“God’s Gifts"
God’s Gifts - written by Leigh Riches.
© 2005 Oakden Baptist Church.


These 4 short monologues correspond with the 4 images available for download at:
http://www.oakdenbaptist.org.au/media/gifts.zip
(zipped file)

God’s Gifts - Part 1 - LIFE

“Christmas usually means searching for that perfect Christmas gift, and of course,  unwrapping lots of exciting gifts on Christmas day. This Christmas let’s start early and take a peek at some gifts.  Let’s unwrap and consider some of God’s gifts tonight.

Firstly, the gift of LIFE. All life comes from God - nothing can exist without God giving it life. God gave each one of us the gift of life, and what’s more, He wants us to enjoy the life He gave us. Jesus  in John 10.10 said  “My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.”  The abundant life which God gives us includes many other special gifts such as family & friends, relationships, Love and so much more.  Your life is a gift from God, and not only does He wants us to enjoy the life He has given us but He cares for and loves every life that He has made.  He knows all about us from the number of hairs on our head, to every thought that we think.  Each person here has been given God’s gift of life - a lifetime here on Earth - that’s God’s first gift to you - how are you using the gift of Life God has given?”



God’s Gifts - Part 2 - FORGIVENESS

Let’s consider another of God’s gifts - “God’s gift of life was perfect, but He gave Man a choice -and Man sinned.  And ever since the first man & woman sinned, each one of has chosen to sin also.

So while man rejected God, and His gift of life, God did not reject Man.  Instead He sent His Son Jesus.  Listen to what God says in Romans 5:15-16 “And what a difference between our sin and God's generous gift of forgiveness. For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this other man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God's bountiful gift. And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but we have the free gift of being accepted by God, even though we are guilty of many sins.”

Through God’s gift of Jesus, we can be forgiven for our sin, and be accepted by God the way He had intended.  Have you received God’s wonderful gift of forgiveness and acceptance this Christmas?”



God’s Gifts - Part 3 - PEACE

“Let’s unwrap another of God’s gifts - the gift of Peace.  Jesus said this in John 14.27 “I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid.”

God’s gift of peace is indescribable and even seemingly impossible.  While there may not always be peace in the world around us, yet we have peace in knowing and trusting in Jesus.   While the turmoil's and troubles of the world may go on around us - while we even experience this turmoil ourselves - yet there is peace within because we know God - The God who is in control of the world which He made.

Philippians 4:6&7 tells us “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

This Christmas why not unwrap God’s gift of Peace - That passes all understanding.”




God’s Gifts - Part 4 - ETERNAL LIFE

“God’s gifts of Life, Forgiveness and Peace allow us to unwrap yet another amazing gift from God - Eternal Life.

When we rejected God, He reached out to us. When we sinned, He forgave us.  When we experience turmoil, He gives us Peace.  And when we deserved death, He offered us eternal life.

Romans 6:23 reminds us “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Eternal life with God in heaven is God's gift and promise to all those who accept and believe in His Son Jesus. We need no longer fear death for we can know what God has promised us.  Jesus says in John 10:28 "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them away from me,"  - What an amazing gift God has waiting for us.

God offers each one of us His Forgiveness, Peace and Eternal life - and all we have to do is accept His gifts.  On the first Christmas long ago God packaged all these gifts in the person of His Son Jesus, and sent Him to earth to be born in a stable. This Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to unwrap God’s gift of Jesus, and His Forgiveness, Peace and Eternal Life.  No other gift could make you any happier this Christmas than Jesus.... the perfect Christmas Gift.”