Many people are looking for evidence before they can place their faith in Christ. This is contrary to what Jesus told those who opposed Him. He challenged them to re-read Moses because “he wrote about Me.” The reason the Pharisees couldn’t see Jesus in Moses’s writings is because they didn’t believe Moses.
In this message we will complete the comparison between the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament and Jesus of Nazareth in the New Testament. The conclusion is this – What Jesus has done for His people, He continues to do for us today. We can trust His promises. He is always faithful.
When we study the Old Testament and the New Testament side by side we begin to realize that Jesus was none other than the “Angel of the Lord” who visited His people time and again before His birth 2000 years ago. In His pre-incarnate visits He did certain ministries for His people. Amazingly, those were the same ministries that He performed in His years on earth. And, yes – those are the same ministries that He still does for His people today. What is He doing in your life right now?
Many people have a very limited or shallow view of the baby that was born in the manger 2000 years ago. They ask - “What can a little baby do for us? After all, he needs us more than we need him!” But, when we understand who the baby really was before He was born, it changes our perspective. Unlike us, He existed before He came into this world. In fact, He was doing great and mighty things that no human could ever do. He entered our world to do even greater things. When we invite Him into our lives, He transforms us forever.
It is that time of year when things start getting hectic with Thanksgiving around the corner and Christmas not too far away. Unfortunately, people get stressed out with work, shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. and miss out on the real meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What does kissing under a mistletoe have to do with Christmas? In ancient times mistletoe was considered a miracle plant. When everything was dead in the harsh winter, this rootless parasitic plant was still flourishing. It symbolized life, hope, and fertility. Ancient Druids and Vikings thought this plant was so sacred that they would marry under it. When they became Christians, the mistletoe took on a deeper meaning. It reminded them of God’s power to bring life where there was death. Later on in England, when a couple passed under the plant, they had to stop and kiss and if they did, God would bless them with an everlasting love. So next time someone points out “Hey! You’re under a mistletoe,” think about the undying love of God in Jesus Christ and oh yes, pucker up! Merry Christmas!
We take time off, brave the crowds, and spend our hard earned money to buy presents because we like to see our loved ones happy. We find joy in seeing them excited. So also, God takes delight in seeing us open the two greatest gifts He sent us in His Son Jesus – grace and truth. This is one message we cannot afford to miss. Many Christians are living in condemnation when they should be walking by grace. Other Christians are living in lies when they should be walking in the truth. Grace lifts us up and truth sets us free.
Are Christmas trees just some pagan ritual borrowed from the Scandinavians? While it is true that many cultures have worshipped certain trees, this was not the case for Christians. For them trees were never sacred just symbolic. Adam and Eve took the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Abraham lived by the Oaks of Mamre where He built an altar to the Lord. The people of Israel were promised to become “Trees of Righteousness.” Jesus hung on a tree for our sins. And in Revelation we see the tree of life in the middle of the street of the Heavenly City. So next time you see O Tannenbaum with lights, ornaments, and gifts, think of the many wonderful promises of God, especially the coming of Jesus to die on the cross for us! Merry Christmas!
Ever wonder what Santa has to do with Christmas? Check out this article. It takes just a minute.
In Matthew 2 we meet some unusual visitors to the baby Jesus. They were the Magi from the east. Through the centuries scholars have debated over them: Who were they? Who told them about the coming of the Messiah? What was this star? Although, many of these questions may remain a mystery, one thing is for sure – the coming of Jesus Christ reminds us that God is not just the God of the Jewish people but of all peoples. Our world desperately needs to hear the message that God loves all people. Jesus came to save everyone who is willing to receive Him. On one hand, we need to remain firm in our biblical convictions and, on the other hand, we need to be full of compassion.
In Matthew 1 we meet Joseph the unsuspecting participant in God’s divine plan of redemption. The Bible refers to him as a righteous man who did not want to publicly humiliate Mary. He had been advised by his friends and family to leave her quietly. God sent His angel to talk him out of it and be the earthly father of Jesus. Joseph could have refused but he didn’t. What an amazing sacrifice he made! If there’s one attribute lacking in present day Christianity, it is sacrifice. We do what is expected of us and a tad bit more but that’s it. Sacrifice is putting our plans, goals, dreams, and comfort on the altar for the kingdom of God and His people. Bottom line: we can never sacrifice too much. Jesus did that!
God wants us to connect with godly people who will bring wisdom and comfort in our life.
HOW TO BEHAVE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON - 4 by Pastor Shah, Clearview, Henderson You know Christmas is here when: it takes you an hour to drive somewhere that normally takes 15 minutes; you can't find a parking place at the mall; and people who are normally congenial snap at you. This series is to help... Continue Reading →
HOW TO BEHAVE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON (Part 1) by Pastor Shah, Clearview, Henderson Christmas is here. Our kids are counting down the days, as I’m sure yours are as well. Christmas can be a time of joy, excitement, and laughter but it can also be a time of sadness, frustration, and contention. What is needed... Continue Reading →
JESUS: MYTH OR MASTER by Pastor Shah, Clearview, Henderson We’re in a series called, “CHRISTMAS: CHRISTIANITY’S GREATEST PROOF” and this morning we are in the last message in this series called – “JESUS: MYTH OR MASTER.” Jesus is always making the news, especially during Christmas time. Prior to the Newtown tragedy the big news about Jesus... Continue Reading →
CHRISTMAS: CHRISTIANITY’S GREATEST PROOF – Part 1 (Virgin Birth) by Pastor Shah, Clearview, Henderson We’re in a new series for the next three-week called, “CHRISTMAS: CHRISTIANITY’S GREATEST PROOF.” This morning we are in part 1 of this series on the Virgin Birth. Matthew 1:18-25 18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His... Continue Reading →