20-12-24 PM, Christmas Eve
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Christmas Eve is a time for quiet reflection about the nativity of Christ.
It is a time for us to mirror the solemn introspection of Mary as she considered the words of Gabriel, her cousin Elizabeth, and the shepherds...
19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
In that first Christmas, God moved in such an unexpected way. He packed so much power, prophecy, and promise into such a small and unassuming package. I think He did this knowing that it would cause believers pause for two millennia, as we grapple with the meaning of such a massive divine movement presented as a meek infant boy.
The apparent contradiction lends itself to solemn reflection on a night like tonight.
This evening, briefly, I’d like to provide you with a short list to ponder as you make it back to your homes and sit in front of the warm fire place beside your Christmas tree and with carols playing softly in the background.
Ponder...
1. He is with you.
Christmas points to when God joined humanity in our weakness and suffering.
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).
and...
He promised never to leave His children.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
and...
He lives inside the believer, tonight.
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
and...
We will be with Him in heaven forever.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
Presence equals love. God has given his presence supremely.
2. He paid your debts.
Baby Jesus carried a mission of redemption. There is no way we could be freed of our sin and restored to God unless a sinless, innocent person forfeited his life in our place.
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
Tonight, reflect on the fact that you did not deserve this mercy and you can never pay it back...
8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
It was in love He did this.
3. You are His child.
12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
You have been given access to God
4. He wants you well.
5. He calls you to serve Him.
Respond like this...
1. Marvel at these things in your heart.
2. Know that you belong.
3. Express heart-felt gratitude.
4. Sense your purpose.
5. Plan for your obedience.