom, called betrothal, that existed at that time.

It was sort of like engagements today, except that the bride and groom had to marry the person that was chosen for them by someone else, which was often their parents.

Mary and Joseph were betrothed, but just before they planned to get married, something really shocking happened. Young Mary, who was a virgin, had a visit from the angel Gabriel.
“The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Luke 1: 30-32a
Mary was not only surprised to see an angel but couldn’t believe it when she was told that she would be having a baby, which was impossible, because neither Joseph nor any other man had made her pregnant. Baby Jesus was to be an indescribable gift from God.
When Joseph found out that she was going to have a baby, he was in shock! He didn’t tell anyone though, because if others found out, they would make Mary’s life very miserable. After careful thought, Joseph decided not to get married to Mary, but instead to secretly send her away. As soon as this thought popped into his head, he had another big surprise! An angel of the Lord appeared and told him:
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20b-21
Wow! What fantastic news for both Mary and Joseph! They were going to be parents of Jesus, who is the Son of God! Another really cool thing to know, is that that hundreds of years before Jesus was to be born, Isaiah the prophet said:
“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 (Immanuel means God with us)
Mary and Joseph got married, but just before baby Jesus was born, Caesar Augustus, made a ruling. Everyone twelve and under were told to go to their own city and register, so they could be counted and taxed.
Even though it was close to the time Mary would give birth, she and Joseph obeyed the rule and walked to Bethlehem where their descendent David had been born. It took them three days to walk to Bethlehem. Soon after they arrived in the crowded city Luke 2:7 tells us:
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Finally, God’s indescribable gift was born! God the Father had officially given His Son, a human body. Here are some verses telling us about our wonderful gift of the uniquely born Son.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
An indescribable gift of eternal life in Heaven is waiting for anyone who believes that this little baby, who grew up and remained perfect in every way, died on the cross to pay for your sins so that you will be saved!
Pamela Huffman 2021