Gifted
Gift Exchange
December 3, 2023 • Nathan Logsdon • Matthew 1:18–21
Joseph had a vision for his life in mind and Mary being pregnant, not from him, was not part of that vision. He was not ready to exchange his vision for what he pictured to be a lesser version. He also wasn’t ready to exchange Mary’s reputation for his own personal justification. In the classic game show, “Let’s Make a Deal” they would often ask audience members to exchange what they know for a mystery box in which they do not know the contents. When the angel went to Joseph he was asking him to accept an exchange he would have to have faith to move forward. An exchange for a life he was not prepared for. A life where his first child was not his own. A life that would lead to more questions than answers. As the angel presented this exchange to Joseph he was told the major plan and vision for this child. “...he will save his people from their sins.” An exchange of life for life. Joseph isn’t told how this exchange and saving would occur. He isn’t told of the price of death and betrayal. Jesus’ birth was the beginning of a life that would be exchanged to save the world from their sins.
Gifted to the World
December 10, 2023 • Nathan Logsdon • Luke 2:8–20
“For all people”. The message of the angel to the shepherds the night Jesus was born was that this child was gifted to the world. The message of joy that would be available for all. The announcement of Jesus’ birth first being told to shepherds is perfectly God. It is not before the grandeur of the elite but the simple of those who would cherish it, those who would understand its significance, those who, filled with joy, would share it with others rather than leverage it for themselves. Glory to God and peace on Earth. What a message to proclaim.
Gift Fit for a King
December 17, 2023 • Nathan Logsdon • Matthew 2:9–12, John 17:20–26
Do you know people who are hard to buy for? Imagine buying a gift for a King. The Magi, following a star, was seeking to take gifts to a king. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In John 17 Jesus prays the night he would be arrested and the day before this crucifixion. He prays for himself, his disciples, and all believers. It would only seem right that as part of the ‘all believers’ he prayed about, we give him the gift he requested. “...that all of them would be one…”. This Christmas how do we give Jesus the gift of his prayer in John 17? Give God our full attention and focus to pursue oneness with Him. Jesus says his prayer is that they would be one, as he was one with God. Abide.
Gift to Fill the Void
December 24, 2023 • Nathan Logsdon • Matthew 1:22–23
Can things fulfill us? When we are unfulfilled and empty can gifts fill the void? No. So what can? The presence of God, among His creation, through Jesus can fulfill us. Jesus as Immanuel is an amazing gift that truly brings completion to us. We seek peace and pursue so many things to find it. How do we shift our fulfillment from things to Jesus this Christmas? We have to believe the things of the world will always leave us empty. We have to accept the gift of life he has given us through his life, death, and resurrection. We have to consciously establish practices to put Jesus at the forefront of our lives.