Christ Would be Born of a Virgin (Isaiah 7:14)
Christ Would be Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
Christ Would be Called to Escape to Egypt (Hosea 11:1)
A Star would Point the way to Christ (Numbers 24:17)
There would be a Presentation of Gifts to Him (Psalms 72:10-11)
He would be Worshiped by Shepherds (Psalm 72:9)
There Would be a Great Sorrow Surrounding the Time of His Birth and Many Children Would be Killed (Jeremiah 31:15)
The Timing of Christ's Birth and Life Would Come before the Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple (Daniel 9:25-26)
The Entire Lineage Would be Confirmed Through Scripture and ridiculed in scripture.
What would it take for us today to believe upon the name of the Lord with all the signs and wonders that even Christ, during his time on earth, exercised the faith to all and all who saw him; yet still there was the lacking of faith even those who seen and walked in the physical presence of Christ.
How surprised are we that Christmas is coming? Are we put off guard by life to totally ignore it, even when we see commercials, flyers and advertisements asking us, “Are you getting ready for Christmas?”
What are we really getting ready for? Are we preparing for the hussle and bussel of the work to prepare food for family and friends. Are we preparing for the decorations that we seem to put it throughout our homes and yards for all to see? Are we preparing the gifts we find hard to purchase to show our affection and Love towards our loved ones? Are we preparing for the possible wintery weather and its elements with snow shovels and salt? Are we preparing the dozens of Christmas Cards we send out to people, even those we don’t really know?
OR – Are we preparing our Hearts for the coming Child of God, that came to save each of us. Preparing our spirit to seek God. Preparing our life to live with God within us and through us.
Some examples of preparing ourselves for God is
1. Reflection. Spend time thanking God specifically for ways He has provided for you—spiritually, relationally, financially, etc. Praise Him for His goodness, grace, and faithfulness in all seasons of life.
2. Gathering. Spend uninterrupted time with the people you love.
3. Singing. This may seem a little silly at first, but spend time singing your favorite Christmas songs aloud. Pay close attention to the words, thanking God for His incredible gift of our Savior. Sing these traditional carols as worship songs to the Lord.
4. Celebrating. Jesus, the One who holds all things together, chose to enter the world in the humblest form—a small, helpless baby. Jesus’ birth is the greatest gift we will ever receive and that is definitely a reason to celebrate! Embrace the joy found in the birth of Immanuel—God with us.
5. Listening. Practice the art of truly listening to others as you gather with family and friends. Whether you’re having dinner, opening presents, or sitting around and catching up with those you haven’t seen in a while, pay attention to what is said instead of thinking about how you will respond. Truly listening is one of the best ways to show your loved ones that you care.
6. Remembering. Reflect on the fact that our Savior was born specifically so that He would one day die for our sins. Thank Him for His willingness to enter this messy, broken, hopeless world. Rejoice in the Father’s love, reflecting on the reality that He sent His only Son to pay the price for sin—our sin. Remember what He went through on the cross to save us.
7. Enjoying. Christmas is a beautiful season—sparkling Christmas lights, decorations hung with care, memorable moments with family. Appreciate the little moments. Slow down long enough to delight in the beauty all around.
8. Reading. Study the story of Christ’s birth. Instead of rushing through the reading of Matthew 1 or Luke 2, take time to meditate on the words. Read the passages slowly, taking note of the details you may have missed before. Ask the Lord to help you notice new things as you read the story with fresh eyes.
9. Praying. Lift up those who do not know Jesus in prayer. Pray for the lost and hurting. Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities to share the gospel with those around you
10. Worshiping. Christmas is the perfect opportunity for worship. Worshipping God encompasses so much more than simply singing. Worship is a way of life. This Christmas, seek to honor Him with the way you live. Speak words to others that breathe life, not discouragement. Love the people in your life selflessly. Humbly serve your family. Praise God with the little moments in your daily life.
Inclosing friends, I want to leave with you a better sense of Christmas during this time of Advent. Do we simply take our routine motions that ‘when you blink, its gone already’, OR are we embracing the moments to reflect and response to Christ coming. Listen to this poem written by M.S.Lowndes
1 Christmas is a special time
To reflect on Jesus Christ,
The wonder of His lowly birth
Brings meaning to our lives
2 There really is no other reason,
We celebrate this day,
The birth of God's precious son
And the life, He willingly gave
3 But so much seems to distract us
In the busyness of our lives,
We lose our focus in all the happenings,
Not knowing, we leave out Christ
4 We lose sight of the true meaning
As we endlessly rush about,
Trying to find that perfect gift,
Seems to cloud our Saviour out
5 We need to stop and reflect awhile,
Remembering our precious Lord,
His birth, His life and sacrifice
And all that He stands for
6 For though the world may celebrate,
It seems, though, for other reasons,
Let's keep in mind that Jesus Christ
Is the true meaning of the season.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION