12 24 17 Matthew 1:21-23 Christmas really is a big deal when you consider the proclamation and the prophecy, but most significantly the promise that came with – “He will save His people from their sins.” Looming in the shadow of the cradle is the cross, the implement by which that salvation would be possible. God stepped into time to live among, born humbly to serve and to save. There is no other name given among men whereby we can be saved, the name Jesus.
12 17 17 Luke 2:8-20 What are the odds that one man would be able to meet just one prophecy? What are the odds that one man would meet just 8 Old Testament prophecies? Using the mathematical discipline of probability, Dr. Stoner calculates that it would be 10to the 157 power or 1 followed by 157 0s. Yet Christ in coming fulfilled not just 8 prophecies but 456 as Alfred Edersheim proposes. He is the babe wrapped in strips of cloth born in a stable of whom the angels proclaimed in order to save people from their sin. How unfortunate that most of whom the shepherds told about the birth of Messiah were preoccupied with other things. This Christmas will you respond like the shepherds with willing and receptive hearts or like others, too busy to hear and respond?
12 10 I Peter 5:5-6 Humility is serving others, putting them first. It begins with being humble before God. Peter gives an admonition to young men (and really to all) to submit to the leaders of the church. In their wisdom they will help guide the church through difficult times. God’s grace is extended to the humble and He will exalt them in His time. Patience then is a component of humility. Let Him lead and guide you.
12 03 I Peter 5:1-4 A compass helps provide direction as you set course for some predetermined destination. Peter provides a compass heading for elders to help their respective churches undergoing persecution to navigate through the challenges. An elder has a lot of responsibility to shoulder the many cares of his congregation. He must do so willingly, eagerly setting a godly example to follow. This is not only an assessment for elders today on how they are doing, but serves as a guide for churches to be praying for their elders.