Topic: The Baby Grew Up, The Christ Of Christmas

Matthew 1:21 "You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Even Christians can miss the point of the Christmas story if they aren't careful. Halford E. Luccock warned of that danger in a thought-provoking essay. He wrote: "We can become so charmed with the story of a baby that we grow sentimental about the story. The story does not ask we do anything about the story; the story does not demand any vital change in our way of thinking and living.

"The great question for us is this: Is our Christmas still only a story about a baby, or is it more, a story about a Person into whom the baby grew, who can redeem the world from its sins, and who calls us into partnership with His great and mighty purposes?"

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, he said, "You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins" (Mt. 1:21). It is only as we see the birth of Jesus in light of His crucifixion and resurrection that we are able to grasp the full meaning of Christ's coming.

With your eyes wide open this Christmas, respond to God with love and commitment for the gift of His Son. Focus your thoughts and actions and motivations toward honoring the Baby who grew up and died for all our sins.

Christ the Savior is born!
When we look beyond the manger
To the cross of Calvary,
We will know the reason Christmas
Brings such joy to you and me.
The mission of the cross is hidden in the message of the cradle.
The Christ Of Christmas

John 16:33 In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. A discouraged Christian said to me one Christmas, "Christ's coming to earth has made little difference in my life. I still have so many trials." That made me think about the difference Jesus' life has made. I reflected on these essential truths:

Jesus didn't remain a baby. He grew up to be "strong in spirit" (Lk. 2:40) and had an effective ministry of teaching and healing (Mt. 9:35). Our crucified Lord didn't remain in the grave. He arose to be our living Savior (Mt. 28:1-7; Rev. 1:18). Our risen Savior didn't remain on the earth. He ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us and to send the Holy Spirit to indwell us (Jn. 14:2,25-26; Acts 1:9). Our ascended Lord won't remain in heaven. He will come back to take us home to be with Him (Jn. 14:3).

The birth of Christ has made a difference, but it doesn't mean we will have a trouble-free life. Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation." But then He added, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (Jn. 16:33). Because Christ's presence and power is within us, we can triumph over trials. That's grounds for good cheer!

Instead of being overwhelmed by trials, we can face them confidently because Christ does make a difference.

Jesus said that we'd have trouble
In this world so filled with sin,
But we need not be discouraged -
He'll give peace and joy within.

We will not be defeated by anything if we depend on Christ for everything.

Fair Use. Presented For Educational Purposes Only.

If these words have been a blessing, please forward them to a friend.

These words were posted at one of Shepherd's Care Ministries Sites called Wisdom Minute. This site is located at:
http://www.shepherdscare.net/wisdomminute

Shepherd's Care Ministries Main Site located at:
http://www.shepherdscare.net/