Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)
www.biblestudiesonline.org.uk
Name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
In this Special Christmas issue: 5.
The Message of the Star
7.
The Challenge of Christmas
9.
The Incarnate God
10.
Merry Christians
13.
The Shepherd’s Search
15.
The Christmas Tree
16.
Wise Men Seek and Find
17.
Remember the Poor
18.
Will There be Christmas in Heaven?
20.
The Gift of Christmas
24.
The Annunciation
26.
The Child of Christmas
27.
Christ - Light, Life, Love
28.
The Sign of Christmas
29. Word TheisChristmas Living publishedTree in the UK by Sharon Full Gospel Church, 7 Park View, Freeholdland Road, Pontnewynydd, Pontypool, NP4 8LP Editor: Mathew Bartlett ©Photos - above: Konstanttin Cover: © Subbotina. Left from top: Glenda Powers, Dave Bredeson , Photowitch, Back: Britain’s’ Gospel Bible Studies Online Magdanatka Facing KirstyCheapest Pargeter Back Cover:Tracts © Vlad Podkhlebnik
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Some help to make pastors Merry this Christmas! Easy to Use Seasonal Sermon Outlines 4
church regularly and gladly following Christ wherever He calls. This Christmas, we too have a guide to lead us to the Saviour – but rather than a star it is Christmas Day and the Christmas story. It causes all people to hear the good news of the Saviour’s birth, and guides them to think about, and believe in Jesus our King.
The Message of the Star Image © Andreus
‘We have seen his star…and are
come to worship (Matthew 2:2)
him’
Introduction When the star appeared over Bethlehem it served to give divine authentication to the heavenly credentials of the Christ child and to draw people to the worship of the new-born King. Recent times have seen renewed speculation about the nature and star meaning of the Star of Bethlehem, but our purpose in this study is to examine its place in the gospel narrative. For the gospel writer never intended our attention to be drawn to the star – rather, in the gospel the star serves to focus our attention on the Babe of Bethlehem.
It Served as a Guide ‘The wise men said, ‘Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him’ (Matthew 2:2). In the first place, these Magi would not have known about the baby King if it were not for the star. Secondly, they would never have found him without its guidance. Although they travelled vast distances, and through dangerous terrain, nothing could deter them from seeking and worshipping the baby King. In our modern day when so may have the advantage of cars, or public transport, the example of the wise men puts to shame all those lukewarm Christians who find feeble excuses for not attending
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Without Christmas, many would never think of Christ. Sundays no longer cause them to spare a thought for God; even Easter is not enough to remind them of Him. But then the star of Christmas appears, and they are led to the manger where the Christ was born, and hear again the angels saying, ‘Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord’ (Luke 2:11). Will you do what the wise men did—follow the guiding star; that is, the true meaning of Christmas until it leads you to the Saviour? However far you have to travel from your usual experience, do not rest until you have met Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
It Served as A Guarantee ‘When [the wise men] had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them’ (Matthew 2:9). The wise men had yet to meet Jesus – it was the star which assured them that he was there, and if they would seek then they would find. In a similar way Christmas gives us assurance concerning the promises of God.
It Verified the Promise of the Scriptures Even the chief priests and scribes had to admit that it was written in
the prophecy of Micah, that out of Bethlehem should come ‘a Governor that shall rule my people Israel’ (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6). Through the star God was showing that he time had come to fulfil his promises. Christmas day serves in the same way, to remind us that God’s promises are true. People can say that the Bible is not true, but what happened at Christmas led to the fulfilment of at least 333 Old Testament prophecies concerning the birth, life, death and victory of our Lord Jesus Christ. We find that both Old and New Testaments point to Christ (see Luke 24:27; John 5:39). If you will only test the validity of scripture for yourself, in your own experience, you will find God’s word to be fully reliable.
It Signified the Presence of the Saviour The story tells us that the star ‘which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was’ (Matthew 2:9). Whatever Herod or the chief priests and scribes had to say about the birth of Christ did not alter the fact that Jesus, the Messiah, had really come. Men and women today try to tell us that Jesus is not alive, but we ask, once again, what about Christmas? The very fact that we are celebrating Christmas signifies that Jesus was born to be your Saviour and mine. It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit not only to guide us to the Saviour, but to glorify Him (see John 16:13-14). Through the Holy Spirit we may be led to the Christ of Christmas.
It Served to Bring Gladness
‘When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy’ (Matthew 2:10).
The Gladness of Finding Christ ‘And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother’ (Matthew 2:11). All doubt vanished and joy and gladness filled their hearts as the wise men discovered that their search had not been in vain. Without delay they fell down and worshiped Christ, ‘and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh’ (Matthew 2:11). Their gifts indicate that which they recognized in the nature of the King whom they worshiped. The gold identified his sovereignty; the frankincense his deity, and the myrrh his humanity. Having found the Christ, his sovereignty had claimed their allegiance, his deity had commanded their reverence, and his humanity had compelled their acceptance, filling their hearts with joy and gladness. Christmas can gladden your life for good; for Christmas reminds us that Jesus is a real King, a real God, and a real Man. Why not do what the wise men did: open the treasures of your heart to Him and acknowledge His sovereignty, deity and humanity in your life? He waits for you to offer your allegiance, reverence and acceptance. If only you will respond to the Christ of Bethlehem you will be filled with the joy of Christmas.
The Gladness of following Christ We read that ‘being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way’ 6
(Matthew 2:12). What the magi had seen, heard and experienced of the child Jesus determined their future action. Despite the invitation of Herod to return to Jerusalem they ‘departed into their own country another way.’ What mattered to them was following God’s leading. No one can meet the Lord Jesus and ever be the same again. When Christ becomes our Lord and Saviour he transforms both our character and our conduct.
Conclusion
If we permit it, this Christmas day will guide us to Christ, the guarantor of all God’s promises, who brings joy and gladness to our hearts, not merely for one day, nor for lifetime, but for all eternity. The star of Christmas day will point you to Christ, who wants to be born in your heart. May your response be: O come to my heart, Lord Jesus! There is room in my heart for Thee (Emily E. S. Elliott).
The Challenge of Christmas Introduction At Christmas time God challenges is in a way that calls for our response. True, he always challenges us through his Word when it is proclaimed with authority and clarity. He challenges us too by the Spirit who convinces us of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8); and we in turn must challenge a sinful world with the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord. But God has for many years used the challenge of Christmas, presenting each year afresh the message of salvation. Let us consider:
I. The Circumstances Christmas
of
We cannot examine the circumstances that surround the birth of Jesus without being impressed with the element of the supernatural. His birth was:
1) Accomplished Power
by
God’s
The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ was supernatural; that is to say, whilst the process of birth was
natural, the conception was divine. The ‘seed of the woman’ (Genesis 3:15) was united by the Spirit with the holy life of the Father to produce the incarnate Son. Luke records this sublime mystery as follows: ‘The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God’ (Luke 1:35). What a challenge this is to our hearts! No one can afford to ignore a person who was born into the world in this unique way.
2) Advanced Providence
by
God’s
Have you ever considered the timing of the circumstances that surrounded the birth of Christ? The whole event speaks of a supernatural overruling of Providence. Caesar Augustus, the leader of the Roman world announced that a census would be conducted, and so the whole world was moved in order that God’s son could be born in Bethlehem. The history of man, too, had all been prepared for this point, and the Bible describes it as the fullness of time, ‘when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son,
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made of a woman, made under the law,’ (Gal 4:4).
3) Announced Prophets
by
God’s
Out of the hundreds of prophecies concerning the first advent of our Lord, a number were fulfilled at his birth. This is one of the greatest proofs that the Bible is the Word of God. When the Wise Men came to the palace of Herod, asking for the new-born king, Herod’s scribes emphatically declared that Christ would be born in Bethlehem of Judea, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2: ‘But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.’
II. The Crime of Christmas ‘She brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn’ (Luke 2:7). When Joseph and Mary arrived at the wayside inn and requested accommodation for the night, they were told there was no room. The innkeeper’s refusal to take in these
weary travellers has been the crime of Christmas throughout the centuries. His attitude and action only symbolize:
1) The Sin of Woeful Ignorance
significance of Christmas in order to wilfully reject the light it gives them (John 3:19).
3) The Sin Involvement
of
Worldly
‘There was no room for them in the inn’ (Luke 2:7). The son of God turns up at the door but is turned away. In the same way, although he continues to knock at the door of their hearts, many people are still are turning Jesus away. No one who has ever heard the truth about Christmas can pretend to be ignorant of the saviour’s birth. Through that message of love revealed God continues to speak to our hearts each year, saying: ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me’ (Rev 3:20).
‘There was no room for them in the inn’ (Luke 2:7). Undoubtedly, this innkeeper refused Joseph and Mary for business reasons. The census of Caesar Augustus was a good thing in its way, he told himself, for it filled his house with guests and his pockets with money. To have welcomed this couple would have meant turning out two of his other guests—and he was not about to do that! Probably he refused these travellers because they wore poor and shabby clothes.
2) The Sin of Wilful Indifference
How true this is today! Men and women are far too busy with worldly involvement. They know very well that if Christ comes into their lives certain other things will have to go out. Or what is even more tragic, if Christ possesses them they will have to follow Him who was lowly, despised and rejected, and whose symbol is always a cross. Like the rich young ruler who came to Jesus and went away sad when he realised that following Christ would mean parting with his possessions, so people today go from their Christmas encounter with Jesus with bags full of shopping but empty hearts and spiritually bankrupt lives.
‘There was no room for them in the inn’ (Luke 2:7). There was no excuse for the innkeeper for his indifference to the needs of these weary travellers. Surely he could see that Mary was heavily pregnant (Luke 2:5), and he would know that a woman in this condition not only calls for tenderness and consideration, but may be in need of emergency help. But the innkeeper was wilfully indifferent to all this. How typical this is of men and women in our day and generation! Wilfully ignorant of the consequences of their sinful condition and of the remedy God has provided or them in Jesus Christ. The annual reminder of Christmas each year means that they are without excuse – they pretend ignorance of the
If Joseph and Mary had been able to hold up a purse of gold, he would have quickly found room in the inn.
Are you guilty of this crime? Can it be said of you: Room for pleasure, room for business, But for Christ the Crucified, Not a place that He can enter, In the heart for which He died? 8
III. The Claims of Christmas ‘Unto you is born…a Savior’ (Luke 2:11). This angelic announcement spells out God’s claim upon every life. The names and titles of our Lord were very carefully chosen in order that we might understand from the very beginning that Jesus Christ came into the world to claim a people for His name. We see that Christ’s coming into the world has:
1) A Saving Claim Upon Your Life ‘Unto you is born…a Savior’ (Luke 2:11). When the angel appeared to Joseph to announce the coming birth of Christ, he said, ‘Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins’ (Matthew 1:21). This is man’s greatest need. There is a sense in which he has everything but a Savior. Prophets, priests and lawgivers had preceded the coming of Jesus Christ, but there was still no final solution for sin. What man needs is not just a message, a way of worship, or even a standard of living: he needs a Savior. If a man is drowning, he needs more than a voice that attracts his attention, or gives him instructions on swimming techniques: he needs a savior.
2) A Spiritual Claim Upon Your Life ‘Unto you is born…a Savior, which is Christ’ (Luke 2:11). The title Christ means ‘the anointed one.’ It is a term which marks Him the one upon whom the Holy Spirit came without measure. This points to the fact that God’s claim upon our lives is essentially a spiritual one. In other words, we are more than body and soul: we are spiritual
beings; and until we are quickened to life from spiritual death, we are totally unqualified to stand in God’s presence ‘God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth’ (John 4:24). Are you spiritually alive to God? Have you responded to the spiritual challenge of Jesus Christ?
3) A Sovereign Claim Upon Your Life ‘Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord’ (Luke 2:11). This world will never be put right until Jesus Christ reigns as King of Kings and Lord of lords. What is true of the world generally is equally true of the individual personally. Your life will never know peace, purpose or power until Christ reigns with unchallenged sovereignty. He was born to be Lord. That is why the text says, ‘Unto you is born this day…the Lord’ (Luke 2:11). He died that He might be the Lord; He rose again that He might be Lord, for the Bible says that ‘Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living’ (Romans 14:9). In other words, the full purpose of the Advent is that God might reign in the hearts of men through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ the Lord. Have you given Him unconditional surrender? Is He Lord of your spirit, of your soul, and of your body?
The Incarnate God
TEXT: ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14). Divine Condescension
The Expression of God
‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us’ (John 1:14). Sharing our lowly human nature. One of us.
This must be proclaimed. ‘the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14).
The Mystery of His Being
The Intention of God
‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God’ (John 1:1). The child was no less than man, but no less than God.
This must be enjoyed. ‘of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace’ (John 1:16).
Conclusion The Mystery of His Becoming Like man He walked, like God He talked; ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us’ (John 1:14). How could this happen?
His words were oracles, His deeds were miracles;
Divine Operation
Of God the true expression, of man the finest specimen;
‘the Word became flesh’ God manifest in human form.
Full-orbed humanity, crowned with Deity;
Conclusion
No trace of infirmity, no taint of iniquity;
A Sinless Birth Here, then, is the supreme challenge of Christmas—not only the circumstances that we have considered, and the awful crime which is perpetrated year by year, but these claims of Jesus Christ upon your life. What is your response to the challenge of Christmas?
Image © Photowitch
Behold the Man! Behold thy God!
A Supernatural Birth Divine Revelation This must be received. ‘we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14).
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Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail, Incarnate Deity! (Quoted in 1200 Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes by A. Naismith [Pickering & Inglis, Basinistoke. 1985]. p. 40.)
and even said, ‘Leap for joy!’ Jump for joy! Be physical about it! Let nobody dare suggest our light-hearted Christmas festivities can
Merry Christians by Reinhard Bonnke. Image © Dave Bredeson Laughter and Songs of Joy The one thing the angel told Joseph was that He (JESUS) would save His people from their sins. So, what a time Christmas should be! Saved from our sins! Forgiven, redeemed! What gladhearted relief! James 5:13 says, ‘Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise’ (NIV). The word isn’t adequately translated with “happy.” The King James Version is nearer. ‘If any be merry let him sing psalms.’ “Merry” is what God-forgiven people feel. Then sing psalms! One appropriate psalm to sing is Psalm 126: ‘When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men that dreamed. Our mouths were filled for laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.’ The Christian experience of forgiveness is surely more than an equal cause of laughter and songs of joy. Jesus said, ‘Rejoice that your names are written in heaven,’
possibly be improper. They are very proper! Are they festive enough? ‘Worship’ in the Bible always indicated physical expression. ‘You have turned my mourning into dancing.’ In the entire world, including Israel, the idea had never been thought, that someone born on earth could save people from their sins. The angel’s declaration introduced a breathtaking, revolutionary dispensation. The psalmist had said, ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul! Who forgives all your iniquities.’ ‘Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered, whose sin the Lord does not count against him’ (Psalm 103:1, 32:1). But the Old Testament people did not fully delight in such a possibility. Yet in Psalm 30 the writer says, ‘I called to the Lord for mercy. You turned my wailing into dancing, removed my sackcloth and 10
clothed me with joy that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.’ The Jewish people had those Scriptures, but Paul had to stand in the synagogue in the Pisidian Antioch and announce, ‘My brothers, I want you to know, that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.’ An Utterly Unique Celebration Secular forces try to absorb the real glory of Christmas into its pantheon of impotent deities and mortal opinions. “Politically correct” fanatics object to the distinct proclamation of Christianity that Jesus is the only way to God. But their objections do not change reality. The simple truth remains. “No man comes to the Father except by me.” When Jesus spoke those definitive words, He was revealing the God no one knew the way He did. God was a Father never before imagined. He existed in light unapproachable and love indescribable, but was perfectly unveiled in His Son, Jesus Christ. No one could know this Father unless Jesus revealed Him. So when we proclaim that Jesus is the only way to God, we are referring to Jesus’ own Father the unsurpassed, wonderful God revealed exclusively by Jesus Christ - not the finite gods or ideas set up by humans.
That means Christmas is utterly unique - a festival like no other. No other religion has a day like Christmas. The celebration of Jesus’ birth is the celebration of God’s coming in the flesh, visiting our dark world, and disclosing Himself perfectly in His Son. That is not the celebration of a mere doctrine, an obligatory observance, or a traditional ritual. It is a spontaneous burst of hilarious joy coming from a revelation of the wonderful, glorious God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. What a God is “the God and Father of Jesus”! And what a Son is Jesus! What a Savior! “Be glad in the Lord and rejoice”! An Utterly Unique Salvation Jesus is the One Who forgives and saves! He doesn’t just send a remedy; He IS the remedy. Jesus, as Savior, stands alone. When Peter said, “There is no other name given under heaven whereby we might be saved,” he was not just making a contentious assertion. He was making a categorical statement of undeniable fact. Jesus came to save the world, not to show us the way to save ourselves. We need Him to save us - to be our remedy and apply that remedy - because we did not have the ability to save ourselves. Sin dominates our world. Revenge, impurity, lying, violence, idolatry, and strife fester in human hearts. But His blood washes all of that away
when we believe. That means that Jesus not only forgives us, but He changes our will and disposition. He makes us totally new creatures. This is the real glory of Christmas. When we believe in Christ, the God Who came among us becomes the God Who dwells within us. So when Jesus forgives and transforms someone, it shows. Everyone forgiven and transformed by the blood of Jesus permanently has the Christmas spirit. For example, we give gifts at Christmas. When a tax-collector named Zaccheus encountered Jesus, he turned into a joy-filled giver. His shrunken little heart expanded and he pulled out his wallet, unzipped its purse, and gave away his money. The spirit of giving became a way of life for him, not just a special day. Christmas time also inspires celebrations with family and friends. But celebrations always followed the Son of God! After Jesus forgave a paralyzed man on a stretcher, he jumped up cured and went home. What a party his family must have had! And what a continual celebration for the former paralytic, daily experiencing God’s grace as a whole person! When Jesus forgave a woman of the streets, she entered the room where He reclined as tears of gratitude ran down her face, and she wept with love over the very feet of Christ. As Jesus Himself said of her, that is the 11
result of forgiveness. That is the kind of celebration that always followed Jesus. The real glory of Christmas is the incarnation of Jesus Christ revealing the true God, bringing true salvation, and infusing his people with the true spirit of Christmas permanently. The angel’s declaration indeed trumpets the real glory of Christmas for all ages to come: “Behold I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. Today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!”
This article reproduced with the kind permission of Christ for all Nations. To find out more, or to support the work of CfaN visit their website: http://us.cfan.org/?lang=en-US
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3 More simple Christmas sermon ideas for your ministry! Image Š Photowitch
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The Shepherd’s Search Have you ever wondered why God chose shepherds to be the first to hear the news concerning Jesus' birth? The shepherds were despised. Because of the nature of their occupation they were unable to keep the details of the ceremonial law: they could not observe all the meticulous hand washings and rules and regulations; their flocks made too many demands upon them. So the shepherds were looked down upon as very common people. However, their dedication was recognized in heaven. Was it because they were shepherds that God revealed His secret to them? An unblemished lamb was offered every morning and evening in
the temple as a sacrifice. To make certain that the supply of perfect offerings was always available, the temple authorities had their own flock of sheep pastured near Bethlehem. These shepherds may have been in charge of the sheep from which the temple offerings were chosen. God may have selected these shepherds because of their expectation. After the angelic announcement they said, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us" (Luke 2:15). These shepherds were seeking someone and they were not disappointed.
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1. The Shepherds Determined the Facts Concerning Christ "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us" Luke 2:15 An event of tremendous significance had taken place. The stillness of the night had been broken by an angelic announcement, accompanied by a blaze of glory. Transfixed with fear and yet of wonder, the shepherds heard the words: "‌ Luke 2:10-12 I bring good news of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will
be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger" This heavenly news was so astonishing and held such farreaching consequences that these wise shepherds could do no less than determine the facts.
a) They Seriously Determined the Facts Concerning Christ "Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us" Luke 2:15 Nothing else really mattered; even the care of their sheep was secondary. They must go at once and see this thing which the Lord had made known to them.
b) They Speedily Determined the Facts Concerning Christ Luke 2:16 To with haste…"
"… they came
The matter was urgent. At once they had to investigate the facts that were announced by the angelic messengers.
2. The Shepherds Accepted the Findings Concerning Christ Luke 2:16 "… they… found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger"
a) They Found the Miracle of the Savior's Birth "they… found Mary…" Luke 2:16 The witness of Mary centered in the miracle of the Savior's birth.
Mary was the mother of Jesus. She had never known a man. The Holy Spirit had come on her and the power of the Highest overshadowed her: therefore the holy one that had been born in her was called the Son of God. The miracle of the supernatural conception meant that He was without sin. Therefore, His was a supernatural and sinless birth. And so as the shepherds looked into Mary's face and heard the story, they worshiped because of the miracle of the birth of Christ. S. Olford "Without the virgin birth we would have no Savior. If He had carried a single trait of sin then He would have needed a Savior, like any other son of Adam's race".
b) They Found the Message of the Savior's Birth
teach, reform, heal, or even raise the dead but to save. 1Tim. 1:15 "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"
c) They Found the Majesty of the Savior's Birth Luke 2:16 "they… found… the Babe lying in a manger" In the Baby we see the majesty of His identity; God manifest in the flesh In the lowly manger the majesty of His humility. The shepherds knelt by that manger and accepted their findings; they believed.
3. The Shepherds Announced their Faith Concerning Christ The shepherds accepted the heavenly announcement as a special word to their own hearts. Having determined the fact, they had accepted the findings. Now they proceeded to announce the faith which they had received as they knelt before the manger.
Luke 2:16 "they found… Joseph" The angel who had appeared to Joseph said to him, Matthew 1:20-21 "… do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins" The message of Christmas should centre on the fact that Jesus was born to be the Saviour of the world. He did not come into the world primarily to
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a) They Publicly Announced Their Faith Luke 2:17, 20 "Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child
b) They Praisefully Announced Their Faith "the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them" (Luke 2:20).
The Christmas Tree By Ken Legg (Western Australia, AOG) Ken Legg is pastor of New Beginnings Christian Church on the Gold Coast of Australia. You can sign up for Ken's free ezine, Grace Roots, on his website at http://www.small-groups-ministry.com Original Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5535180
Australian TV reported recently that a private school had adopted the practice of replacing the Christmas tree with the holiday tree (lest we offend!) It's not just unbelievers who have a problem with the Christmas tree. Some Christians feel that erecting a Christmas tree is the Christianization of a pagan practice. Some say it originates from the pagan idea of evergreen trees representing a celebration of the renewal of life. Others, have traced its beginnings to the horrendous tradition of Yule among early Germanic tribes who sacrificed male animals and slaves, suspending them from branches of trees; in the same way that we hang presents on Christmas trees! Then there are those who have linked it with an obscure passage from the book of Jeremiah 10:2-4: "Do not learn the way of the Gentiles‌ for one cuts a tree from the forest... They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple."
Martin Luther. There is no proof that our custom of the Christmas tree descended from any of these pagan traditions. There is more evidence that the tradition of Christmas trees began with Martin Luther.
One cold Christmas Eve, around 1500 AD, Luther was walking through snow-covered woods, captivated by the beauty of a group of small evergreens. As the moon shone down upon them, their branches, dusted with snow, glistened and gleamed. Luther hurried home and set up a little fir tree indoors and endeavored to recreate the scene with his children. He adorned it with candles which he lit in celebration of Christ's birth.
The Tree Of Life The Bible mentions two trees in the Garden of Eden. The first was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat from this tree. We might ask, "Why is the knowledge of good and evil a bad thing?" It's more a question of how do we define what is good and what is evil? Only God is good; therefore that which is consistent with His character and nature is good. Only God is qualified to determine what is good and evil. We were meant to learn what is good and what is evil from God. When man ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he saw himself as god and began to relate everything to himself. He placed himself at the centre of the universe and has stayed there ever since. Man sees himself as able to decide what is right and what is wrong. Probably the best definition of sin is 'self.' 15
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way" (Isa.53:6). That's sin. There was another tree in the Garden called the tree of life. Why didn't Adam and Eve eat from this tree instead? Because they already had life. God put the tree of life in the Garden of Eden in anticipation of the salvation they would need when they sinned. The tree of life represents Jesus: the way, the truth and the life. God said that when man ate of the forbidden tree he would die. Sin demands the forfeiture of a life. The wages of sin is death. But God accepts a substitute, and Jesus laid down His life for us on a tree! When Peter was preaching to the Jews he said, "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree" (Acts 5:30). Later, in his first epistle he taught the significance of that death. He said that He "... bore our sins in His own body on the tree" (1 Pet.2:21). As Adam and Eve died eating from a tree we live by eating from God's tree of life, Jesus. When I erect a Christmas tree in my home, and hang gifts from it, it reminds me of the greatest gift of all that hung from a tree - the Son of God who died for you and me. The gospel puts God back in the centre - that's life!
Wise Men Seek and Find
By Derek Williams……….. Image © Openas Openas
"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." Matt. 2:2
A Daily Moment of Thought
By Sonja Burketh………..
1. They Saw. a) The Star. we have seen His star Matt. 2:2 the star which they had seen in the East went before them Matt. 2:9 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Matt 2:10 Num 24:17 "I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel.......
c) The Saviour of the World. b) To Worship. Mat 1:21 She shall bring forth a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins." 2. They Came.
Rev 22:16 "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."
And when they had come into the house Matt 2:11 a) They Joined Together. 1. They formed a fellowship.
b) The Child
2. Inseparable.
Matt 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother.....
3. Not Distracted.
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Matt 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 1. Fell Down - submitted to His Lordship. 2. Presented - they gave of their substance.
two turtle doves, the offering which was made by the poor. Christians are warned not to despise the poor (James 2:6), for Jesus himself was poor. Instead we are to see that justice is done for the poor (Eccl. 5:8; Psa. 35:10; Psa. 82:3; Prov. 29:14; Jer. 22:6). Moreover, God's Word tells us always to show kindness to the poor (Deut. 15:7; Psa. 41:1; Matt. 19:21; Gal. 2:10)
Remember the Poor by Wesley Chick Image Š Lucian Coman
Proverbs 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord and that which he has given he will repay him. You only have to watch the news to see the extent of the financial chaos the world is currently in. Day after day the rich are getting richer whilst the poor are getting poorer. Tough austerity measures have been imposed in many countries, and more often than not it is the poor who experience the greatest hardship caused by these measures.
It was our Lord Jesus Christ himself who stated "The poor you will always have with you." The poor are often neglected, despised and oppressed by others, especially by the rich (Job 24:4; Psa. 109:16; Prov. 30:14; Isa. 32:7; Amos 2:6) When our Lord Jesus came to earth that first Christmas, he was not born in a palace among the rich. He was born in a stable among the poor. We know that his family must have been poor because when they offered the sacrifice after Jesus’ birth it was 17
Our opening text says that he who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord. The word 'pity' means to be kind, gracious, to have mercy upon or to bestow a practical gift. We as Christians are to be benevolent, giving practical help to the genuinely poor (Isa. 58:7-10; Luke 12:33; Prov. 11:25). Our text then goes on to say that which we have given to the Lord (by giving to the poor) will be repaid in full. God will see to it that a full recompense is given to those who remember the poor (Prov. 13:21; Luke 14:14; Psa. 41:1). So, whenever we have an opportunity; and perhaps especially at Christmas time, let us help the poor in any way we can. Even if they cannot meet or thank us here, our actions will be noticed and recorded in heaven. Jesus said that even a cup of cold water given to a disciple in his name will never be forgotten by God (Matt. 25:3240).
Will there be Christmas in Heaven? By Mathew Bartlett This article was originally given as a video & may be viewed at: http://youtu.be/Whzhgvy_ORE
Will there be Christmas in Heaven? The Bible doesn’t tell us. In fact, it doesn't tell us very much about heaven at all. But the Bible does reveal that there shall be many things in heaven which remind us of Christmas. Heaven is such a beautiful place, that is doesn't need to be decorated with baubles, tinsel or lights, such as those we put on our homes and Christmas trees. Someone who had been there said of heaven that its foundation was of precious stones, its gates made of pearl and its streets of pure gold. In fact, it was beautiful beyond description. The foundations of the city's wall are decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation is jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates are twelve pearls -each one of the gates is made from just one pearl! The main street of the city is pure gold, like transparent glass. Rev 21:19-21 On my tree I put an angel, which reminds me of the angel who brought good news to Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds that a Saviour had been born for all men. The Bible tells us that in heaven there will be an even large number of angels
HEAVEN CAN’T BE LESS JOYFUL THAN EARTH! praising God for all that he has done for mankind by sending his only son to be the saviour of the world. Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels in a circle around the throne, as well as the living creatures and the elders. Their number was ten thousand times ten thousand -thousands times thousands --all of whom were singing in a loud voice: "Worthy is the lamb who was killed to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and praise!" Rev 5:11-12 At Christmas we put up an evergreen tree, but in heaven there is an even better tree - the tree of life. 18
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life -- water as clear as crystal -- pouring out from the throne of God and of the Lamb, flowing down the middle of the city's main street. On each side of the river is the tree of life producing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month of the year. Its leaves are for the healing of the nations. Rev 22:1-2 On top of my Christmas tree I place a star, to remind me of the star which led the wise men from the east to Jesus. In heaven Jesus is the centre of attraction, brighter than any star:
"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star!" Rev 22:16 The wise men, of course, brought gifts to Jesus, as we send each other presents at Christmas. They laid at his feet gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. God's people who surround his throne in heaven will also place their gifts at his feet. The Bible pictures them casting their crowns before him, meaning that they gladly give back to him everything that they have. The twenty-four elders throw themselves to the ground before the one who sits on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever, and they offer their crowns before his throne, saying: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, since you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created!" Rev 4:10-11 On top of my tree I have a star, like the star which led the wise men to Jesus, but in haven, Jesus himself is the centre of attraction, brighter than any star: "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star!" Rev 22:16 The wise men, of course, brought gifts to Jesus, as we send each other presents at Christmas. They laid at his feet gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. God's people who surround his throne in heaven will also place their gifts at his feet.
The Bible pictures them casting their crowns before him, meaning that they gladly give back to him everything that they have. The twenty-four elders throw themselves to the ground before the one who sits on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever, and they offer their crowns before his throne, saying: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, since you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created!" Rev 4:10-11 There will be plenty of gifts for those who have served God. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end!) Rev 22:13 Christmas is meant to be a time of peace and happiness, and there will be eternal peace and everlasting joy in heaven. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more -- or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist." Rev 21:4 We sing carols and praise God at Christmas time, and we shall not stop singing joyful carols when we get to heaven! They were singing a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were killed, and at the cost of your own blood you have purchased for God persons from every tribe, language, people, and nation. Rev 5:9
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Some people consider the best part of Christmas to be when travel home to meet up with family and friends. To the Christian, heaven is our home, and we will go there to be with Go and meet again all those who have loved Go d and who have died before us.
Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me. There are many dwelling places in my Father's house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too. John 14:1-3 Christmas time is a celebration of the Saviour's birth, but in heaven the saviour himself will be there, and so will all those who put their faith in him. Jesus died and rose again so that all who believe in him may not perish but live eternally.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, we look forward to an even greater celebration– IN HEAVEN.
The Gift of Christmas Read Psalm 19 Space Images © NASA & Sunrise © Hladkymartin
God Reveals Himself through Creation The first way in which God reveals Himself to man is through Creation. "The heavens declare the glory of God" 1David As(c)we gazeAsche with wonder at the beautiful world around us, Creation reveals:
The Glory of God's Being There is surely no excuse for any man not to believe in God, for the very existence of creation is evidence enough to convince us of the reality and existence of God. "What may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” (Rom. 1:19-20). Not only the existence of God but his attributes are clearly revealed in Creation. In other words, Creation not only tells us that there is a God; it tells us something about him - what he is like. In David’s mind and ours, there is no other explanation for the natural universe than the fact that God is. Creation's evidence is compelling and convincing and there is no one who has not heard the evidence. For the silent witness of the heavens covers the whole earth and declares the truth of God to men from every nation and language.
No wonder the Scripture says, "The fool has said in his heart there is no God." In a day when the unscientific myth of evolution is a widely held belief we must remember the words of Paul to Timothy: "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called” (1 Tim. 6:20). Instead, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Heb. 11.3).Creation declares
God's being.
The Glory of God's Wisdom The firmament displays his handiwork. By firmament the Psalmist means the atmosphere which envelops the earth, the place for clouds and flying birds. The skillful work of God's hands displayed in the construction of the sky reveals to us God's wisdom. I remember reading a book about how Roman engineers came up with the ingenious method of producing arches which would support great weight. From this discovery came the huge Roman aqueducts which were constructed throughout the empire. It took the great mind and skill of Sir Christopher wren to design and build the great dome of St. Paul's Cathedral. How much greater is the mind which designed the sky above us? Where are the pillars that keep the immense dome of the sky in place? Behind the architecture of the sky is a great mind, the Divine mind of the eternal God. Creation declares God’s
wisdom. 20
The Glory of God's Order Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. Have you ever noticed how day always follows night and night always follows day? There is order in the universe. No one ever woke up to find that the sun had forgotten to rise. Such is the order of creation that the timing of particular cosmic events, such as solar eclipses, can be accurately predicted. Our times, dates and years are all calculated from the order of the sun and moon. The movements of the Solar System are far more orderly and reliable than any modern clock or watch. The order of God's creation shows the meticulous planning of the Divine mastermind. Evolution, especially the big bang theory, suggests that the universe was formed out of Chaos. The opposite may be observed to be true. Just read your daily paper and you will notice printed in many of them the time that the sun will set and the time that it will rise. Days, months and years just seem to keep coming right on time! The orderly universe speaks to us of the One who sets the clock of time. Creation
declares God's Order.
The Glory of God's Goodness There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. God is not willing for men to remain in ignorance and so he has provided evidence of his goodness through Creation in order that men may seek after him. When preaching at Athens, Paul appealed to this evidence of God's goodness: “He gives to all life, breath, and all things” (read Acts 17:24-27). When we hear birds singing, we imagine them singing his praises, and perhaps they do, for Jesus said "Not one of them falls to the ground without your Father." If God is good to birds and animals, how much more is he good to men? Jesus said, "He makes his sun shine on the just and the unjust." The Moslem war cry is "God is great". But let the Christian acknowledge that "God is good."
The Glory of God's Power In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; and there is nothing hidden from its heat. In contemplating God's power, David could have chosen no more obvious an illustration than the sun. Without doubt David, being a shepherd, would often have seen the bright morning sunrise. What an immense display of God's power the sun gives! Without it, no life on earth could survive. We hear of nuclear power stations providing enough electricity for whole cities. Yet the sun gives light and warmth every day without fail to billions of people all over the world. In poetic language, David compares the sun's circuit of the heavens with a bridegroom going on his way to marriage, as if the sun was overjoyed obey God's will and to shine on the earth. The sun is compared to a strong man confidently running a race, and no doubt he has reason to be confident, since no one has ever been able to stop the sun completing its circuit of the sky,
shedding light and warmth on the whole world. Creation, especially the sun,
declares God's power. The story is told of a missionary who was challenged by a heathen chief to "Show me your God." "Look up there and see the sun," said the missionary. "I cannot “replied the old man, "it blinds my eyes." "That,” replied the missionary, "is one of the least of my God's servants, so how can you ask me then to show you my God?"
God Reveals Himself through Scripture (v7-11) The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. David's thoughts now turn from the glories of the universe to the glories of the word of God. The transition is not as abrupt as it may seem. The God who has revealed Himself to man in nature is the same God who reveals himself to man in scripture.
The Authority of Scripture The Psalmist considers the word of God to be a complete and all sufficient revelation of God's person and will. He uses six words to describe God's word and confirm its authority. He describes Scripture as the Law of the Lord: As the law it gives Divine instruction in relation to our behavior and character. The Testimony of the Lord: God's word gives witness to who God is and what he has done. The Statutes of the Lord: These are His directions for life and living, legal rules intended to inspire obedience and stop disobedience. The Commandments of the Lord: These are the Divine decrees, given as by His Almighty Majesty, whose word is final. The Fear of the Lord is the constant attitude of a soul which has been instructed by the Law. The Judgments of the Lord are the decisions and sentences made by the Judge of the whole earth. Believers recognize that:
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"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work". 2 Tim 3:16-17 Peter reminds his readers "no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Pet. 1:20-21 God's Word carries tremendous authority because it is not man's thoughts about God, but God's revelation of himself to man. The Bible should command the respect and attention of us all.
The Inerrancy of Scripture Once again David uses six words to describe how the Scripture is inerrant, which means not liable to error. He describes God's word as perfect without fault or defect. Complete with nothing further to be added to it. It is sure - reliable & dependable. You can put your trust in God's word and you will never be let down. It is right - because it shows man with the right way to God and heaven. It is pure because the One who gave it is pure and sinless. The pure word of God uncovers sin, revealing it for what it is. God's word is clean because it is not corrupt. God has no hidden agenda or false motive in telling man how he should live. It is true because no part of it is false - it is inerrant and faithful. We believe that the Scriptures, known as the Bible, are the inspired Word of God, the infallible and all-sufficient rule for faith and practice.
The Validity of Scripture Once more David lists six effects that the word of God has on the believer to show that it is powerful and effective. God's word is living and it has a powerful and living effect in our lives. It restores the soul- it refreshes the soul as food and drink refreshes the body; it makes wise the simple - for it gives the inexperienced guidance and direction;
His strength and presence is a staff for us in time of need. When our strength fails, his strength is enough for us. Often the Lord will allow us to reach an extremity of experience before this strength and power is realized in us. It is only when we come to the end of ourselves that we rely on the Lord as we ought, and in this way he teaches us ever increasing faith. Paul said on one occasion: “we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead� (2 Cor. 1:8-9). The help and strength of God came, from the human viewpoint, just in the nick of time. It is often when we are dreadfully discouraged and weak that the Lord will break through. He knows our limit and will not test us above what we are able to bear. The weary traveler will often be in need of refreshment. That is why there are many inns along frequently used pathways. The weary soul of the Christian pilgrim also needs refreshment, and this need is satisfied by Christ "He restores my soul". He quickens and revives our fainting spirits and brings good cheer. Often it is the ministry of his saints one to another which he uses to bring about this refreshing of spirit (e.g. 2 Cor. 7:13 and 2 Tim 1:16). Yet if no human help is near, we can be sure of the help of God. At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me... But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me (2 Tim. 4:16-17) The sinning pilgrim can be sure to find grace and mercy if he will penitently seek it, as David found "he restores my soul" (see also Psa. 51:8-12).
If a man would travel alone in Bible times, he would do well to travel armed. The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates this. Yet if he has a guide, it will do as well for the guide to be armed, that the traveler might be protected from those who mean to harm him. The Christian pilgrim has many enemies on his pathway to heaven, but our guide is well armed with victory, having already defeated all his foes at the cross of Calvary. By his mighty resurrection he has defeated our greatest foe - death, once and for all. His complete victory provides us with full armor, a full protection. The whole armor of God as referred to by Paul in Ephesians 6 is no more or less than an appropriation by faith of all that Christ is and what he has done for us by his death on the cross. The protection offered by our guide is symbolized by the "rod". This was not carried for support, but for protection against wolves and thieves etc. The Lord is well able to protect his own. Jesus is both our defense and victory. 22
I will never forget reading the last chapter of "Pilgrim's Progress", in which Christian has to cross the river to enter the celestial city. The river represented death. Death is not a pleasant experience even for the believer. It brings its own darkness and fear of the unknown. Will we be able to bear up in this final and greatest testing? As Christian began to cross the river, he feared and felt that there was no ground beneath his feet.. But after a few words of encouragement from his friend Hopeful, he put down his foot and realized that there was solid rock under him which bore him safely to the other side. Even in the valley of shadow of death - when death arrives to claim my mortal frame - I will not fear, FOR YOU ARE WITH ME. He has already trod this path before us, and will ensure our safe arrival on the beautiful shore.
The Host and the Guest. This host is one of a kind. Not only does he bless us when we reach his home, but he blesses us all the way there.
And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! 2 Tim 4:18
In the presence of our enemies - that is surely while we are on earth, for we shall have no enemies in heaven. David rehearses the measure of God's blessing on his people. He is no miser, the head is anointed with oil. The cup overflows, blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. The pilgrim receives these blessings because of the goodness and mercy of his host. These two attributes of God have sometimes been personified as two angels - one called goodness and the other mercy. But angels can only be in one place at one time, so if goodness and mercy are following you, they can't follow me! The truth is that God directs all his infinite power and providence so that we may all know his goodness and receive his mercy every day. The result of such attendance by the heavenly guide is that every faithful pilgrim arrives safely at the desired haven. And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
This was the testimony of Paul, that God would bring him safely to his heavenly kingdom, and it is ours also. Jesus is our host, and he has gone to prepare to heaven a place for us. We are only going dwell on earth for a time - but we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. This is our true home. But our citizenship is in heaven, from whence we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. That is why Paul says, "We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8). The Christian longs to go home to heaven. When an old Scotsman was asked - "What will it be like in heaven?", he replied, "when they tell me that Mr. B {a famous caterer} is preparing the banquet, I have no concerns as to the outcome. I know that feast will be exceptional." So believers know that since Christ himself is preparing a wedding feast as our heavenly host, the result will be marvelous.
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The scripture describes it for us: So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Rev 7:14-17). Conclusion So Jesus will be our shepherd even then, and he who has been our shepherd and guide will be our host forever. And throughout eternity, we shall serve him and he shall be our all in all.
All I Need.
The Child of Christmas Photo Š Aprescindere
Five more pages of Christmas Sermon Outlines! 24
The Annunciation Read Luke 1:26 - 38. We can get ready for Christmas by following Mary's example. Mary believed. She confessed that she was a sinner and accepted the Saviour. As a result, she rejoiced. If we are to prepare for Christmas, we must first recognise our need, for it was that need that brought Jesus down to earth. We have all sinned, and he came to be our Saviour. You shall call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins. Everyone is a sinner, and so everyone needs a Saviour. For all have sinned. But God so loved the world that he gave his only son. Thank God that Jesus is a Saviour for everyone; he is a Saviour for you. On the cross he died to take away the sin of the world, so that whoever believes in him should be saved (Isa. 53:6). All who come to him believing shall be forgiven. Jesus said that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be
preached in his name to all nations. Mary didn't know this at the time she simply believed the word of the angel, confessing her nee d of a Saviour. The quickest prayer you'll ever get an answer to is ‘God be merciful to me a sinner’. The result of believing in Christ is forgiveness, and the result is rejoicing. We can all experience this rejoicing. I rejoice greatly in the Lord. It is for those who have believed and received Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Mary Obeyed She confessed that she was a servant and accepted God's will. As a result, she was blessed. Mary not only believed in Christ as Saviour, she obeyed him as Lord. The Lordship of Christ is a central theme of the NT. One cannot separate his saving from his Lordship. Jesus saves all who will acknowledge him as Lord. The will of God the father is that every knee should bow
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to him and every tongue confess that he is lord. Christ demands our absolute obedience. For this reason he died and rose again that he might be lord of both the dead and the living. Is he Lord of your life? When Mary heard the word of God, she declared I am the Lord's servant and she obeyed. This is how to get ready for Christmas, obey the word of God, and yield your life to Christ as Lord. Mary gives us this simple lesson. Whatever he says to you - do it. For he is Lord of all. Sadly, the Scripture reports that although Christ has died and risen again to provide us with a gospel, with the good news of God's salvation, not all have obeyed the gospel. God commands all men everywhere to repent and put their faith in his son. Have you obeyed? A day is coming when those who disobey the gospel of Christ will be lost. I ask you again, have you obeyed. Will you obey now?
Mary Conceived. She received the news of a miracle and accepted the living Christ into her body. Later, she accepted the living Christ in a new way following his death and resurrection (see 2 Cor. 5:16-17). We all need to receive Jesus in this way, living within our hearts by his spirit. Jesus called it being born again or born from above. Mary was present at the cross. Mary was a witness of the resurrection, and Mary having accepted Christ was born from above. She was present on the day of Pentecost, received the gift of the Holy Spirit and took her part in spreading the gospel to the uttermost part of the earth. No wonder the angel said "Blessed are you among women." We too must receive Christ born again in our hearts by faith. He is born in us. Christ is formed in the spirit of everyone who believes on him as Saviour and obeys Him as Lord. As a result of her receiving a miracle she was saved eternally. The Bible says he is able to save to the uttermost ALL that come to God by him. Will you come? You too can receive a miracle and be saved eternally as Christ is born gain in you.
(c) Zatletic
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The Child of Christmas Read Isaiah 7:14 Image © Photowitch
By prophetic utterance Isaiah describes the child who was to be born in a stable in Bethlehem, our Lord Jesus Christ. The Divinity of the Christ Child The virgin shall conceive....and call his name Immanuel - God with us. The Child’s Divinity is revealed by: The Conception of Christ In normal conception, the life derived is entirely human. In Christ’s case the seed of man was absent and its place taken by the Holy Spirit. Through his power this child was conceived, being both human (the seed of woman) and divine (the seed of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit), so that as the moment the embryo begins to divide, that life form is both God and man. So God enters mankind's experience at its earliest point, that he might become one with us. In his visit to Mary, Gabriel stresses that the conception will be caused by the Holy Spirit. (Mat 1:18) (Luke 1:35)
From the point of conception his humanity and Godhead were perfectly joined - union without confusion. There was nothing different about his humanity Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, (Heb. 2:17) But he was not God living in a human body, he was in every atom of his DNA, in every drop of blood, the word made flesh. The Claims of Christ Consider the claims Christ made about himself during his earthly ministry (John 6:38.) No one could come down from heaven that was not eternally pre-existent. (John 3:13) Christ gave the people many “I am “sayings, which they knew were claims of equality with God, most concisely I and My Father are one." (John 10:30) The Conquest of Christ Christ’s death and resurrection proves his divinity. (John 10:17-18, Rom 1:4). Paul regarded the 27
resurrection as evidence for the sonship of Christ (Act 13:33-34), and having conquered death he has been exalted to the highest place: Jesus Christ, the God made flesh is absolute Lord of all. The Purity of the Christ Child The virgin with child demonstrates Christ’s purity. Born without Sin Gabriel’s annunciation was “that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35) Sacred from his very conception. The whole of mankind is in a fallen state. Through all the centuries, the seed of man and woman have not been sufficient to produce one sinless child. The scripture says that in Adam all die and through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned-- (Rom 5:12) In Bethlehem a child was born with a new life principle - he shared the human nature of man but was without that
fallen nature of humanity, for only a sinless Saviour could redeem Adam’s helpless race. Lived Without Sin Throughout his life (1Pe 2:22, 2Co 5:21, 1Jn 3:5, Heb. 4:15) The Lord Jesus Christ lived a perfect life that he might make a perfect atonement for our sin on the cross. Died for our sin Only the divine, sinless Son of God could act as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. He nailed them to his cross taking them away. He became sin that we might become the righteousness of God in him. He now lives & will come again apart from sin for our salvation (Heb. 9:28) The Solidarity of the Christ Child Immanuel - God with us. Jesus Christ was made like us in all things to be for us in all things and with us in all things. Only Christ can enter fully into our experience. As our high priest he knows our natures sharing same nature with us, and being born again we share one nature with him. Words could never fully explain it -but it can be understood by experience,
the words Isaiah prophesied Read God withJohn us. Chapter1v1-16.
Christ the Word. a) Christ the Eternal Word. v1, 2. (Gen. 1.1, Col. 1.15-17). He is before all things. "First-born of every creature" "begotten before all Creation". John 8.58 b) Christ the Creating Word. (Col. 1.16; 1 Cor. 8.6; Eph. 3.9) God spoke His Word. All things made by His word. c) Christ the Revealed Word. Made flesh, born in Bethlehem, image of God. God unseen, spirit, but now was revealed, seen by angels (1 Tim. 3.16)
Christ the Light. a) The Light Reveals: God. 1 John 1.5 Sin John 3.19,20. Darkness 1Pet. 2.9. The way of salvation. Through God's word. Ps 119.105. John 8.12 b) The Light is Revealed. Visible light transmitted by light waves. Divine Light transmitted by those who bear witness to it. i) John the Baptist was sent ahead of Christ to bear witness of Him to the people of Israel v6-8. Isa 40.3 ii) Christ Himself bore witness to the light. In fact, He is the light of the world (John 9.5) iii) Today the Church is a witness to the world of this saving Light. Phil. 2.15,16. We are to bear witness to the word of God which is life changing and life giving. c) The Light Revives (gives Life). Although many rejected this Light (John 3.19-21), there were those who received and accepted this Light into their lives. They found that this light was a life giving Light (2 Cor. 4.6).
Christ the Life. a) He Gave Life to Man in the Beginning. Breathed life into man's nostrils and the man became a living soul (Gen.2.7). Since then it is He who gives life to every man that comes into the world (v9). Man has received knowledge of God because of this very fact. Because we have life, we can be sure that there is a life giving creator. Sadly, men do not wish to maintain God in their knowledge (Rom. 1.28). b) He Gives New Life (Eternal Life) to those Dead in Sin. Because of our sin the Bible tells us that we are dead, separated from God, but when we receive Christ as our Saviour He brings us to life (Eph. 2.1); he does this for all that receive him. v12, 13.
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The Sign of Christmas For the Lowly - The Virgin Mary was humble and lowly. Behold the Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin… The child’s name would be called Immanuel, God with us. Reveals God's Presence For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant (Luke 1:48 NKJV) (Read also Luke 1:5152 NKJV) The Lord does not choose many great or mighty. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29 NKJV) God chooses to dwell among the humble. The sign of the virgin is the sign of his presence among us. It was not to a palace or temple that Christ came. He came to the womb of an unknown virgin mother, born in poverty, lived in obscurity and died in ignominy. God’s purpose was to dwell among men, as Wesley's carol says, he was "pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel." In eternity he will dwell forever among those who he has redeemed by his blood. (Revelation 21:3 NKJV)
studying the stars. Having observed a new star in the sky, some supernatural sign of Christ's birth they at once took counsel to travel the long journey and follow the direction mapped out by the star towards Bethlehem. To see a new star is to observe the act ion of the creator. The star of Bethlehem led the wise men to seek for a creator and a child who was both king and architect of the universe. Reveals God's Power Their quest to find "him that has been born King of the Jews" began with Daniel’s writings, known in eastern regions since the days of Babylon. Of this King of the Jews Daniel wrote that he would be the king of all kings. (Daniel 7:14 NKJV) Of this child in a manger, the New Testament assures us, He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. (John 1:10 NKJV)
For the Lofty - The Star
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:3 NKJV)
Far away in the east that first Christmas, wise men, professors of our modern day, were
And as they reached the place where they found the child Jesus they worshiped him and 29
presented him with gifts. The sign of the star not only created interest in the minds of these intellectuals, but also a longing and desire in their hearts to know the One who was born our King and to worship him. The lesson for today is obvious, as we too seek the king of kings, and present to him the offering of our lives again this Christmas. For the Living - The Baby This sign that brings God near to each of us. Reveals God's proximity Paul observed in Athens "He is not far from every one of us". He was weary and thirsty; rejected by his own family, synagogue and town. He was homeless and penniless. He was hungry. He knew the pain of separation and the grief of loss. He endured false accusation, injustice and the tyranny of corrupt government. Yet he overcame and says to us ‘in the world you too will have trouble, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.’ The sign of the child in the manger speaks of Christ's proximity; we rejoice at Christmas to have him as a present reality, sharing our joys and grief with us.
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