“The Gift of Love” – Unwrapping Relationship 

John 3:16; Luke 2:1-7 

December 7, 2025 

Dr. Brad Hoffmann, pastor 

 John 3:16 (ESV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” 

Luke 2:1–7 (ESV): In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

How do I really know God loves me? 

God moved first 

God draws near in the ordinary  

God enters my struggle  

God gives lavishly and sacrificially  

God welcomes me into His family  

This love is not without effect. This love transforms.