What God Wants For Christmas

“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.” – 1 Timothy 1:15-17.    

“What do you want for Christmas?” It is a question Santa asks excited kids from one end of the country to another. The same question is asked by parents to their kids regardless of age. The same question is asked of husbands by their wives and vice-versa. It is the pressing question on the minds of business people who want consumers to purchase their products in stores or online. Every year we ask the question of family and friends and every year family and friends ask us in return: “What do you want for Christmas?” Perhaps, though, we need to ask God what He wants for Christmas.  

How often do we pray to God, “What do You want for Christmas?” After all, Christmas is the celebration of Christ Jesus’ birth. It would seem to be appropriate to ask God what He wants amidst the billions of gifts that are given to loved ones each year. Micah 6:8 gives us the answer in part: “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse tells us what God really wants from you and me. Scripture says that God requires us to do three things; do what is right, love mercy and walk humbly with God.

The message of Micah is still pertinent today. Trying to be religious, not matter how well intended, can never compensate for a lack of love: “If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3) What does God want for Christmas? The answer is simple: you.  He came to earth 2000 years ago in order to die on a cross to rescue us from sin and death.  In a word, He was born for you.  He rose again so that we would rise with Him.

There is really only one thing that Jesus wants for Christmas. Jesus wants you.

Discussion Questions:

1. What can we give to Jesus this Christmas season?