Dear Church,
Christmas reminds us that Christ is King!-Matthew 2:1-2 1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
The Wisemen proclaimed Jesus’ kingship as they presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Even Herod knew a King greater than himself had been born.He called a meeting of the chief priests and scribes to discuss it.Everyone involved was quoting Micah 5:2 which says,“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” They all knew a great King had been born!
Christmas tells us that God works miracles.The virgin birth, dreams, stars, angels, a cousin of John the Baptist being conceived by a couple in their old age, a priest going mute and then receiving the ability to speak again, not to mention all the prophecies that were fulfilled, reveal that God is the miracle-working business.God is still at work in the homes, hearts, bodies, and minds of those who allow Him to work.He doesn’t always work in the way we want Him too.We know that.He didn’t come to earth in the way the Jewish people wanted Him to.They didn’t want a King with an eternal agenda.They didn’t get the miracle they wanted, but they got the one they needed.
Christmas tells us that God’s Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom.When the angel addresses Mary, we also read in Luke 1:32-33: 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Hebrews 12:28 “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
Christ is the Lord of an UNSHAKEABLE AND UNENDING KINGDOM!The fact, and it is a fact, that Jesus rose from the dead, proves His “foreverness.”Even death couldn’t dominate our Lord.Let people know about the hope of Heaven.Tell people the good news about everlasting life with Jesus.It is not only part of the Christmas story, but it is also part of our story!
Christmas tells us that God is a Promise Keeper!Luke 1:70 could be easy to rush past.Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, a priest and man who had been made mute during his wife’s whole pregnancy due to his unbelief, suddenly was given voice to speak, and he said these words beginning with verse 68:68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago).
After being silent for many months, Zechariah proclaimed that our God is a Promise Keeper.
Christmas tells us that God’s gift of peace is for everyone.The shepherds were told that that Jesus brought Good News of great joy to all people!
The angels told the shepherds not to be afraid of the Good News because of the impact it would have on their lives.We know the shepherds followed the angels’ directions to find Christ for themselves, and Luke tells us that although they went to the manger as shepherds, they left as evangelists. They were transformed. They told everyone about their encounter with Christ and with great excitement.They were convinced.They were “all-in.”Perhaps instead of the angels speaking to us today, telling us not to be afraid of the Good News, the Holy Spirit will tell us, as believers, on this side of the Resurrection to not be afraid to share the Good News.
Decide with me to proclaim the messages of Christmas this season!
