My Jesus- What His Birth Taught Us

Happy Saturday before Christmas!

    It always amazes me how fast this season goes. And as a child, it seemed to take forever for Christmas break, and Christmas day to get here. A friend of mine, Kim Buettemeyer explained one time that when we are a child, say, 5 years old, Christmas has happened 5 times in our lives, and there is a big likeliness that we didn't remember the first 2 so, it is something that seems almost once in a lifetimeish. By the time we have had 58 of them in our lives, it feels like it gets here before we know it. 

I am so, so, excited about Christmas this year, my sis is coming home and she hasn't gotten to do that for a couple of years. My sister and I are opposites in so many ways, but I love her and miss her so much and we just don't communicate as well as we should. I am going to work on that again next year. 

Robert is also leaving his job at Belle Tire this week. He moves his tools a week from today and then starts a new job at Charleston Service Center on Monday, the 29th. I am so excited for him. I feel like this is where he belongs.

So, I have been showing that Chirst is eternal through my series, but today, I thought I would switch gears and just have a little fun while giving a lesson. 

My text of course is Luke 2:1-11, but I did something totally different for the lesson. Today, I bring you 10 Things We Learn From Christ's Birth.

So, enjoy this week, enjoy being with family. If this isn't the Christmas you wanted, please know, I am praying for you to lean on Christ through it, and I am praying for better days ahead. Some of us, this will be our last Christmas with loved ones. Some know that, some don't. Treat it like it is. Cherish every moment. I know I am sure going to miss a text Christmas morning from my friend Cathy. Don't take any time getting to spend with loved ones for granted. And don't miss enjoying the ones that are still here because you are grieving the one missing. I know that one is hard, but remember the good times you had together and cherish those memories. And I hope and pray that you know the ones missing are with Christ. And I would be remiss to not tell you, if you don't know that when you die, you are going to Heaven, let's talk. Message me, call me, come and see me, we need to talk. When it is you that is missing at the table, it is so much better on your family knowing that you are in Heaven. As much as we want to believe everyone goes to Heaven, that isn't how it works. There needs to be a decision made there, and if you have never made it, Hell is your destination. Again, let's talk.

2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

10 Things We Learn From Christ’s Birth

1. When God says go, go.
   Mary and Joseph moved in obedience, even when the road was uncertain.

2. God doesn’t deal in instant gratification.
   The Savior of the world arrived as a baby — growth takes time, and so does God’s plan.

3. God often works through humble beginnings.
   A manger, not a palace. He shows us that greatness doesn’t require grandeur.

4. Purpose isn’t always recognized by the world.
   Many missed the miracle happening right next to them — God’s work isn’t always obvious.

5. God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
   Mary, Joseph, shepherds — everyday people chosen for Heaven’s most important assignment.

6. God provides exactly what we need, even when it looks different than we expected.
   A stable instead of an inn, but still a place of safety, warmth, and purpose.

7. Light always breaks through darkness.
   Christ’s birth reminds us that hope enters the world even in troubled and uncertain times.

8. God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t match ours.
   “In the fullness of time” — His plan unfolds exactly when it should.

9. Joy can be found in unlikely places.
   A stable became the center of Heaven’s celebration. God brings joy where we least expect it.

10. God keeps His promises.
    Christ’s birth fulfilled centuries of prophecy — a reminder that He is faithful to every word.

So, enjoy this week, enjoy being with family. If this isn't the Christmas you wanted, please know, I am praying for you to lean on Christ through it, and I am praying for better days ahead. Some of us, this will be our last Christmas with loved ones. Some know that, some don't. Treat it like it is. Cherish every moment. I know I am sure going to miss a text Christmas morning from my friend Cathy. Don't take any time getting to spend with loved ones for granted. And don't miss enjoying the ones that are still here because you are grieving the one missing. I know that one is hard, but remember the good times you had together and cherish those memories. And I hope and pray that you know the ones missing are with Christ. And I would be remiss to not tell you, if you don't know that when you die, you are going to Heaven, let's talk. Message me, call me, come and see me, we need to talk. When it is you that is missing at the table, it is so much better on your family knowing that you are in Heaven. As much as we want to believe everyone goes to Heaven, that isn't how it works. There needs to be a decision made there, and if you have never made it, Hell is your destination. Again, let's talk.

Merry Christmas!