Matthew 1:1–25

Preparing for Christmas

Hippolytus of Rome was a theologian. His commentary on Daniel is the oldest we have on record, dating to 200 ad. He dates the birth of Jesus as December 25, the 42 year of the reign of Caesar Octavian Augustus. From then on Christian celebrated December 25 as Jesus’ incarnation. In 525 AD., the calendar was following the founding of Rome. The Roman monk and scholar Dionysius Exiguus (Di / o / nigh / see / us) (E zig u us) successfully argued for the “Day of our Lord” calendar should to begin with the birth of Christ.

Preparing for Christmas is a well established tradition. Historically we have come to recognize the day after thanksgiving as the beginning of the Christmas season. Be begin preparing all our activities around the Coming of Christmas. But, before hallmark cards and mistletoe, God planned Christmas to be an extraordinary event. This year let’s prepare for Christmas, by being afraid to adjust our plans to God’s plans.

Don’t be afraid of God’s Christmas Plan for you.

Have you ever experienced a time when you know that something is not exactly right with your plan. You know what I am talking about; you have that feeling of anxiety or anxiousness deep in you gut that’s telling you that you need to adjust your plans. That might be one of those times that God’s is sending you a message. the message is that His plans are greater than your plans, so don’t be afraid to adjust your life to His plan. Mary and Joseph found themselves in this very situation.

Don’t be afraid to exchange your schedule for God’s schedule.

You must make an intentional plan for this to be the best Christmas ever, by making this Christmas more about jesus than ever in the past: Mt 1:1; 1:18; 1:25

Jesus took time out of His busy Schedule to visit with us, we should schedule time to visit with Jesus. Sunday’s 11 am. is the perfect time. December 1, at 4 pm. December 9, Lunch with Santa.

Don’t be afraid to exchange your plans for God’s plans.

Don’t be afraid to announce the birth of God’s King and Savior.

We don’t have to be afraid, because God use ordinary people in his extraordinary promises.

Tamar: was

Rehab: Knew of God’ faithfulness to keep His promises; therefore she trusted GOd’s faithfullness.

Joshua 2:11 NASB95

“When we heard it, our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you; for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.