Advent of Jesus

The New King James Version Chapter 2

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 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, 5 to 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.

The Angels Announce Jesus to the Shepherds

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!”

The Shepherds Visit Jesus

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.

Advent

Why? That we might know him.

Our sin, separated us from truly KNOWING God.

All throughout scripture we see God reveal himself time and time again to mankind, and time and time again they reject him and try things their own way. seeking to control their lives out of fear of what they don’t know, and a lack of confidence that God will provide.

chose kings, they oppressed them,

chose gods, they tormented them,

chose cursing instead of blessing,

chose to take judgment in their hands, instead of leaving in God’s

Chose fear of “what if” instead of child like confidence in his provision.

Sought to control and know their future rather than yield to the leading of their creator, and having peace and confidence in his Goodness.

Into the unkown!

Facing an uncertain future

Demon’s - their future is solidified.

fallen angels, their judgment is cast, and awaiting execution.

Satan - the acuser, his fate is sealed and no escape of the his future grave that terrible lake of fire where death and hell is thrown in too after Christ’s second advent.

The only lives that hang in the balance are the ones like those in this room tonight.

Scrooge

Chose to control every detail of his life. in HIS HANDS

No one could hurt him, because he let no one close enough to love him.

No man could demand anything of him because he was a self made man.

no friends could disappoint him if he was without the need of friends.

The quintessential miser, he is cruel-hearted, underpays his clerk Bob Cratchit, and says “Humbug!” to the Christmas festivities that bring joy to everyone around him.

But when he is visited by the ghost of his old partner Jacob Marley, he begins to see the error of his ways.

Scrooge is shown his own past, and the sight of his neglected childhood Christmasses begins to explain why he began his downward spiral into misery.

Scrooge is scared and regretful when he sees the vivid images of the Christmas Yet to Come, which predictably leaves him dying alone.

His reversal, from the anti-Christmas figure to the spirit of Christmas shows clearly the message of hope and forgiveness Dickens intended for his readers

intro - play

CLIP 1

Come in and know me better

Most times our frustrations in life are not a lack of vision and direction, but a lack of knowing God.

Spirit! what is this?

what’s happening!

explain to me spirit!

Tell me what i must do!

Can i change my future!

Is this future certain?!

Scrooge did see elements of his life, but it was in seeing a larger picture of the very essence of Christmas, the celebration of the New Born King that brings Hope, Gifts, Restores family, Draws together Kings and Shepherds to bend their knee together as co servants of the same master.

Merry Christmas! Christ Has Come!

We celebrate by drawing near as the family of God, focusing not on the differences the divide us, but love and forgiveness that unifies us and opens up a seat at the table that other might be restored.

That we might Know our savior, and in knowing him, we might once again, draw together as the family God made us to be and know one another.

A Wise Old Man

The New King James Version Chapter 2

25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,

According to Your word;

30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation

31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,

And the glory of Your people Israel.”

33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Christ is inviting us back to the table.

Intro CLIP 3

RUN CLIP 3

in this story of reconciliation, Christ came to reconcile all mankind back unto himself.

We might actually witness with Mr. Scrooge, or Old Man Marley here.

Cut off, through decisions and actions of our own doing or of others. and a bit lost at what to do, or where to go.

But the joy of christmas, Christ With Us, is an invitation to restore all things once again.

Families together

Kings and and Shepherds.

To have one thing in common, and that is the Jesus is OUR KING, We are HIS CHILDREN, and He Has Come, and Is Coming Again for a UNIFIED BRIDE! A Family, Spotless and Blameless. Not dived and Broken.

Whats the risk?

Why wait?

What is there to fear?

Christ restored our relationship with God through reconciling the world unto himself, that all might have access to the knowledge and revelation of Relationship with God through his Forgiveness.

CLIP 3

The real advent is not cheap chocolates, it’s the story of restoration, that began over 2000 years ago when jesus christ, was born of a virgin mary, and through this little baby, all mankind might be reconciled unto God, and be brothers and sisters once again in the family of God. Freely forgiving all things, as all things have been forgiven of us in Him.