Message Notes for December 5, 2021
Series: The Gifts of Christmas
Title: The Love

Giving unconditional love is a sacrifice that God modeled to us through Jesus. As we give unconditional love, we are giving the most valuable gift anyone could receive.

Unconditional love is choosing to love even when things are not going as expected. (Matthew 1:18-24)

Unconditional love is pouring out blessing on someone out of no merit of their own. (Luke 1:26-33)

Unconditional love is a willingness to serve another no matter the cost. (Luke 1:38)

Unconditional love is including the excluded. (Luke 2:8-12)

Unconditional love is letting no obstacles or barriers keep you from letting someone know how truly valuable they are. (Matthew 1:1-2)

Unconditional love is not easy, but it is Godly and a true gift of Christmas.
John 15: 12-1 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Matthew 5:43-45
1 John 4:7-10

 Family/Group Study Notes for December 5, 2021
Series: The Gifts of Christmas
Title: The Love

Share with each other where you most see love shown during the Christmas season. Why do you think that is? What would the world be like if that same love was expressed all through the year?
Read the Christmas stories in the Bible: Matthew 1:18 -2:12, Luke 1:26-56-2:21, John 1:1-18. Where do you find images of unconditional love in these passages? (Can also refer to the Sunday message.) How do these images give you ideas in sharing unconditional love with others?
What makes unconditional love difficult? What stands in the way in your heart or the actions of others? What would it take to overcome those barriers?
Read 1 John 4:7-10. What does this passage say to you? What is the promise? What is the command – why?
Read John 15:12-13. If you were to live this passage out in your life, what would it look like toward those close to you and those who are strangers?