CHRISTMAS ISN’T COMPLICATED
December 22-24, 2022
Pastor Brian
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, and was expecting a child.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:1–14 (NLT)
1. He
“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood…he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest…he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed.” (Hebrews 2:14a, 17–18, NLT/MSG)
“The one who formed their hearts understands everything they do. ” (Psalm 33:15, GW)
“[Lord], you’ve kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, Each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book.” (Psalm 56:8, The Message)
“The LORD is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, HCSB)
2. He
“the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” (Luke 2:10, NLT)
“Jesus stood up and commanded the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind stopped, and it became completely calm.” (Mark 4:39, NCV) See also Psalm 107:29
“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears…” (Zephaniah 3:17, NLT)
3. He
“…For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived…” (Hebrews 2:14–15, NLT)
“I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” (John 10:10, CEV)
“Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God’s glory.” (Romans 3:23, GW)
“He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” (2 Corinthians 5:15, NLT)
“I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.” (Luke 2:30–31, NLT)
“Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” (Isaiah 49:16, ESV)
“To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—” (John 1:12, NIV)
“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts 2:21, GW)
Give your life to Jesus.
Follow Him in believer’s baptism.
Turn in your Connect Card.
Give your year-end offering.
Reading Plan
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/23564-the-twelve-days-of-christmas