Believe in the Gift

How would you describe Jesus as a gift to an unbeliever?

We could quote; "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

Or let them know 700 years before the birth of Christ a prophet wrote; For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

Jesus brought this incredible, priceless gift to us on a personal level; “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15

So we can testify; “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” – 1 John 1:3 (NIV)

God’s greatest gift to us is a relationship with Jesus Christ, and a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Amen?

Humility

Christmas began as a very humble event, an event that exhibited the greatest humility the world has ever seen—the God of glory being laid in a cattle trough.

Look at Luke 1:39–54;  ³⁹ At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, ⁴⁰ where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴² In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! ⁴³ But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵ Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Mary’s Song 

⁴⁶ And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord ⁴⁷ and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, ⁴⁸ for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. ⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. ⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. ⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thronesbut has lifted up the humble. ⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. ⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful

  

May we observe Christmas with the personal humility that reflects our Savior. God gives grace to the humble.

Amen?

Light of the World

 This season has already started out with so many people being sick, and the threat of the disease is very real.. We need to remember during these trying and frightening times that Jesus brought forth light into the darkness.  Almost 100 years ago we faced similar conditions, but then as now we can celebrate Jesus as the light of the world.

 This was plainly seen by thousands of people during the American influenza epidemic of 1918. During the height of that plague, churches and all public gathering places were ordered closed. Yet more than ever, it was then that people needed hope and consolation. Burdened by his inability to reach out to people in their time of need, one resourceful pastor thought of the magnificent stained glass windows that graced his church. Those windows faced a major thoroughfare and were large and commanding in design. He had numerous floodlights placed inside the church; illumination through the glass to the outside world gave passers-by the full effect of the windows story.

 There for all to see were the matchless portrayals of Jesus: Jesus the good shepherd bearing a lamb on his bosom; Jesus the searching Savior rescuing the lone lost sheep while the ninety-nine rested safely on the fold; Jesus praying in Gethsemane; Jesus on the cross; Jesus triumphant in Resurrection glory. The silent sermons of light and stained glass spoke an eloquent message.

The Gospel of John puts it this way: The true light that gives light of every man was coming into the world. People who passed by the church would stop reverently, silently. They found themselves filled with new resolve and encouragement. They saw ever more clearly in that age of sickness the light of Christ glory which was coming into the world.

Saving Love

Christmas is a time that reminds us that God reaches down to the most lost and hopeless sinner. Yes, that includes you, me, and all humanity.

Look at Ephesians 2:1-10 - 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

God loves you deeply. Acknowledge it, praise Him for, and be obedient to His call on your life. 

Amen?

Peace and Hope

Christmas Hope brings us His peace. This hope is named Jesus! For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

 Last week studied Christmas signs and symbols, and how they can lead us to Jesus. The end product of this story is the birth of Christ the greatest gift of hope of all. Even in the most serious problems we can get closer to God. Joseph was called to care and protect Baby Jesus and His Mother Mary. Upon hearing God’s instructions clearly he obeyed them immediately.

 Joseph followed his directions perfectly in Matthew chapter one:

 He married Mary, who was carrying the Son of God in her womb.

²⁴ When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

 He named the child Jesus as he was instructed.

²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Listen and obey God's direction for your life. Allow His peace to rule your world. Amen?

Firstborn

We are taught that "being first" is important. In the Olympics you receive a gold medal. In sports you become "world champions". At the fair you get a blue ribbon. At other events you might receive a trophy. Jesus is first in many ways. In today's Scripture he is called "firstborn". The word firstborn can mean first in birth order, but also first in sequence, or first in rank. Matthew 1:25  - Joseph did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Jesus is “firstborn” in other ways too:

1. He is God’s firstborn. ( Hebrews 1:6 & Psalms 89:27)

2. He is firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15)

3. He is firstborn from the dead (Revelation 1:5)

4. He is firstborn among many brothers (Romans 8:29)

Is Jesus always first in your life?

Enduring Love

As the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward us” (Psalm 103:11)

God’s mercy, grace, and love show the height of His love. He promises us that nothing can separate us – Nothing! Praise God for His enduring love.

Romans 8:35-39 - 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord

Remember God’s love for you this Christmas – His name is Jesus!

Amen?