The Christmas Story, The Advent of Hope The Advent of Peace The Advent Of Joy The Advent of Love The Advent of Forgiveness, What will you do with it?
Advent - Birth of Christ • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 18 viewsSpeaks about Advent and what Jesus provides via the Advent. (Hope,, Peace, Joy, Love,Forgiveness) then Questions the hearer what will they do
Notes
Transcript
This is the season of Advent. So, What is an Advent and what does it Mean? (explain)
THE WORD “advent” comes from the Latin advenio meaning “coming” or “arrival.”
ADVENT IS a season of four Sundays that mark the beginning of a new church year. The ancient Christian church celebrated Advent as a kind of fresh start to faith and worship. Advent is a time to anticipate and spiritually prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s becoming incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth, our Savior: God’s gift of love to us. At the same time, Advent anticipates and hopes for Jesus’ glorious return at the end of the age. The Second Coming, also known as the Second Advent, is a term used in Christian theology to refer to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ to judge the living and the dead, and to establish God's kingdom in its fullness.
Initially Advent had different connotations in various Christian traditions. Its roots can be found in the early Christian Church, where the preparation for Christmas was a significant focus, but it wasn't always a uniform observance. (Let’s talk a little about the Advent)
(for a topic)
The Advent is Hope The Advent is Peace The Advent is Joy The Advent is Love The Advent is Forgiveness. (THE FIRST Advent is CHRIST’ Arrival) What will YOU do with It?
Isaiah 7:14:
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: hBehold, the virgin shall conceive and bear ia Son, and shall call His name jImmanuel. 9
Matthew 1:23:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
The origin story of Christmas dates back to the Christian tradition, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ as the central event of Christmas. The nativity story of the birth of Jesus is primarily found in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the books of Matthew and Luke.
According to the Bible, the story begins with the announcement of the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary by the angel Gabriel. In the Gospel of Luke, Mary is visited by the angel, who tells her that she will conceive and give birth to a son, Jesus, who will be the Son of God. Mary accepts this divine message with faith.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Joseph, Mary's husband-to-be, also receives a divine message in a dream, confirming the miraculous nature of Mary's pregnancy and instructing him to take Mary as his wife. Joseph obediently follows God's guidance.
The birth of Jesus itself takes place in Bethlehem, as prophesied in the Old Testament. The couple, Mary and Joseph, travel to Bethlehem for a census, and because there is no room in the inn, Jesus is born in a humble stable or manger. Angels appear to shepherds in the fields, announcing the birth of the Savior and guiding them to the newborn baby.
Later, wise men from the East, known as the Magi, follow a star to Bethlehem, where they present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus, symbolizing his royal and divine nature.
The Christmas story, as told in the Bible, is central to the Christian faith and is commemorated annually on December 25th. The Church incorporates the four *Sundays preceding *Christmas Day. The first week of Advent begins with the Sunday nearest the Feast of St. *Andrew (Nov. 30). The celebration of Christmas at its core remains the birth of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's promise to bring salvation and hope to humanity.
The Christmas Story The Advent of Hope The Advent of Peace The Advent Of Joy The Advent of Love The Advent of Forgiveness
The four Sundays of Advent for many churches have a specific theme or focus. All Churches’ themes are not the same. The purpose of each theme is to spend time reflecting on the true meaning of the season - the life of Jesus Christ. (reason for the season) The goal should be to come before God with a sincere heart and to worship Jesus Christ. To help observe these weeks, Some/many churches led their congregation through Advent Readings. The reading of Scriptures that reflect each week's theme.
First Sunday of Advent Week 2: Promise and Peace (?Hope)
Isaiah 9:2 “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned..
Isaiah 9:6–7 6hFor unto us a Child is born, Unto us a iSon is given; And jthe government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called kWonderful, Counselor, the lMighty God, the Everlasting Father, the mPrince of Peace. 7Of the increase of His government and peace nThere will be no end, Upon the throne of David and upon His kingdom, To order it, and to establish it with judgment and justice from henceforth even for ever. The ozeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Alternate readings: Psalm 122; Isaiah 2:2-5; Romans 13:11-14
(Speak about Elizabeth)
The Christmas Story The Advent of Hope The Advent of Peace The Advent Of Joy The Advent of Love The Advent of Forgiveness
Second Sunday of Advent Week 1: Preparation (or Hope)
Isaiah 40:3-5:
“A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’”
Isaiah 7:14:
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: hBehold, the virgin shall conceive and bear ia Son, and shall call His name jImmanuel. 9
Alternate readings: Psalm 72:18; Psalm 146:5; Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 1:26-38
Third Sunday of Advent Week 3: Joy and Peace
Luke 2:8-14, 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And 3behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, fand they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, g“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy hwhich will be to all people. 11 iFor there is born to you this day in the city of David ja Savior, kwho is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a 4manger.” 13 lAnd suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14“Glory mto God in the highest, And on earth npeace, ogoodwill 5toward men!”[i]
Alternate readings: Isaiah 35:1-10
The Christmas Story The Advent of Hope The Advent of Peace The Advent Of Joy The Advent of Love
The Advent of Forgiveness What will you do with it?
Fourth Sunday of Advent Week 4: Love (or adoration)
John 3:16-19, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
Alternate readings: Psalm 24:1-10; Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 2:8-20; John 1:14; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-11
1 John 4:9-11 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein* is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
John 15:12&13 12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
The Advent is Hope The Advent is Peace The Advent is Joy The Advent is Love The Advent is Forgiveness What will YOU do with It?
Isaiah 7:14:
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: hBehold, the virgin shall conceive and bear ia Son, and shall call His name jImmanuel. 9
Matthew 1:23:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
The Advent of Forgiveness
1 John 1: 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Romans 10: 9&10
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Will Christ’s Birth Do You Any Good?[ii]
What does Christmas mean? Is it not the time of year when men are reminded of Christ the Savior’s birth? Are you not told to remember how Jesus came into the world to save sinners? All this is true. There is no denying it. The birth of Christ the Savior—the manhood of Christ the Savior—the salvation provided by Christ the Savior—all these are mighty facts. But after all will they profit you anything? Will they do you any good? In one word—shall you be saved?[iii]
Birth of Jesus Christ
The circumstances of Jesus Christ’s birth
An angel informs Mary that she is to be the mother of the Messiah
Lk 1:26–38
Luke 1:26–38 (NKJV) — 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Mary responds in praise
See also Lk 1:46–55
Luke 1:46–55 (NKJV) — 46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. 54He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”
An angel explains to Joseph why Mary’s baby is so special
Mt 1:18–25
Matthew 1:18–25 (NKJV) — 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
The birth of Jesus Christ takes place
Lk 2:1–7
Luke 2:1–7 (NKJV) — 1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Angels announce Jesus Christ’s birth to some shepherds
See also Lk 2:8–20
Luke 2:8–20 (NKJV) — 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
The Magi search for Jesus Christ’s birthplace and Herod tries to kill him
Mt 2:1–18 These events could have taken place at any time in Jesus Christ’s first two years.
Matthew 2:1–18 (NKJV) — 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.”
Micah 5:2 The Coming Messiah
2 “But you, bBethlehem cEphrathah, Though you are little damong the ethousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be fRuler in Israel, gWhose goings forth are from of old, From 1everlasting.”
Matthew 1:18–25 Birth of Christ
18 Now the xbirth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child yof the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being 6a just man, and not wanting zto make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, afor that which is 7conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 bAnd she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name 8Jesus, cfor He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 d“Behold, 9the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and 1did not know her till she had brought forth eher 2firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
Luke 2:1–7 Christ is Born
2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 aThis census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to bthe city of David, which is called Bethlehem, cbecause he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, dhis betrothed 1wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And eshe brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a 2manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.[iv]
Galatians 4:4-5 4 But bwhen the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, cborn 1 dof a woman, eborn under the law, 5 fto redeem those who were under the law, gthat we might receive the adoption as sons.[v]
Matthew 2:1–12 – Visit of wise men
Luke 1:26–33 – Gaberiel announces Christ Birth
Luke 1:34–38 – Mary Miraculously Conceives
Luke 1:39–56 – Mary Visits Elizabeth
Luke 1:57–66 – Elizabeth gives birth to John
Luke 1:67–80 – Zacharias Prophesies of Johns Ministry
Luke 2:1–7 – Christ is born
Luke 2: 8–14 – The Angels Announce Jesus to the Shepards
Luke 2:15–20 – The Shepherds visit Jesus
“Jesus the Christ He Lives” Sign that my family would hang on Christmas and Easter
Introduction: Grace is a five-letter word that can also be spelled J-E-S-U-S[vi]
Synopsis
Jesus Christ was born to a poor unmarried Jewish couple in the village of Bethlehem. As Son of God, he was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of his mother Mary.
Jesus Christ’s birth is prophesied in the OT
The prophecy of a coming ruler
Is 9:6–7
Isaiah 9:6–7 (NKJV) — 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
The prophecy of a virgin’s son Is 7:14
Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV) — 14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
The prophecy concerning his birthplace
Mic 5:2 “Bethlehem Ephrathah” is the village where David grew up (“the town of David”).
Micah 5:2 (NKJV) — 2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”
Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin
Mt 1:18
Matthew 1:18 (NKJV) — 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
See also Mt 1:20; Lk 1:34–35
Matthew 1:20 (NKJV) — 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:34–35 (NKJV) — 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.
Jesus Christ’s incarnation
Jn 1:14; Ga 4:4
John 1:14 (NKJV) — 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Galatians 4:4 (NKJV) — 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
See also Ro 8:3; 2 Co 8:9; Php 2:7–8; 1 Ti 3:16; 1 Jn 4:2
Romans 8:3 (NKJV) — 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) — 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
Philippians 2:7–8 (NKJV) — 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
1 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) — 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.
1 John 4:2 (NKJV) — 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,
The Necessity of the Incarnation Romans 8:3 3 For ewhat the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, fGod did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh[vii]
Will Christ’s Birth Do You Any Good?[viii]
What does Christmas mean? Is it not the time of year when men are reminded of Christ the Savior’s birth? Are you not told to remember how Jesus came into the world to save sinners? All this is true. There is no denying it. The birth of Christ the Savior—the manhood of Christ the Savior—the salvation provided by Christ the Savior—all these are mighty facts. But after all will they profit you anything? Will they do you any good? In one word—shall you be saved?[1]
SALVATION Examines the biblical concept of salvation as it develops from the sense of physical rescue in the present life (e.g., deliverance from danger or crisis) to the idea of spiritual rescue often associated with the afterlife (e.g., forgiveness from sins, eternal life). This development in the concept of salvation corresponds with changes in beliefs regarding life after death: As views about the afterlife became more optimistic, the understanding of salvation expanded beyond the present world to include hopes for divine deliverance and even resurrection in the world to come.
December 25th
His birth and our new birth
Behold, a virgin shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Isaiah 7:14 (R.V.).
His Birth in History. “Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not evolve out of history; He came into history from the outside. Jesus Christ is not the best human being, He is a Being Who cannot be accounted for by the human race at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate, God coming into human flesh, coming into it from outside. His life is the Highest and the Holiest, entering in at the lowliest door. Our Lord’s birth was an advent.[2]
Matthew 2:10-11, “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” (What gift will you bring the Savior)
[1]Elliot Ritzema, ed., 300 Quotations and Prayers for Christmas, Pastorum Series (Lexham Press, 2013).
[2]Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest: Selections for the Year (Grand Rapids, MI: Oswald Chambers Publications; Marshall Pickering, 1986).
h Matt. 1:23; Luke 1:31; John 1:45; Rev. 12:5
i [Is. 9:6]
j Is. 8:8, 10
9 Lit. God-With-Us
WC Western church(es), especially the Roman Catholic, Anglican/Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Reformed and Methodist
* before a word or phrase indicates that an entry on that topic, similarly worded, appears elsewhere in the book.
* before a word or phrase indicates that an entry on that topic, similarly worded, appears elsewhere in the book.
* before a word or phrase indicates that an entry on that topic, similarly worded, appears elsewhere in the book.
h [Is. 7:14; Luke 2:11]; John 1:45
iLuke 2:7; [John 3:16; 1 John 4:9]
j[Matt. 28:18; 1 Cor. 15:25]; Rev. 12:5
kJudg. 13:18
lTitus 2:13
mEph. 2:14
nDan. 2:44; Matt. 1:1, 6; Luke 1:32, 33; John 7:42
oIs. 37:32
hMatt. 1:23; Luke 1:31; John 1:45; Rev. 12:5
i[Is. 9:6]
jIs. 8:8, 10
9Lit. God-With-Us
3NU omits behold
fLuke 1:12
gLuke 1:13, 30
hGen. 12:3; Is. 49:6; [Matt. 28:19; Mark 1:15; Col. 1:23]
iIs. 9:6
jMatt. 1:21; John 4:42; [Acts 5:31]
kMatt. 1:16; 16:16, 20; John 11:27; Acts 2:36; Phil. 2:11
4 feed trough
lGen. 28:12; Ps. 103:20; 148:2; Dan. 7:10; [Heb. 1:14]; Rev. 5:11
mMatt. 21:9; Luke 19:38; Eph. 1:6
nIs. 57:19; [Rom. 5:1]; Eph. 2:17; [Col. 1:20]
o[John 3:16; Eph. 2:4, 7; 2 Thess. 2:16; 1 John 4:9]
5NU toward men of goodwill
[i] The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Lk 2:8–14.
hMatt. 1:23; Luke 1:31; John 1:45; Rev. 12:5
i[Is. 9:6]
jIs. 8:8, 10
9Lit. God-With-Us
[ii]Elliot Ritzema, ed., 300 Quotations and Prayers for Christmas, Pastorum Series (Lexham Press, 2013).
[iii]Elliot Ritzema, ed., 300 Quotations and Prayers for Christmas, Pastorum Series (Lexham Press, 2013).
bIs. 11:1; Matt. 2:6; Luke 2:4, 11; John 7:42
cGen. 35:19; 48:7; Ruth 4:11
d1 Sam. 23:23
eEx. 18:25
f[Gen. 49:10; Is. 9:6]
gPs. 90:2; [John 1:1]
1Lit. the days of eternity
xMatt. 12:46; Luke 1:27
yIs. 7:14; 49:5; Luke 1:35
6an upright
zDeut. 24:1; John 8:4, 5
aLuke 1:35
7Lit. begotten
b[Is. 7:14; 9:6, 7]; Luke 1:31; 2:21
8Lit. Savior
cLuke 2:11; John 1:29; [Acts 4:12; 5:31; 13:23, 38; Rom. 5:18, 19; Col. 1:20–23]
dIs. 7:14
9Words in oblique type in the New Testament are quoted from the Old Testament.
1Kept her a virgin
eEx. 13:2; Luke 2:7, 21
2NU a Son
aDan. 9:25; Acts 5:37
b1 Sam. 16:1; Mic. 5:2
cMatt. 1:16
d[Matt. 1:18]
1NU omits wife
eMatt. 1:25; Luke 1:31
2 feed trough
[iv] The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Is 7:14–Lk 2:7.
b[Gen. 49:10]
c[John 1:14]; Rom. 1:3; 8:3; [Phil. 2:7]
1Or made
dGen. 3:15; [Is. 7:14; Matt. 1:25]
e[Matt. 5:17]; Luke 2:21, 27
f[Matt. 20:28; Gal. 3:13]
g[John 1:12]
[v] The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ga 4:4–5.
[vi]Robert J. Morgan, Nelson’s Annual Preacher’s Sourcebook, 2002 Edition. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001), 364.
eActs 13:39; [Heb. 7:18]
f[2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13]
[vii] The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ro 8:2–3.
[viii]Elliot Ritzema, ed., 300 Quotations and Prayers for Christmas, Pastorum Series (Lexham Press, 2013).