Jesus is the Reason
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15 KJVPublish date: 12/18/2016
Foundation scriptures:
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And 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. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:1-14 KJV
It is a historical fact that Jesus was born.
a. This time of the year has been co-opted and commercialized.
b. Winter traditions mixed in with shopping: Santa, decorations, mistletoe, and sleigh bells.
c. We give gifts to each other.
d. It is Jesus’ birthday, not ours.
e. We must not forget why we celebrate.
Jesus is the reason for the season.
a. People get hung up over the date – December 25.
b. Jesus, almost certainly, was not born on that date.
c. Nevertheless, we can still celebrate His birth.
d. For the world, it is a historic date, and an opportunity for us to share Jesus.
e. We celebrate Him every day.
f. His message has always been: Joy to the world.
g. Bringing tidings of great joy.
Do not forget the reason.
a. A baby born in a manger.
b. A cross.
c. An empty tomb.
d. A resurrected Savior.
e. King of kings.
f. Lord of lords.
g. Soon-coming King.
The Christmas season is a time of giving gifts.
a. The greatest gift was given to us by the Father.
b. John 3:16-17 KJV – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
c. Will you receive Him today?
But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Romans 5:15-18 KJV
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 KJV
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV