DECEMBER NEWSLETTER NOTES

Services

Sunday -9:15 AM Bible Study / 10:30 AM Worship Service / 6:00 PM Evening Service --- Wednesday - 6:15 Bible Study & PBYF

by: Randy Waters

12/06/2022

0

Merry Christmas! What a wonderful time of the year Christmas is! What makes it so great is Jesus. Happy holidays sounds too generic to greet the season which shows us what God is like. Merry is an awesome adjective which means cheerful and lively and it is characterized by festivity and rejoicing. The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest event in human history. Our appreciation for this gift of grace and love fro God should show from our head to our toes.

Probably most of us can think of something we don't have that we'd like to have or something we have that we'd like not to have. Yet when we look at Bethlehem's manger and see the sweet Savior not only is there peace on Earth and joy to the world, there is peace in our heats and merriment in our mouths. Really, Christmas is not about what we have as much as it is about what we don't have. We don't have our sins, the babe born in Bethlehem came and took them away. Nor do we have to sin, the Savior sent from God lived a sinless perfect life on Earth and gave His righteousness to us so the Holy Spirit could live in our hearts, giving us power to overcome our evil thoughts and actions. And, we don't have to work for our salvation either. The incarnate Christ Jesus did all the work for us. He even said, "It is finished!"

About the only thing for us to do this time of year is be merry. Really, being merry is something we actually have to do. We have to be merry because we are God's children. We have His nature and Christlikeness is never more prominent for believing than it is at Christmas time. The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ proves that God wants us to be merry all the time.

"Rejoice evermore."  1 Thessalonians 5:16

Now would God command us to do something He doesn't enable us to do? Surely not!

Christmas merriment is meant to be shared with God and with others. The very reason for the season, for God sending His only begotten Son to Earth is to gather His people together. Not only is our Lord a good God, He is also a gathering God. As we have opportunity to get together this Christmas, whether in the church, with our family or our friends, let's shower the stage with holy joy and jubilant jolliness. We have many reasons to do this, we don't have to fake it. Jesus was born in Bethlehem and the first Christmas carol was sung by an angel.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  Luke 2:10

No doubt we can be merry about Christmas all by ourselves; well, not really since Jesus is always with us. But if at all possible, why not share our "Emmanuel". After all, Emmanuel means God with us! Since Christmas means that Jesus is with me, then Christmas also means that Jesus is with you. This makes getting together a real good holiday idea. It is true, "The more the merrier!

I am looking forward to every opportunity to gather with you this Christmas season. Thank you for giving me the privilege of being a part of your faith with the Lord Jesus Christ especially during this most special, precious time of the year.

A merry heart is also a remembering heart. This holy joy is bound to bring to mind our loved ones who have gone to be with Jesus in Heaven. Tears are not all that terrible when we remember that they are in the very best place and are there because Jesus came to Earth so they, and we, could go to Heaven. May the Lord enable us all to praise, to pray, and to praise God for the greatest gift --Jesus Christ!

The key to having a merry Christmas and Happy New Year is the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though the Bible says that we enter the kingdom through much tribulation or trouble, the birth of Jesus assures us that we have the key to open doors we really don't care to open but find joy when we do.

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. " Isaiah 7:14


The Key Sign

We can easily get on the wrong road and be going in the wrong direction when we ignore the signs. The key to traffic safety is taking the road signs seriously enough to do what the sign says. Not observing and obeying signs on the highway and street can result in traffic citations or even worse, death.

The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest event in human history because it is a sign that God has a divine interest in a struggling rebellious and wayward people.

The incarnation is a sign that God is for us, the He is with us, and intends for us to go in the right direction.

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things." Romans 8:31-32

Now God's fingerprints are everywhere in nature as we observe His miraculous and beautiful creation. And, His footprints are sure to show plainly as we realize His powerful, merciful providence in our life's path. They are especially showy as we look back over our lives and see only one set of prints -- His!

The greatest and most glorious sign however is the incarnate God leaving Heaven and coming to Earth to be with us and to show us the way and give us what we really want most, peace with God, others and ourselves. The shepherds saw a neon sign of glory when they saw the star of Bethlehem. When they followed the star even though they ended up at a stable, they knew they were in the right place. They found Deity wrapped in human flesh, laying in a manger crib. The angels verified that the sign they followed was truly the right and righteous way.


And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of  David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11


The Key Shape

The most important part of opening a lock is the shape of the key. The cuts in they key determines its ability and effectiveness in opening the lock. The scars on the hands and side of Jesus was the key that opened up Thomas' faith and freedom to trust in his Lord as being resurrected from the dead. Also, for a key to work properly it must be shaped perfectly to fit the lock. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only perfect man ever to live on Earth. He never sinned in deed or thought. He had no blemishes, made no mistakes. He therefore met the requirements God required for an acceptable sacrifice. The incarnation is the key to our acceptance by God too. Our righteousness would simply not fit the lock to enter into the presence of a Holy, Heavenly Father.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  John 14:6
The incarnation is important key in this life on Earth. It is very needful, especially because God has saved us by the His grace. Yes, love came down from Heaven at Christmas and when we unwrap Hi gift it shapes our practical lives as well. For example, when I have a sinful thought (This usually happens at least once per day), and then by God's grace realize that Jesus is right there with me, the power of that sin seems to diminish. The Bible teaches us that He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world. The incarnation is why that is true. Because the incarnation we are not incarcerated!

The Key Sound

Jesus is the sweetest and the simplest name in any language. I understand that if we heard the name of Jesus in a language we did not know, we would know when Jesus' name was pronounced. 

When God sent His only begotten Son to this earth, He sent along with Him an important key -- His name!

"And the shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call His name JesusP for he shall save his people from their sings." Matthew 1:21

God named Jesus Himself, and He names Him a simple name! What if God had named His son Mahershalalhashbaz? (Isaiah 8:1, 3) God knew His sheep needs simple sounding name, especially because of their weakness and proneness to stray from the field. Also, when we are in trouble it's good to know we can call for help by saying a name the have no trouble saying -- Jesus! But Jesus' name is the key not only because it simple, but also because it is powerful.

"Neither is they salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Although the Lord Jesus Christ existed in Heaven before He was born in Bethlehem, He really lived up (rather down) to His name when He came to earth to save His people from their sins. We all needed His redeeming key note address deliver on the cross of Calvary. We also needed to hear the sound of the thunder and the earthquakes as well as the Roman soldier say, "Truly, this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54) at His resurrection. None of this glorious salvation and redemption would have happened without the incarnation. Without Jesus' birth, He could NOT have been the God and the man necessary to be good enough to make us good enough to answer His call when we hear it.

The incarnation took place in a quiet little stable on a still and starry night among the hills of Bethlehem. Most likely the jingling bells, evergreen smells and stocking fills, as great as they all are, will not perk up the redeemed ears like the sound of a Jesus! name will! Have you heard the joyful sound, Jesus is born. Listen to Him, He will not only save you but will also set you in His lap.

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Merry Christmas!

Brother Randy

Blog comments will be sent to the moderator

Merry Christmas! What a wonderful time of the year Christmas is! What makes it so great is Jesus. Happy holidays sounds too generic to greet the season which shows us what God is like. Merry is an awesome adjective which means cheerful and lively and it is characterized by festivity and rejoicing. The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest event in human history. Our appreciation for this gift of grace and love fro God should show from our head to our toes.

Probably most of us can think of something we don't have that we'd like to have or something we have that we'd like not to have. Yet when we look at Bethlehem's manger and see the sweet Savior not only is there peace on Earth and joy to the world, there is peace in our heats and merriment in our mouths. Really, Christmas is not about what we have as much as it is about what we don't have. We don't have our sins, the babe born in Bethlehem came and took them away. Nor do we have to sin, the Savior sent from God lived a sinless perfect life on Earth and gave His righteousness to us so the Holy Spirit could live in our hearts, giving us power to overcome our evil thoughts and actions. And, we don't have to work for our salvation either. The incarnate Christ Jesus did all the work for us. He even said, "It is finished!"

About the only thing for us to do this time of year is be merry. Really, being merry is something we actually have to do. We have to be merry because we are God's children. We have His nature and Christlikeness is never more prominent for believing than it is at Christmas time. The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ proves that God wants us to be merry all the time.

"Rejoice evermore."  1 Thessalonians 5:16

Now would God command us to do something He doesn't enable us to do? Surely not!

Christmas merriment is meant to be shared with God and with others. The very reason for the season, for God sending His only begotten Son to Earth is to gather His people together. Not only is our Lord a good God, He is also a gathering God. As we have opportunity to get together this Christmas, whether in the church, with our family or our friends, let's shower the stage with holy joy and jubilant jolliness. We have many reasons to do this, we don't have to fake it. Jesus was born in Bethlehem and the first Christmas carol was sung by an angel.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  Luke 2:10

No doubt we can be merry about Christmas all by ourselves; well, not really since Jesus is always with us. But if at all possible, why not share our "Emmanuel". After all, Emmanuel means God with us! Since Christmas means that Jesus is with me, then Christmas also means that Jesus is with you. This makes getting together a real good holiday idea. It is true, "The more the merrier!

I am looking forward to every opportunity to gather with you this Christmas season. Thank you for giving me the privilege of being a part of your faith with the Lord Jesus Christ especially during this most special, precious time of the year.

A merry heart is also a remembering heart. This holy joy is bound to bring to mind our loved ones who have gone to be with Jesus in Heaven. Tears are not all that terrible when we remember that they are in the very best place and are there because Jesus came to Earth so they, and we, could go to Heaven. May the Lord enable us all to praise, to pray, and to praise God for the greatest gift --Jesus Christ!

The key to having a merry Christmas and Happy New Year is the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though the Bible says that we enter the kingdom through much tribulation or trouble, the birth of Jesus assures us that we have the key to open doors we really don't care to open but find joy when we do.

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. " Isaiah 7:14


The Key Sign

We can easily get on the wrong road and be going in the wrong direction when we ignore the signs. The key to traffic safety is taking the road signs seriously enough to do what the sign says. Not observing and obeying signs on the highway and street can result in traffic citations or even worse, death.

The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest event in human history because it is a sign that God has a divine interest in a struggling rebellious and wayward people.

The incarnation is a sign that God is for us, the He is with us, and intends for us to go in the right direction.

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things." Romans 8:31-32

Now God's fingerprints are everywhere in nature as we observe His miraculous and beautiful creation. And, His footprints are sure to show plainly as we realize His powerful, merciful providence in our life's path. They are especially showy as we look back over our lives and see only one set of prints -- His!

The greatest and most glorious sign however is the incarnate God leaving Heaven and coming to Earth to be with us and to show us the way and give us what we really want most, peace with God, others and ourselves. The shepherds saw a neon sign of glory when they saw the star of Bethlehem. When they followed the star even though they ended up at a stable, they knew they were in the right place. They found Deity wrapped in human flesh, laying in a manger crib. The angels verified that the sign they followed was truly the right and righteous way.


And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of  David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11


The Key Shape

The most important part of opening a lock is the shape of the key. The cuts in they key determines its ability and effectiveness in opening the lock. The scars on the hands and side of Jesus was the key that opened up Thomas' faith and freedom to trust in his Lord as being resurrected from the dead. Also, for a key to work properly it must be shaped perfectly to fit the lock. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only perfect man ever to live on Earth. He never sinned in deed or thought. He had no blemishes, made no mistakes. He therefore met the requirements God required for an acceptable sacrifice. The incarnation is the key to our acceptance by God too. Our righteousness would simply not fit the lock to enter into the presence of a Holy, Heavenly Father.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  John 14:6
The incarnation is important key in this life on Earth. It is very needful, especially because God has saved us by the His grace. Yes, love came down from Heaven at Christmas and when we unwrap Hi gift it shapes our practical lives as well. For example, when I have a sinful thought (This usually happens at least once per day), and then by God's grace realize that Jesus is right there with me, the power of that sin seems to diminish. The Bible teaches us that He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world. The incarnation is why that is true. Because the incarnation we are not incarcerated!

The Key Sound

Jesus is the sweetest and the simplest name in any language. I understand that if we heard the name of Jesus in a language we did not know, we would know when Jesus' name was pronounced. 

When God sent His only begotten Son to this earth, He sent along with Him an important key -- His name!

"And the shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call His name JesusP for he shall save his people from their sings." Matthew 1:21

God named Jesus Himself, and He names Him a simple name! What if God had named His son Mahershalalhashbaz? (Isaiah 8:1, 3) God knew His sheep needs simple sounding name, especially because of their weakness and proneness to stray from the field. Also, when we are in trouble it's good to know we can call for help by saying a name the have no trouble saying -- Jesus! But Jesus' name is the key not only because it simple, but also because it is powerful.

"Neither is they salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Although the Lord Jesus Christ existed in Heaven before He was born in Bethlehem, He really lived up (rather down) to His name when He came to earth to save His people from their sins. We all needed His redeeming key note address deliver on the cross of Calvary. We also needed to hear the sound of the thunder and the earthquakes as well as the Roman soldier say, "Truly, this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54) at His resurrection. None of this glorious salvation and redemption would have happened without the incarnation. Without Jesus' birth, He could NOT have been the God and the man necessary to be good enough to make us good enough to answer His call when we hear it.

The incarnation took place in a quiet little stable on a still and starry night among the hills of Bethlehem. Most likely the jingling bells, evergreen smells and stocking fills, as great as they all are, will not perk up the redeemed ears like the sound of a Jesus! name will! Have you heard the joyful sound, Jesus is born. Listen to Him, He will not only save you but will also set you in His lap.

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Merry Christmas!

Brother Randy

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