Who was seen in a manger, in Bethlehem, on Christmas Day, a little more than 2000 years ago?

We can learn a great deal about someone from their name.

• The baby who was born in the manger was to have the name Jesus. Jesus means “Savior”.

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. (Luke 1:30-31 ESV)

• This baby was Christ the Lord. This baby was the Messiah, the promised deliverer.  One day He will exercise absolute dominion over all of creation.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11 ESV)

• This baby would be called the Son of the Most High (The Son of God).

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. (Luke 1:32 ESV)

• This baby was to be named Immanuel (which means, God with us). Christ, being the second person of the Trinity, is God.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14 ESV)

• The baby in the manger would be called the Lamb of God. He would become the ultimate sacrifice, by dying on a cross, to atone for the sins of the world.

The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29 ESV)

• Other names for this baby are Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)      (Refer to Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace)

• This baby will be called the King of kings and Lord of lords. Someday He reign supreme over all the earth.

On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:16 ESV)

Who was seen in a manger, in Bethlehem, on Christmas Day, a little more than 2000 years ago?

Jesus

Christ the Lord

Son of the Most High

Immanuel

Lamb of God

Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace.

King of kings and Lord of lords

This is just a partial list of the names, or titles, for the baby born in a manger, in Bethlehem, on Christmas Day.

And being found in human form, he (Christ Jesus) humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,  so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:8-11 ESV)

Happy Birthday Jesus

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Why do we need Christmas?

A better question is, “Why do we need Jesus?”

Our need for Jesus becomes evident to us in the first book of the Bible.  The story begins in Genesis, chapter 3.

   The serpent was clever, more clever than any wild animal God had made. He spoke to the Woman: “Do I understand that God told you not to eat from any tree in the garden?”
   The Woman said to the serpent, “Not at all. We can eat from the trees in the garden. It’s only about the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, ‘Don’t eat from it; don’t even touch it or you’ll die.’”
   The serpent told the Woman, “You won’t die. God knows that the moment you eat from that tree, you’ll see what’s really going on. You’ll be just like God, knowing everything, ranging all the way from good to evil.”
   When the Woman saw that the tree looked like good eating and realized what she would get out of it—she’d know everything!—she took and ate the fruit and then gave some to her husband, and he ate.
   Immediately the two of them did “see what’s really going on”—saw themselves naked! They sewed fig leaves together as makeshift clothes for themselves.
   When they heard the sound of God strolling in the garden in the evening breeze, the Man and his Wife hid in the trees of the garden, hid from God.
   God called to the Man: “Where are you?”
   He said, “I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked. And I hid.”
   God said, “Who told you you were naked? Did you eat from that tree I told you not to eat from?”
   The Man said, “The Woman you gave me as a companion, she gave me fruit from the tree, and, yes, I ate it.”
   God said to the Woman, “What is this that you’ve done?”
   “The serpent seduced me,” she said, “and I ate.” (The Message)

 Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God.  This sin destroyed the perfect relationship that had existed between them and God.

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— (Romans 5:12 ESV)

The consequence for Adam’s sin, death, was passed on to all men (us).

… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23 ESV)   the wages of sin is death… . (Romans 6:23 ESV)

Death means separation from God, or to put it plainly, death means spending eternity in hell.

 And that is why we need Christmas (Jesus).

Thankfully, God had a plan.

For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:21-22 ESV)

God loved the world.

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.    (John 3:16)

I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 ESV)

 This is what Christmas is all about.

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  (Luke 2:10-11)

… because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:8-10 ESV)

Merry Christmas 

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At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Throughout the year we should recognize and worship the Jesus who was introduced to us by Isaiah.  Isaiah describes Jesus as a wonderful counselor, a mighty God, an everlasting father, and the Prince of Peace.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.   (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)

Reflect on the follow titles:

• Wonderful Counselor

Jesus gives counsel to men with supernatural wisdom that is far beyond human capabilities.

(Jesus) Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3 ESV)

• Mighty God

Christ, being the second person of the Trinity, is God.

 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:23 ESV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1 ESV)

Christ is the creator.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. (Colossians 1:16 ESV)

Christ is the Savior of the world.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11 ESV)

• Everlasting Father

Christ has always existed, and will exist for all of eternity.

I (Christ) am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 22:13 ESV)

In the beginning was the Word, … (John 1:1)

Christ is the giver of eternal life.

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:28 ESV)

• Prince of Peace

Because of the work of Christ it is possible for man to be reconciled with God.  A broken relationship can be restored. We can be at peace with God.

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; (2 Corinthians 5:18 ESV)

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.  More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:10-11 ESV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27 ESV)

JESUS

Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36 NLT)

Merry Christmas

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Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year.  I enjoy the break from “work”; I enjoy Christmas parties; I enjoy gift exchanges;  I enjoy the food; I enjoy the special events at church;  I enjoy the TV specials;  I enjoy setting up our nativity set in the front yard.  My list of favorite Christmas activities goes on and on.

Far more important than the above list is the fact that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11 ESV)

 Christmas is the celebration of the time when God gave the world a special and unique gift.

  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16-17 ESV)

What an awesome gift!  This is a gift we all need.

… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23 ESV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 ESV)

This may be far more serious than some people think.  We will all face a day of judgment.  Consider the following scripture verses.

 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, (Hebrews 9:27 ESV)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV)

At the end of our time here on earth we will spend eternity in heaven or we will spend eternity in hell.  There are no other options.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matthew 25:34 ESV)

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41 ESV)

It’s not difficult to determine your destination.

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:18 ESV)

I hope you understand.  Christmas is a special and unique holiday. For everyone who has received the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, Christmas is a special time of the year.

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 ESV)

Merry Christmas

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Have you decided what gifts you will be giving this year for Christmas?

Christmas is a time when many people give gifts to family and friends.  Most likely you are a person who will be giving gifts to others.

Have you thought about giving a gift to God this Christmas?

What would be an appropriate gift for you to give to God?  What does God want from us?

Here are some things you may want to consider giving to God this Christmas (and all year long).

• Your worship

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! (Psalm 95:6 ESV)

• Your love

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. (Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV)

• Your praise

I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. (Psalm 146:2 ESV)

• Your thanksgiving

Give Thanks to the Lord, for He Is Good Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 106:1 ESV)

• Your service

Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. (1 Samuel 12:24 ESV)

“… as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15 ESV)

• Your obedience

 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15 ESV)

Things you may want to consider giving to God this Christmas (and all year long).

Your worship

Your love

Your praise

Your thanksgiving

Your service

Your obedience

Merry Christmas

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Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT)

Approximately 2700 years ago the prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Jesus.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14 ESV)

About 700 years later this prophesy took place

She (Mary) will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:  “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:21-23 ESV)

Before the world was created, God knew that we all would need a Savior. God used Isaiah, and other prophets, to foretell the coming of Jesus.  A little more than 2000 years ago this prophecy was fulfilled.

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)

Thanksgiving (giving thanks) should never end for anyone who is a Christian.   Christians have something to be thankful for every day of the year.  His name is Jesus.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34 (NLT)

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How does God speak to us?

God speaks to us:

• Through His Word

 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.              (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT)

•  Through His Son, Jesus Christ

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. ² And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. (Hebrews 1:1-2 NLT)

• Through the Holy Spirit

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. (John 14:26 NLT)

• Through prayer

“Be still, and know that I am God! (Psalm 46:10 NLT)

• Through nature and God’s creation

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known. (Psalm 19:1-2)

•  Through other people

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:19-20 NLT)

• Through music

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
                            …
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.  (Psalm 40:1-3 NLT)

• Through circumstances

 Example: The plagues in Egypt
So this is what the Lord says: “I will show you that I am the Lord.” Look! I will strike the water of the Nile with this staff in my hand, and the river will turn to blood.  (Exodus 7:17 NLT)

• Through dreams and visions

‘In the last days,’ God says,
‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams. (Acts 2:17 NLT)

• Through miracles

 And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles … (Hebrews 2:4 NLT)

• Through the Sacraments

 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again. (1 Corinthians 11:26 NLT)

God speaks to us:

Through His Word

Through His Son, Jesus Christ

Through the Holy Spirit

Through prayer

Through nature and God’s creation

Through other people

Through music

Through circumstances

Through dreams and visions

Through miracles

Through the Sacraments

God is speaking.  Are you listening?

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!  (Matthew 11:15 NLT)

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Thanksgiving                                              November 26, 2015

Let us worship and bow down.

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

For the LORD is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.

The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!

For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand. (Psalm 95:1-7 ESV)

Have a happy Thanksgiving.

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving.

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The Lord is good.

Psalm 100 is a great Psalm for us to use when we want ideas of how to give thanks to the LORD.  This post will focus on Psalm 100 verse 5.

For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:5 ESV)

• Give thanks to the LORD for He is good and His steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.  Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.  Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; (Psalm 136:1-3 ESV)

• Give thanks to the Lord for He is faithful.

… the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.   (2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 ESV)

• Give thanks to God for His faithfulness endures to all generations.

Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. (Psalm 119:90 ESV)

• Give thanks to God always and for everything.

… giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Ephesians 5:20 ESV)

Remember to:

• Give thanks to the LORD for He is good and His steadfast love endures forever.
• Give thanks to the Lord for He is faithful.
• Give thanks to God for His faithfulness endures to all generations.
• Give thanks to God always and for everything.

Have a happy Thanksgiving.

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Coming into His presence.

Psalm 100 is a great Psalm for us to use when we want ideas of how to give thanks to the LORD.  This post will focus on Psalm 100 verse 4.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! (Psalm 100:4 ESV)

We read, in the Old Testament, about people going to the temple to worship and give thanks to God.  The crowds would gather in the courts that surrounded the temple for a time of worship and giving thanks to the LORD.

Things are different for us today.  As New Testament believers, Jesus is our great high priest.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV)

We are able to come before the throne of grace with confidence knowing that God hears our prayers and praises.  We are able to “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” every time we pray, regardless of our location and regardless of the time of day.

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5-7 ESV)

We can personally praise God and thank God for everything He has done for us or we can gather with other believers and we can praise God and give thanks to God corporately.

 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16 ESV)

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Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name! (Psalm 100:4 ESV)

Have a happy Thanksgiving.

We will look at Psalm 100 verse 5 in a future post.

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