TUESDAY 12/15/20 The Tree and the Gift
Christmas is almost here! Family gifts, Christmas trees, decorations, carols, Christmas movies, and above all, celebrating the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Spend time explaining what Christmas means to you – the difference it makes in your life!
How important are gifts in your celebration of Christmas?
Read Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8.
Describe the meaning of these verses to you personally.
How did God demonstrate (or show) His love for us?
How does this gift compare to anything else you have received?
Spend time today thanking the Lord for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ – our Savior.
WEDNESDAY 12/16/20 The Tree and the Gift
The message on Sunday spoke about the symbolism of the Christmas Tree – A Gift!
The history of Christmas trees began in the Middle Ages (approximately in the 800’s AD) in Germany – celebrating the Paradise tree – the feast of Adam and Eve.
A small tree was brought into the home and first decorated with small apples, representing the sin (fall of mankind).
The second decoration was later put on – wafers – representing the communion bread, “This is my body.”
The third decoration placed on the tree was small candles, representing Jesus Christ, the Light of the World!
In the early 1500’s Martin Luther cut an evergreen tree down and took it into his home and decorated it with candles to teach his children at this time of the year that the Light of Jesus Christ penetrated the darkness – setting man free through His birth and sacrifice on the cross! (tree)
In the 1840’s the Christmas tee became more popular in Europe and the United States.
The decorations – ornaments (often homemade), candles, and the giving of gifts ushered in the Christmas tee as we know it today.
The Christmas tree demonstrates the Spirit of Giving!
List the top three gifts you have received over the years – given to you at Christmas time.
Read John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 9:15.
How does the gift of salvation compare to those three gifts?
Spend time giving thanks for the gift of salvation you have received. Also, pray for others to experience the gift of salvation.
THURSDAY 12/17/20 The Tree and the Gift
The History of Giving
The wise men giving gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Messiah.
During the third century in what we call modern day Turkey, a bishop (preacher) named Nicholas was known for being very compassionate – secretly giving gifts to children and the poor. Upon his death people took up the custom of giving which spread to Europe where a red cape and white fur were added to the legend. The Dutch called him Sinter Klaus, where we get the name Santa Claus!
Today we often confuse the idea of receiving instead of the blessing of __________________!
It’s important we teach our families and children the true meaning of Christmas, the greatest gift of all – __________ _____________!
The greatest gift of all , the gift upon the tree – Jesus Christ!
Read Acts 13:29, Acts 530, 1 Peter 2:24.
Spend time today praying we will understand we have the greatest gift of all – when we have Jesus Christ – A Living Hope!
FRIDAY 12/18/20 The Tree and the Gift
All of Human History is about three trees!
FIRST TREE: In the beginning – Genesis 2:9, 2:16-17, 3:22
The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil
Describe the Fall of Mankind (why? – the disobedience)
Why were Adam and Eve removed from the Garden of Eden?
SECOND TREE: Read Revelation 2:7, 22:2, 22:19.
What is the Tree of Life? What does it mean to you and to others?
THIRD TREE: The Cross! Read Romans 5:8.
The Tree of Life is available to mankind through Jesus Christ. Eternal Life is once again available.
Read Romans 5:17.
The Bible begins in Genesis with the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and ends in Revelation with the Tree of Life!
In between those two trees – is the Cross!
The one tree that enables people to get to the final tree – the Tree of Life – Life Forever! The Greatest Gift of All!
Spend time in prayer thanking the Lord for the greatest gift of all – Salvation! Pray that the world will experience the gift of salvation and find peace and hope that only comes through Jesus Christ!
SATURDAY 12/19/20
As we are only a few days away from Christmas, pray that our families, our church, our community, our country, and across the world will experience the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Greatest Gift of All!
Pray for the services tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. and for the Candlelight Service at 6:00 p.m.