Morning: We had a special Christmas morning service today. The sermon, "This Is Christmas," focused on the angel's proclamation from Luke 2:10-14. The focus of this message was acknowledgement of the importance of Christ's coming. The angel offered several important statements:
Don't be afraid. Perfect love drives out all fear. Because of Christ, believers will be able to stand in the glorious presence of God, unashamed and unafraid.
It is good news of great joy. The good news of Jesus Christ is the source of inexpressible joy. It is a rich and glorious joy. It is an enduring joy that lasts in the face of hardship and humiliation.
A Savior has been born. As the hymn says, "The hopes and fears of all the years, are met in thee tonight." We don't have to wait for someone to come and rescue us, we have to trust in the one who has already come.
Give God the highest glory. Christ's humiliation is the source of his exaltation ( see Phil. 2:5-11). Because he came in the flesh, died, and rose again, Christ has been given the highest name. In the incarnation we see God's holiness and mercy meet.
There will peace on earth for those on whom God's favor rests. On whom does his favor rest? All those who receive Christ and believe on his name.
Christmas is a time for family, friends, gift-giving, and love. But it is also about God's great love. In his love, he sent his Son into the world to redeem it. Gloria in excelsis Deo!
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