The Truth about December 25

From the Pastor's Desk

Thanks to Nathan for preaching this Sunday. Excellent job! I loved the "Ted Talk" portion, where Nathan gave us some helpful background on December 25 as a Christian holiday. I'm not going to lie; I sort of wanted to see more of that. Maybe I can twist Nathan's arm into making a blog post about it. 

If you missed it, check it out below. 

Merry Christmas!

Notes from the Sermon


Sermon Title: A Sign for You: Advent: The Birth of Christ
Scriptures: | Luke 2:1-7 | John 17:5 | Matthew 6:33|


What to Believe:

God always accomplishes His purposes, and he can use even the evil plans of an emperor (Caesar Augustus’ plans to conduct a census of all of his subjects). God knows the future, He’s almighty, He’s all-powerful.


When Mary and Joseph said yes to God’s plan, there were no immediate material blessings but wonderful eternal consequences. What God did through Mary and Joseph is eternal. 


Which one do you want to be?

The person God uses without you even realizing it? 

OR

The person’s God invites into what He’s doing? 


The things that make life full are the things of the kingdom. Matthew 6:33 – We seek the kingdom first, and He adds the rest. 


How to Obey:

Jesus was willing to humble Himself to save us because He loves us. He doesn't just ask us to humble ourselves. He did it Himself.

Mary and Joseph said yes to God not because they understood it but because they trusted Him. We, too, need to be ready to say yes to God, even when we don't understand.

How to Walk Intimately with God:

Lay our treasures at His feet. 


When celebrating Christmas, celebrate the fact that Jesus was and is fully human because this is one of the ways to have confidence that he truly understands us.


Pray that when and if God presents us with an opportunity to join him in something he’s doing, we will be ready and willing to give him a yes.


Look for opportunities to remain humble.


Praise Jesus for his humility and the sacrifices he made just so he could be closer to us.



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