The Christmas Story
In December we hear the message of the birth of Jesus. The story that is found in the Gospel of Luke is familiar to most people this time of year. It is in Christmas Cards and children's programs. It is recited by choirs and written on ornaments. It is even boldly proclaimed on TV within the Charlie Brown Christmas show, one of my favorites. However, while the Christmas story is found in the gospel of Luke and Matthew, truth is that the entire Bible points us to Jesus. He is seen in the Garden of Eden, when God made a covering for Adam and Eve when they recognized their nakedness. There was a shedding of blood to create a covering. That is what Jesus did on the Cross of Calvary, where He shed His blood to cover our sins. He is the "I Am" spoken to Moses on the backside of the desert. For He will say of Himself, "I am the Light of the World", "I am the Door", "I am the Good Shepherd", "I am the Way the Truth and the Life", "I am the Resurrection and the Life", "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End", among other statements of who He is. Jesus is the 4th man in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He is the Commander of the Lord's Army sent to encourage and direct Joshua. He is the Kinsman-Redeemer found in Ruth. He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace given to us in Isaiah. He is the babe in the manger, the King of the Jews on the Cross, the Bright and Morning Star, and the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! This Christmas, enjoy the Christmas story found in Luke's gospel and in Matthew. But, take some time to discover Jesus found in the whole Word of God. You may just find Him in some unexpected places! From Russellville Baptist Church, Myself, and my family: Merry Christmas! May God's richest blessings be upon you this holiday season!
In December we hear the message of the birth of Jesus. The story that is found in the Gospel of Luke is familiar to most people this time of year. It is in Christmas Cards and children's programs. It is recited by choirs and written on ornaments. It is even boldly proclaimed on TV within the Charlie Brown Christmas show, one of my favorites. However, while the Christmas story is found in the gospel of Luke and Matthew, truth is that the entire Bible points us to Jesus. He is seen in the Garden of Eden, when God made a covering for Adam and Eve when they recognized their nakedness. There was a shedding of blood to create a covering. That is what Jesus did on the Cross of Calvary, where He shed His blood to cover our sins. He is the "I Am" spoken to Moses on the backside of the desert. For He will say of Himself, "I am the Light of the World", "I am the Door", "I am the Good Shepherd", "I am the Way the Truth and the Life", "I am the Resurrection and the Life", "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End", among other statements of who He is. Jesus is the 4th man in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He is the Commander of the Lord's Army sent to encourage and direct Joshua. He is the Kinsman-Redeemer found in Ruth. He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace given to us in Isaiah. He is the babe in the manger, the King of the Jews on the Cross, the Bright and Morning Star, and the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! This Christmas, enjoy the Christmas story found in Luke's gospel and in Matthew. But, take some time to discover Jesus found in the whole Word of God. You may just find Him in some unexpected places! From Russellville Baptist Church, Myself, and my family: Merry Christmas! May God's richest blessings be upon you this holiday season!