December 15th, 2024
Sense HOPE rising in our hearts as we enter this new day to worship the Lord with our church family at SBC. Today we will be remembering the real meaning of Christmas by the observance of the Lord’s Supper – i.e. – Jesus was born to die, so that we may live through the new birth!
Let’s prepare our hearts by prayerfully reading the Gospel of Luke chapter 2, verses 1 – 20, giving special attention to Vs. 1 - 7. You may want to read this section a few times in different Bible translations. What stands out to you as a highlight? How might you respond to the Lord?
PAUSE & CONSIDER – the People who missed the 1st Christmas.
PRAY – “Lord Jesus, the world is busy with many activities, and my prayerful hope is not to miss JESUS. As I take a deep breath in, I receive your mercy and compassion in Him; as I take a long breath out, I release ‘hurry’ and anxieties. I pray the miracle of You being conceived and born by the Holy Spirit in Mary’s womb will be evident in my life; Jesus ‘be formed within me’ (Galatians 4:19), for I humbly pray in Your saving name, Amen!”
Let’s prepare our hearts by prayerfully reading the Gospel of Luke chapter 2, verses 1 – 20, giving special attention to Vs. 1 - 7. You may want to read this section a few times in different Bible translations. What stands out to you as a highlight? How might you respond to the Lord?
PAUSE & CONSIDER – the People who missed the 1st Christmas.
- Vs.1-2 – “Ceasar Augustus” “Quirinius was governing Syria” – i.e. the Roman powers of government and wealth totally missed the birth of Jesus. Strong in material wealth & political power, yet they were bankrupt spiritually & morally confused.
- V. 3 – “Everyone went to be registered” –; Consider the vast majority of the world totally missed the arrival of the King of kings, the most important event in history!
- V.7 – the inn-keeper in Bethlehem missed Christmas; he provided ‘no guest room available’ for the baby to be born.
- Sadly, the list continues of the people who missed Christmas from the 1st century to the present; yet let’s make it our prayer not to miss Jesus this Christmas. Jesus is Lord, the promised Messiah, & Lord; He is the reason for the season – but the question for you: “Is He the reason for a season of joy and salvation in your heart?”
PRAY – “Lord Jesus, the world is busy with many activities, and my prayerful hope is not to miss JESUS. As I take a deep breath in, I receive your mercy and compassion in Him; as I take a long breath out, I release ‘hurry’ and anxieties. I pray the miracle of You being conceived and born by the Holy Spirit in Mary’s womb will be evident in my life; Jesus ‘be formed within me’ (Galatians 4:19), for I humbly pray in Your saving name, Amen!”
No Comments