Christ

Today’s reading for the Christ candle is found in Luke 2:1-7.

Luke 2:1–7 “Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

We have spent the last 4 weeks lighting each advent candle and talking about the purpose and meaning behind each candle.

Hope / Prophecy

The first was the candle of Hope and Prophecy.

The Bible is full of prophecy about Jesus we studied the chances of those prophecies being fulfilled.

We looked reasons why you and I can have hope.

Romans 15:13 (NASB95)

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I want you to understand clearly this evening there is no real hope without Christ

Peace / Bethlehem

The second candle was the Peace or Bethlehem candle.

We looked at what peace is and is not

We saw how Micah prophesied specifically Christ would be born in Bethlehem

John 14:27 NASB95

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Again peace, true peace can only be found in Jesus Christ.

Joy / Shepherd’s

The third candle was the candle of Joy or Shepherd’s candle.

We saw how the Angels brought good tidings of joy to the shepherds.

We studied how we can have joy despite our circumstances, Joy is a choice!

John 15:11 (NASB95)

“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

Real joy however, can only be found in Jesus Christ.

Love / Angels

Yesterday we studied briefly the love and Angels candle.

The angels are in awe of God’s wondrous works.

Love is the main emphasis of God’s redemptive work for mankind

Real love cannot be fully experienced outside of Christ.

Christ Candle

Clearly we see how all four candles represent and attribute of Christ. Christ is hope, peace, joy, and love. Without Christ none of these 4 emotions can be fulfilled completely.

We have all tried to experience them without Christ…

Money

People

Gifts

Sometimes we seek different vices to fulfill these needs only to find them come up short.

Only Christ Himself is able to fulfill our need for hope, peace, joy, and love.

I love the verse John 10:10

John 10:10 (NASB95)

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

The thief (Satan) wants us to focus on any thing but Christ to fulfill our needs, but Jesus Christ says here in verse 10… “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Can I encourage you this Christmas to focus on Jesus? Speaking from experience and I am sure many of you can relate… true hope, peace, joy, and love will not be found anywhere else but in Jesus Christ.

Deacons come up for communion.

As we prepare for communion I want to share a couple of thoughts from God’s word. Those of you who attend the Wednesday night study have heard me say before, God is a God of details and He doesn’t leave anything out. As we study scripture we begin to see all the beautiful nuggets of truth left for us to find.

Micah prophesied nearly 700 yrs prior to Christ birth that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.

Micah 5:2 (NASB95)

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.”

Why do I bring this up? Interestingly in Hebrew the phrase “beth-lehem” literally means “House of Bread”

Jesus said in John 6:35 “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.”

Pass out the Bread

Matthew 26:26 “While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.””

Mary Frances reminded me this last week of an interesting an insightful thought… when man was originally created… the intention was for them never to die. Adam and Eve had they not sinned would never had died. Ideally, each person born was meant to live and not die…

However, Jesus unlike the purpose for man… Jesus was born for the purpose of dyeing.

Hebrews 9:22b “without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

Pass out the Juice

Matthew 26:27–29 “And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.””

Light candle from the Christ candle.

Silent Night

We Wish You Merry Christmas