What Christmas Means
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It’s a Time of Loving
It’s a Time of Loving
“For God SO LOVED the world...”
The majesty of God’s extravagant love is on display at Christmas!
Our Condition
Our Condition
We dwell in darkness.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
We stand condemned. John 3:17-18
God’s Compassion
God’s Compassion
God’s love is a sacrificial, self-less love (agape). It seeks the best for the object of love.
When we lived in darkness, He sent His Son to bring light!
When stood condemned, He sent His Son to Save!
It’s a Time of Giving
It’s a Time of Giving
“…that HE GAVE His Only Begotten Son...”
We give gifts because we enjoy the reaction of those who receive (Jackson opening presents)
Some of the traditions can be traced back to Saint Nicholas of Myra, who gave to those in need.
But, really, he gave because God Gave.
God’s love is an active Giving kind of love - it is a love that cost Him His Dearest and Best!
It’s a Time for Believing
It’s a Time for Believing
“…that whoever BELIEVES in Him...”
There is a miracle that takes place at the New Birth, just as their was a miracle that took place in the Virgin Birth!
What does it mean to believe? It is not merely a mental assent to something, but to place one’s trust, faith and confidence in His Son.
1 Cor 15:3-6 “3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”
It means that we believe the truth about Christ’s origin: He is God in the flesh.
It means that we believe the truth about Christ’s sacrifice: He is God’s perfect Lamb, without spot or blemish, and offers a once for all atonement for our sin.
It means that we believe the truth about Christ’s resurrection:
It’s a Time for Receiving
It’s a Time for Receiving
“should not perish, but HAVE eternal life.”
A vast change in destiny.
To have eternal life is to be in relationship with God John 17:3 “3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Have you received that Eternal Life?