SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Luke 11:31) "The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here."
(Matthew 12:42) "The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon: and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here."
PREFACE SUMMARY
I have spent considerable time reflecting on this message, which has weighed heavily on my heart. As I sought the Lord's guidance, I prayed that he would help me communicate the depth of my feelings I learned from the Holy Spirit concerning the phrase, "A Greater than Solomon is here."
This message centers on Jesus' miraculous virgin birth and how God arranged his entrance into the world. It invites us to compare God's divine plan with the historical account of King Solomon's entrance as an infant. By examining both births, we can appreciate the significant differences in their circumstances, purposes, and the divine intentions behind their births, leading us to a deeper understanding of God's overall plan for humanity.
As the Christmas holidays draw near, we bask in the joyous celebrations of the season, which revolve around the birth of Christ. Despite historical records indicating that Jesus was not born in December, this month at the end of the year has evolved into a time for Christians worldwide to come together in harmony and joy, uplifting our spirits and fostering hope.
Alongside the joy of sharing meals and creating cherished memories, giving gifts has become a fundamental aspect of these celebrations. These customs hold significant meaning, as they reflect the ultimate gift God has bestowed upon humanity: the precious gift of His Son.
Through the life and teachings of His Son, we receive hope, experience unconditional love, and find the promise of redemption. Each gift exchanged during these occasions serves as a reminder of this divine generosity, creating a more profound connection among family and friends as they celebrate the spirit of giving and the profound significance of their faith.
Throughout the world, families decorate their homes and participate in church activities. During this holiday season, we come together to participate in a variety of meaningful services and joyfully sing Christmas carols.
In summary, this special time of year is a touching reminder of our deep gratitude for Christ and his life-changing influence on us. As we celebrate, we reflect on his teachings and the love he exemplifies, which inspires us to spread kindness and warmth to those around us.
" GOD'S PLAN REVEALED."
This message encourages us to use our imagination to grasp its whole meaning. There is a Christmas song, "I'll Be Home for Christmas." The final part of the chorus ends with, "If only in my mind." This song teaches us that by using our imagination, although we may be hundreds of miles away from home, we can be in any place we choose, including with our family at home, and we do it by using our imagination.
Can you imagine the moment when news spread throughout the kingdom that King David and Bathsheba were expecting a child? Can you imagine what it could have been like when she gave birth to her Son, Prince Solomon?
Two thousand years expired from Adam to Abraham and two thousand years from Abraham to Christ. During this period, God carefully planned and orchestrated events in preparation for the rival of his Son, The Promised Messiah. Each generation played a vital role in God's plan, leading to the birth of his Son. The formation of nations, the establishment of covenants, and the emergence of prophets all guided man toward the final fulfillment of God's promise.
A span of two thousand years separated the era of Abraham from the arrival of Christ when God chose a people to bring forth his name. During this extensive period of time, both scripture and historical evidence illustrate that God's eternal plans for humanity are intricately tied to the life and mission of Jesus Christ.
All creation was intentionally designed to foster a personal relationship between God and his most incredible creation, Man. While our calling, mission, and how God equips us for service in his kingdom are essential, we, as his children, must recognize that God draws near to us to express his love. This truth should serve as the driving force to motivate us to recognize that each day we live was created with us in mind.
"CHRIST'S MIRACULUS BIRTH."
God did not send formal invitations to the world to announce the birth of his Son. However, the birth was marked by divine events carefully arranged to fulfill the prophecies detailed in the Old Testament about his coming. These sacred events included the appearance of an Angel to Mary, the miraculous conception through the blessed Holy Spirit, and the specific location of Bethlehem, all pointing to the miraculous nature of his birth.
Although the birth of God's son Jesus may not have been celebrated with the grandeur of Solomon's birth, it was marked by a miraculous sign that captured the world's attention. A star left its celestial orbit and hovered above the manger where the infant child lay, illuminating the night sky with its divine light.
This special star drew the attention of wise men, or magi, from far distant lands, who traveled great distances to pay reverence to the newborn King. Meanwhile, humble shepherds watching over their flocks under the starlit sky received the joyous news of his birth from the Holy Angels. They, too, made their way to the stable, eager to worship and celebrate the arrival of God's promised Savior.
The angel told Mary that the child would be named Immanuel, which means; "God is with Us." This name highlights his divinity and our importance to him as recipients of his love. Our very birth and existence reflect his overflowing love and compassion for us.
Although the world may not have recognized or celebrated the significance of the Lord's birth, God established a framework in which every legal deed and transaction conducted at courthouses would be stamped with the phrase, "in the year of our Lord, AD," serving as a lasting testimony to the importance of Christ's birth in the timeline of human history.
In summary, reflecting on Jesus as “the gift that keeps on giving” reveals profound truths about His nature as a source of eternal life, ongoing blessings during life’s challenges, encouragement to share His message with others, and the lasting legacy He inspires in humanity. Everything begins in Jesus and ends in Jesus, reminding us of our journeys' endless possibilities for compassion and kindness. Only by coming together as a collective body can we bring about the much-needed change required to transform our communities, cities, and nation and make them a better place for everyone."
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International