Christmas 2024
The Purpose of Christmas
By Louie Marsh, 12-22-2024
1) Christmas is all about God's PLAN.
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV)
2) Christmas is all about Christ's PURPOSE.
27 "Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. John 12:27 (ESV)
38 And he said to them, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out." Mark 1:38 (ESV)
3) Christmas is all about The CROSS
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." Luke 2:33-35 (ESV)
51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. Luke 9:51 (ESV)
4) Christmas is about God's CALL on my life
29 Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Mark 12:29 (ESV)
10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead…13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:10-11,13-14 (ESV)
31 The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:31 (ESV)
18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
YOUR CHRISTMAS QUESTIONS:
1) Am I following Christ's call on my life?
2) List one practical action you can take that will help you either know Him better or make Him known to others this Christmas week.
