CHRISTMAS STORIES DECEMBER 22, 2024
OUR COMMON STORY

SCRIPTURE
While they were (in Bethlehem), the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:6-12

ALL PEOPLE

1/ Jesus came for people at the lowest end of society, like the Shepherds.

“We might tremble to approach a throne, but we cannot fear to approach a manger… Never could there be a being more approachable than Christ.” Spurgeon

The first announcement was made to those considered last in culture.


2/ Jesus came for people at the lower end of society, like the Joseph and Mary.


3/ Jesus came for people in the middle of society, like Simeon and Anna.


4/ Jesus came for people at the higher end of society, like the Magi.

The Magi’s immediate access to King Herod reveals significant wealth and notoriety. They were “those who possessed superior knowledge and ability.” WD Davies


5/ Jesus came for people at the highest end of society, like Herod.

Socioeconomic status is manmade. When God looks at the heart, there is a leveling.

“Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary are all included in Jesus’ genealogy. Why? Because the Gospel isn’t just for the clean and Jew, but for all people. Regardless of occupation, past, ethnicity, gender, or age.” Lois Tverberg



GOOD NEWS & GREAT JOY

1/ All people are an enemy against God.

…while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son. Romans 5:10
2/ All people are broken.

For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. Romans 8:7


3/ All people desire peace with God.

(God) has planted eternity in the human heart. Ecclesiastes 3:11


4/ All people will die.

…people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. Hebrews 9:27


5/ All people will live forever.

Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2


6/ All people need a Savior.

“The soul of man does not change fundamentally, no matter how external conditions may change. Everyone’s need is to be rid of their sins, to obtain eternal life, and to be brought into communion with God.” AW Tozer

Jesus welcomes you as you are, but you have to take Him as He is (Savior, Lord).



CLOSE

Jesus came for holy people, decent people, vile people, influencing people, socially unacceptable people, wealthy people, poverty people…Jesus came for all people.

Christianity is simultaneously inclusive and exclusive.

For to us a child is born. Isaiah 9:6

“…they will call Him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23

Jesus gave His life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. Galatians 1:4