CHRISTMAS EVE 2023
December 23 & 24, 2023 // Pastor Mike Berry
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, 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.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:1–14, NIV
1. GOD LOVES US AND WANTS US TO HAVE PEACE WITH
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end…
Isaiah 9:6–7, NIV
2. GOD WANTS TO GIVE YOU
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 NKJ
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
3. GOD WANTS TO GIVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A WHOLE NEW
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7:24–27, NIV
4. WHAT GOD DOES IN YOUR LIFE WILL BE DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO YOUR
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13, NIV
Come near to God and he will come near to you…..
James 4:8, NIV
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
2 Chronicles 16:9, NLT
5. GOD WANTS TO TURN YOU INTO A
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13–14, NIV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13, NIV
Action Steps: Will you make a commitment to earnestly seek God and try to be in Church every week? How do you want to make God more the foundation of your family? What spiritual growth would you like to see happen for you and your family this next year? What steps will you take in your family and your Church and your life to be a world changer for God?