Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: bible

The Good News Of Christmas

Encouragement

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”
Luke 2:10

In just a few days, people all across the world will be celebrating Christmas Day. But how many people will know the true meaning of Christmas and will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ?

The shepherds out in the field didn’t know about Jesus until the angel of the Lord came down to them. He said to them, “Don’t be afraid, I have good news, of great joy, for all people!” In verse 15, they were ready to go to Bethlehem and see what the fuss was all about.

I think we could all use some good news this Christmas Season. So many people right now are living in fear and worry and it makes it difficult to enjoy the wonder of Christmas. Let’s echo the angel and tell everyone we see “Fear not! Jesus brings you joy!”

Just imagine if more people around us were filled with this kind of joy and happiness. It would turn the world upside down. It starts with you and me, telling others about Jesus and how He is the source of joy.

We need the people in our world wondering what the fuss is all about when it comes to the birth of Jesus. People need to know about Jesus’ birth. And we need to be telling how it happened and why it happened. I encourage you today to tell someone about the true meaning of Christmas. Don’t assume that everyone knows about Jesus.

Pray

Lord, put someone in my path today that I can speak to about the birth of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas. Help me to share with them the good news of Jesus. Let the light of Jesus shine bright in my soul.

A Sign To Believe God’s Promises

Encouragement

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14

The miracle of Christmas is that God didn’t just make promises, He followed through. God didn’t just speak words, He took action. Jesus’ birth is the revealed promise of God.

When Isaiah prophesied about the coming of the Messiah, Israel was in a time of judgment. Even though the nation deserved to be punished for turning their back on God, He promised to save them and bless them.

God sent a message of hope to His chosen people despite their unbelief. God wanted to display His love and forgiveness and grace. So He came to save His people of their sins.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas we need to be reminded that God came to be with us. But most importantly, we need to invite Him into our life. Have you asked Him into your life?

It’s sad to know that people could actually reject God’s grace and mercy. God wants to bless us with His presence and His promises but it is up to each one to accept His gift.

This Christmas, let Jesus fill your heart with joy. Let the message of hope restore your soul. God wants to do amazing things in your life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for coming to save me of my sin. Now my hope is in Your coming again.

The Wise Men

Encouragement

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”’
Matthew 2:1-2

The wise men followed “His star” to Jerusalem and made it known to king Herod that they were searching for the King of the Jews. After Herod consulted with the chief priests and scribes it was made known that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. So the king sent the wise men to find the young Child, Jesus.

The wise men followed His star. Some say it was the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. Some suggest it was a supernova and some think it was a specific created unique star or sign in the sky. Whatever it was, it is significant that God used His star to point them to the Savior of the world.

Herod desired to be accepted by the Jews whom he ruled but he was not a Jew. The Jews had so much hatred for him. It troubled him that the wise men where looking for the King and it wasn’t him.

It’s significant to note that Jesus was considered King of the Jews from birth. No baby has ever been born a king. They first spend time as a prince before becoming a king. Jesus was born the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord’s.

Do you honor Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Submit to His authority today and be a servant of the King.

Pray

Lord, I pray today that we all honor You as King. We as a nation and as individuals need to bow and worship You. Let my manner of worship be glorifying to You.