December 22, 2014
Christmas: A Time for Giving
Christmas is one of the happiest holidays because during this season, people are more generous than at any other time of the year. The practice of giving is not a recent innovation—it began on the first Christmas when Jesus was born. Everyone in the story had something to give.
- When Mary submitted to God's plan, she gave her body to be the first home of the incarnated Savior (Luke 1:30-38).
- She also surrendered her good reputation in order to fulfill the Lord's calling for her life.
- Joseph offered his love and protection to Mary and the child who was not his own (Matthew 1:18-25).
- An angel gave an announcement of the Messiah's birth to some lowly shepherds who were watching their flocks at night.
- A heavenly host of angels offered praise and glory to God.
- The shepherds shared the first personal testimony about the Messiah.
- The wise men relinquished the comfort of home to seek the newborn King and give Him gifts worthy of royalty (Matthew 2:1-11).
At first glance, these gifts may seem to pertain only to the first Christmas, but they each have application for us today. Believers are called to give of themselves to the Lord and to one another in similar ways.
Look at this list again. What gifts could you give to Christ today? Maybe you need to submit to His will in a difficult area or endure misunderstanding in order to obey Him. And how about others? Who needs your protection, love, or perhaps the good news of salvation in Christ?
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
|
Continuing Sermon Series:
We live in a world that squabbles over the beginning of the world and mankind. Some say that it was a Big Bang and some say that we were created by some sort of intelligent design. Still, others think that we have come from primordial ooze and the like. If only there were something that would tell us of our beginnings, something that was recorded for mankind from the maker of the universe. Oh, but there is, it is called the Bible, the Word of God, and it starts with 'In the beginning...'. Over the next five weeks, Lord willing, we will be studying the first few chapters of Genesis. Join us as we look at In The Beginning...
Last Week:People can be afraid of where they stand with God. We looked into 3 ways why the shepherds were afraid of their standing with God. Then we looked at what the Good News is, Jesus Christ.
Sunday's message is available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week: Lord willing, we will continue looking more in Genesis about how we are created in God's image.
|
|
|
December 24 - Christmas Eve Service at 5 PM
December 28 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering following the AM Worship Service
December 31 - New Year's Eve Family Game Night at the Church. We will also have our first Waffle-Off, it is not a contest, but waffles for everyone. We will supply the waffles, you just need to bring the toppings.
January - Get to Know You Dinners. This is for our church families to get to know one another better. Please sign up in the foyer for this great time of fellowship. See pastor or deacons for more details.
January 4 - Fellowship Carry In Dinner following the AM Worship Service.
January 6 - Men's Bible Study at the church beginning at 7 PM. We will be covering James 4.
|
|
