Christmas Morning
Sunday, December 25, 2016
In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, we take a moment to reflect on the true treasures of Christmas. The coming Jesus Christ into the world split history in half. He intervened to reverse death and pain bringing the promise of eternal redemption. All this is summarized in a few verses in Matthew 1.
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.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:21-23 (NIV)
There are three things to consider this morning about Christmas:
- PARDON. “He will save His people from their sins.” While Christmas presents are fantastic and we are thrilled to get great gifts, we ought to remember the deliverance Jesus purchased for us. Christmas is a time for forgiveness. We remember that this Baby came to be crucified! He came to live a perfect life for us and die a sacrificial death that all our sins might be wiped away!
- “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord has said…” Throughout Matthew, a phrase recurs: “that is might be fulfilled.” God had already promised through prophecy all the good things He now gives. We can therefore ask, “What has God promised ME?” He promises us so much. He has great and wonderful provisions for all our future. This is the promise of Christmas.
- PRESENCE. “and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).” Immanuel is one of the names of Jesus. GOD WITH US. No matter how far you run, He will still be there. No matter what you do, He will still be there. His presence surrounds you and walks with you in all of life. Because of this, we can enjoy His presence – His joy, His peace…and so much more.
As we celebrate Christmas today, remember how much Jesus has given us all another chance. He has forgiven us of so much! Even more, remember the good things He has promised. The future is as bright as His Word to you. Lastly, remember His hand on your life. He has had His eye on you all along. He goes before you.
As we enter a new year, let’s walk in these three powerful truths. He is ELEVATING everything in your life.