“The Real Christmas Tree” 1 Peter 2:21-25 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did notthreaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21-23 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:21-25 I. One tree is for Decoration and One is for Death And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8 Christ took upon himself this human form of ours. He became Man even as we are men. In his humanity and his lowliness, we recognize our own form. He has become like a man so that men should be like him.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer II. One tree is for a Season and One is for Eternity Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood,and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” Hebrews 9:22 “Jesus had the world at His feet, but He came to wash the feet of this world.” - Kyle Idleman III. One tree is for Receiving and One is for Giving For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 “Christmas is about giving because God gave His son. That was the greatest gift. There was nothing better in Heaven.” - Jim Cymbala The Gift of Salvation is: Priceless (1 Peter 1:19) - the precious blood of Christ Paid For (John 19:30) - it is finished To Be Possessed (John 10:10) - might have life and more abundantly “Put your faith where God has placed your sins, on Jesus!!” - Dr. Adrian Rogers