25 dezembro 2022
WHY IS CHRISTMAS A SPECIAL TIME?
1. CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR CELEBRATION!
“In the countryside close by there were shepherds out in the fields keeping guard over their sheep during the watches of the night. An angel of the Lord stood over them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Luke 2:8-10
We celebrate because…
…God love us!
“For God so loved the world that he gave* his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life..” John 3:16
…God is with us!
God says “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5
…God is for us!
“For God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.” John 3:17
2. CHRISTMAS IS SALVATION TIME!
“For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord” Luke 2:11
I’m saved…
…of my sin
“She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’” Matthew 1:21
“Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, I myself, with my mind, serve the law of God but, with my flesh, the law of sin.” Romans 7:24-25
…with a purpose
“God who has saved us and called us to be holy – not because of anything we ourselves had done but for his own purpose and by his own grace.” 2 Timothy 1:9
…By the grace of God
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; 9it is not from works, so no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
3. CHRISTMAS IS TIME FOR RECONCILIATION!
“And immediately there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, saying: «Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will».” Luke 2:13-14
What kind of Peace does Jesus give us?
– Peace with God (Spiritual)
“Now that we have been reconciled to God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
– Peace of God (Emotional)
“For nothing let yourselves be disquieted; on the contrary: in everything, by prayer and prayer, present your requests to God in thanksgiving. Then the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians. 4:6-7
– Peace with others (Relational)
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
PPP
– Stop for a while in front of the Crib
– Listen to God say to you: “I did all this for you!”
– Look, contemplate this mystery of love, and adore Him.