HIS COMING John testified about him when he
HIS COMING “ John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me. ’” From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.
HIS COMING For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. ” (John 1: 15 -18 – NIV)
HIS COMING “We all live off His generous bounty, gift after gift. ” (John 1: 16 - MSG)
The source of peace in any civilisation, is God.
HIS COMING “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. ” (Isaiah 9: 6 -7 a)
Jesus has come to earth, the Almighty has entered our world, the infinite has become finite, and the eternal has invaded time.
HIS COMING - THE PURPOSE OF CHRISTMAS “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. ” (2 Corinthians 8: 9 – NIV)
“The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation. They say that God became Man. Every other miracle prepares the way for this, or results from this. ” (C. S. Lewis)
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ” (Luke 2: 10, 11 - NIV)
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men…” (Luke 2: 14 a - NIV)
God’s peace in Christ which is offered to the world is not defined by the absence of conflict, a life without pain or a world without fear.
HIS IMPACT - THE PEACE OF CHRISTMAS A. PEACE IS FROM _____ GOD
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ” (Philippians 4: 6 -7 - NIV)
HIS IMPACT - THE PEACE OF CHRISTMAS THROUGH CHRIST B. PEACE IS _____
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. ” (Colossians 1: 19 -20 - NIV)
“He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. ” (Ephesians 2: 17 -18 - NIV)
HIS IMPACT - THE PEACE OF CHRISTMAS FOR GOD’S PEOPLE ONLY C. PEACE IS ________
“on whom his favour rests” (Luke 2: 14 - NIV)
HIS IMPACT - THE PEACE OF CHRISTMAS D. PEACE IS WITH _____ GOD
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favour rests. ” (Luke 2: 14 - NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14: 27 - NIV)
HIS IMPACT - THE PEACE OF CHRISTMAS NOT WITH THE WORLD E. PEACE IS _______
“. . . don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. ” (James 4: 4 - NIV)
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ” (Romans 5: 1 – NIV)
“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. ” (Matthew 11: 28 CEV)
“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. ” (Isaiah 40: 29 NLT)
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