Christmas In July II

Luke 1:26-31 NASB  Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth,  (27)  to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.  (28)  And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you."  (29)  But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.  (30)  The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.  (31)  "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.

If you will recall from last week we studied that Christmas Love Originated in the Heart of God and that Christmas Love was Directed Toward the Needs of Man.  Now in this week’s lesson we see first:

Christmas Love Called for the Birth of Christ.
No other could reconcile God and Man. The separation was too great.  There was no sacrifice that could completely atone for the sins of man so God provided the sacrifice.  The precious baby boy born in Bethlehem is the same Jesus that was beaten and tortured on Calvary.  

Christmas Love Calls for the Salvation of Man

God says whosoever believes in Him should not perish. 

Hebrews 2:3   How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

Christmas is all about love, God’s love for the world.  Today the world view of Christmas is about getting all you can get. It’s all about the newest things to come down the pike.  Some try to make it about family and being together.  I would agree this is a good way to spend Christmas.  However, we must always remember the gift that God gave to man.  He gave Jesus to be the Savior of world.

It is now July and Christmas seems to be so far away.   I ask that you think of the best gift you ever received for Christmas.  Now compare that gift to the gift that God gave.  How does it measure up?

My prayer for you is that you ask Jesus Christ to come into your today.  So when Christmas 2012 arrives you will truly be able to celebrate God’s give to the world.