Where It All Began

Before I get into this message today, I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read the sermons God has laid on my heart to share with all of you all over the world. God has opened this door to me and has sent me here to preach His Gospel to all the world. Thank you for taking the time to read this God inspired words and sharing them with friends and family. Together we are fulfilling the Great Commission Jesus gave us before His ascension into Heaven. Will you praise the Lord with me for that where you are? HALLELUJAH!!!!! And now, the greatest story ever told, based on actual events. The story of the birth of Christ, and with that, the Gospel as well. Why do I say that? Because the angel in Luke 2:10, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." Another term for "good tidings" is "good news". The Gospel IS the good news. What good news did the angel have for them? Jesus is born. Jesus IS the Gospel!!!

This Christmas story is the story of a baby born in a cave to a virgin named Mary contrary to the laws of nature. This Child lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity. He did not travel extensively. Only once did He cross the boundary of His country where He lived when He fled to Egypt to escape Herod the Great. He possessed neither wealth nor influence. His relatives were inconspicuous, uninfluential, and neither had training nor education.

In infancy, He startled a king. In childhood, He puzzled the doctors at the temple. In manhood, He ruled the course of nature. He walked upon the billows of the Sea of Galilee, and simply said, "Peace, be still", and the sea was hushed to sleep. He healed the multitude without medicine and made no charge for His service. Every seventh day, the wheels of commerce grind to a halt, and multitudes find their way to a house of worship to pay homage and respect to this Man.

The names of past proud statesmen of Greece and Rome have been long forgotten. But the Name of Jesus Christ is celebrated around the earth. Time has spread 2,000 years between our generation and the scene of His crucifixion: yet He still lives. Herod could not kill Him. Satan could not conquer Him. Death could not destroy Him. The grave could not hold Him. Rome could not condemn Him. The pharisees could not silence Him. He stands alone upon the highest pinnacle of heavenly glory. He is proclaimed of God. He is acknowledged by angels. He is adored by saints. He is feared by demon spirits, as the living, reigning, victorious King of all kings and Lord of all Lords, as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah!

His Name is Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of the living God. He is Immanuel, God with us, the hope of glory. He is the light of the world. He is the bread of life. He is the Rose of Sharon and the fairest of 10,000. His Name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace!

Let's read the text. Isaiah 9:6. "For unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given. And the government will be upon His shoulders. And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". We won't be able to cover all of that, but we're going to make a good start.

Father God, today, let us hear this word and celebrate the greatest gift mankind has ever received, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. In Jesus' Name, we pray and ask it. And all of God's children said, amen.

Christmas is the celebration of a Child, God's gift of love. When God wanted to conquer Pharaoh and his mighty army, He did not send ten legions from another nation, but He sent baby Moses in a wicker basket to smash the chains of Jewish slavery. When God wanted to expose sin in Israel, He sent baby Samuel, who, according to the Word of God, served the Lord all the days of his life. When God wanted to crush Satan and his evil empire, He sent His only begotten Son in the womb of a virgin born in a cave in Bethlehem.

Without the benefit of an OB-GYN or an epidural, He arrived safe and sound. God has mysterious ways, His wonders to perform. Look at this awesome word from the prophet Isaiah concerning the birth of Jesus Christ. "For unto us, a child is born". Who is "Us"? Is that everyone? No. Isaiah is speaking only to believers. A gift must be received before it's yours. If the Bible were a solid brick of gold, it would be worth a huge amount of money, and I said, "I want to give it to you". It would not help you until you received it. If you did not receive it, I would take it back. And you would be just as penniless as you were when I offered it to you.