As we celebrate Christmas and enjoy giving and receiving gifts, we should be reminded that the greatest gift of all was the birth of Jesus and that gift goes on and on and on. If we have faith in God, ask forgiveness for our sins, and live for Him, we will have eternal life. Romans 6:23 says: “For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Please take time to listen to “The Greatest Man in History” and see if you AGREE OR DISAGREE with the information contained in it. Your decision could change your life.
What makes Christianity and the Bible different from all other religions? The Bible’s author claims to be the ONE TRUE GOD who inspired humans to write down HIS instructions of what He demands of His followers. God said humans were created to have a relationship with Him, but He gave humanity the right to obey or disobey His commands. When man disobeyed, God sent His Son, Jesus, to become the perfect sin sacrifice for humans– who accepted the Son’s teachings — to be reconciled to the Father. Upon Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension back to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to live within each believer to guide them in living the life God had planned for them. The opening song “The Gift Goes On” contains that IMPORTANT MESSAGE.
This month Christians are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ which was promised hundreds of years before in the Old Testament. He was born as a babe in a manger, announced to the world to humble shepherds watching their sheep – not to the powerful political parties or religious leaders. It is a historical fact that Jesus Christ was born, walked, talked, performed miracles, and changed lives for 3 years in an earthly ministry. He claimed to be sent by God to live without sin and be crucified so His followers could be reconciled to God. After 3 years of teaching His disciples, Christ was crucified beside two thieves, and buried in a tomb. After 3 days, He arose from the dead, and appeared to His followers in different situations. His followers watched as He ascended into Heaven to go back to be with God.
Luke 2:1-20 in the Bible gives an account of the events of Jesus’ birth. We are using the following Christmas Carols that the song writers felt inspired to write to tell the story of the birth of Jesus. Listen carefully to the words.
“The Gift Goes On” tells of God’s gift to the world. “Silent Night” gives the events taking place on the night of the birth. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” was the place where Jesus was born. “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” describes the night of the Angels Announcement. “The First Noel” tells the story of the Shepherds receiving the announcement. Because there was no room in the Inn, the Shepherds would find the babe “In a Manger”. When we read all the verses in the Bible about Mary – the mother of Jesus – we understand why the song “Mary Did You Know” was written. We see why the birth of Jesus brought “JOY TO THE WORLD”.