Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Merry Christmas - December 25th, 2008

Merry Christmas! What a celebration. Isaiah captured the essence of what we celebrate today, saying, in chapter 9 verse 6, “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.” That is the same message the angels proclaimed to the shepherds in Lk.2:10-11, saying, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Mt.1:21 Tells us of the words the angel spoke to Joseph concerning Mary, telling him, “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,” fulfilling the prophecy found in Is.7:14 and quoted again here in Mt.1:23: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” - which means, “God with us.” God made Himself nothing, giving up everything to become man, Jesus, humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross to restore relationship between us and Himself (Phil.2:5-11). The forgiveness of our sins (1 Jn.2:12) and adoption into His family (Rom.8:15-17), the peace we have with God (Rom.5:1) and the new life we’ve found in Him (Eph.2:5) - both abundantly in this life (Jn.10:10) and for all eternity with Him (Jn.6:40) - are why we celebrate today. That’s the greatest hope the world knows and the only thing worth living for - knowing Him and making Him known (Phil.3:7-9). Erin and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas today - full of Him and the fullness of all that’s found only in Him. Merry Christmas.


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