The Message of Christmas

December 25, 2019

Brenda

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The Christmas story is about God coming to be with us. As Pastor Rob Bromhead at Centreville Presbyterian Church (CPC) points out, Jesus came to us to give us life that frees us from sin’s control. He states: “Jesus offers us not just forgiveness for but the freedom from the power of sin”Jesus came in the flesh so that we would know that his relationship with us is personal.

The book of Matthew records the story of how Jesus was born. Mary was pregnant with a child before marrying Joseph. When Joseph found out, he was confused about divorcing her (which is what the law would have required), or show grace to Mary. As Joseph was wrestling with the decision, an angel appears to him in a dream. “This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25 NLT

As Pastor Rob points out, if you are in a dilemma, turn it over to God, and “God’s timing will astound you”. To hear this sermon in its entirety, click here