Part 2: Christmas Unwrapped
BEHIND THE SCENES: THE CHRISTMAS STORY - PART 2
1. IT’S NOT ON A HALLMARK CARD.
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
Matthew 1:18-19 (NIV)
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.’”
Matthew 1:20-21 (NIV)
The reason for the season is sin.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23 (NIV)
The purpose of Christmas was Easter…to get forgiveness of sin.
The result of Christmas is a relationship with God, based on forgiveness and freedom.
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And You forgave the guilt of my sin.”
Psalm 32:1-5 (NIV)
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)
2. TWO KEY QUESTIONS:
(1) What is your hope?
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
Psalm 20:7 (NIV)
Some trust in…
Events--if only _______ happened.
Possessions--if only I had ______.
People--if only they would _______.
Circumstances--if only I were _______.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Hope informs the past to allow me to move forward.
Hope informs my present determination.
Hope informs my future confidence.
(2) Have you accepted true hope?
“You should not be surprised at My saying, ‘You must be born again.”
John 3:7 (NIV)
Biblical hope promises to make me into something new.
MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS TO:
Answer question #1: What are you trusting in?
Answer question #2: Have you accepted hope found in Jesus?
Sign up for the next baptism day on December 13th.
Do this week’s YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan: “Hope Was Born On Christmas” (3-day plan).