TOPIC: The Reason For Christmas
MEMORISE: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
BIBLE READING: Luke 2:1-20
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
MESSAGE:
Christmas is that time of the year when we are reminded of God’s love and the incredible gift that He gave to us through Jesus. Mary, a young woman, was chosen by God to be Jesus’ mother. An angel of God named Gabriel visited Mary, telling her that she would miraculously conceive a son who would be the Saviour of the world. Despite her fears, Mary trusted God and accepted His plan with faith. She became the channel through which the Savior was birthed, and now, we have the hope of eternal life. Hallelujah!
My dear child, all these beautiful points are just to make you realize that God had you in mind centuries before you were born and sent Jesus ahead of you to die for your sins. He knew that your humanity would get tainted by worldliness, so He made a contingency plan to save you.
Amid your celebrations this year, remember that Jesus loves you, and He wants you to surrender your life to Him totally. Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas this season and how Jesus’ birth has transformed your life.
REFLECTION:
Have you surrendered your life totally to Jesus, the Savior of the world?
HYMN 31 – Wonderful Story Of Love
1 Wonderful story of love! Tell it to me again;
Wonderful story of love! Wake the immortal strain.
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, O won’t you believe it?
Wonderful story of love!
Refrain:
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful story,
Wonderful story of love!
2 Wonderful story of love!
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love!
Still he doth call today.
Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
Down from the crystal bright fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation;
Wonderful story of love!
3 Wonderful story of love!
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love!
For all the pure and blest;
Rest in those mansions above Us,
With those who’ve gone on before Us,
Singing the rapturous
chorus;
Wonderful story of love!
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Zechariah 6:1-7:14, Revelation 15:1-8
Authors: Pastor E.A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye