Dec 23, 2019
Christmas time is a time of joy and celebration. The fun of gathering with family, holiday themed parties, and a host of holiday distractions. The world has slowly taken a time set aside to celebrate the coming of the Savior, turning it into a time of traditions and self gratitude. Christians, if you are not careful you will find yourself swept away in the madness of gift giving and self seeking desires. This is a time of the year where Christians are to proclaim the reason for celebration. Humanity was once separated from God because of sin with no hope of an eternity with God. However, God in His grace and mercy sent His Son to dwell in the flesh, fully man and fully God. In order to pay the ultimate sacrifice of taking on our sin at the cross. The reason we are to celebrate Christians is because God humbled himself to be like you and I, to live a perfect life and bare our sin at the cross. Only to rise from the dead and defeating the effects sin had on our soul. This Christmas season is a time to celebrate Immanuel, God with us. It is to be about nothing else. Are you celebrating this joyful time like the world distracted by its pleasures? Do we really wants God to be part of our lives?
It's not surprising that this time of year can be extremely lonely for some. Some have lost loved ones that are no longer around to celebrate or maybe there are broken relationships that exist that only cause strain. For some there is a void inside who don't have Christ and as they struggle to fit in the world they are left feeling empty.
There is good news. You are not alone, the God that created all things came down to this earth to have a relationship with you. You no longer need to be alone, because your are loved and treasured by the one that knit you together in your mother's womb. He wants to break the chains of sin and loneliness. Jesus sympathizes with you, those closest to Jesus turned their backs on Him during his final days before He went to the cross. Jesus was alone, but He did it for your sake. You no longer need to feel alone because you belong to the One who holds the whole world in His hands. No matter what your situation is, God loves you and is with you.
In this special Christmas episode, Pastor Jeff talks about Immanuel. Listen and be encouraged. Merry Christmas to all.