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What We Needed on Christmas 12/15

Matt 1:18-23

18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.


What if this Christmas the only gift under the tree was the one thing we needed? What would it be? Would it be something superficial or something substantial? Would it be something that would sustain us spiritually or would it be something that would keep us further from what God would have us to be?

Over two thousand years ago God gave us exactly what we needed. If our greatest need was for information, God would have sent an educator; If our greatest need was for technology, God would have sent a scientist; If our greatest need was for pleasure, God would have sent an entertainer; If our greatest need was for money, and God would have sent an economist. God knowing that our greatest need is for salvation and forgiveness, he gave us his only begotten son Jesus. He gave us a Savior!

Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill the law. To cast out the wages of sin. Funny thing is that with all the gifts under my tree this year, I am still seeking God’s love, grace and mercy. Daily study and prayer is essential to receiving the true gift of Christmas. SALVATION! There is much around us that takes away from the most significant event in the world there ever was.

As Pastor Dr. Gary Stern preached yesterday, “Stop looking for the superficial and hold onto the substantial!” My good friend Pastor David Bolton preached “Where is God – Where are You?” My God! Simple actions - Simple questions. Profound answers - Profound Actions… its ”Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Is God with you this morning? I pray that he is! If not, know the gift of what you need has already been given. Jesus already paid the price. The bible tells us that Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it in full." (John 10:7 and 9-10) NIV Have a blessed week, In Jesus’ Name… Amen!


By: Elder Michael L. Hargett
Copyright 2008 © MinTech, Inc.

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