Dec 24/25
We long for the world to change.
And God gives us Jesus!
A King and a Kingdom that are unshakeable. God’s gift to us.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE: Jesus is here with us now. What we have in Jesus is for now and forever “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6-7
A Verse to Remember:
“I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!” Luke 1:19
Gospel Story: Angel Announcement / Birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-20
Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-29 18 You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. 19 For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. 20 They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[i] 21 Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.”
22 No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. 23 You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. 24 You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.
25 Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! 26 When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.”[k] 27 This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.
28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. 29 For our God is a devouring fire.
Reflection:
If you were told God wants to give you a king and a kingdom for Christmas, what’s the big deal right? Did you get all excited knowing Prince Charles has now become our King? Probably not. And what kind of gift is a King and a Kingdom to me anyway? Fair enough, but please ponder it. I know, what you really want for Christmas is probably just out of your price range. And “a King and a Kingdom” were probably not on the list. But here’s my “Christmas” wish, that you will experience the King and the Kingdom that God gives us in Jesus. It’s a gift unimaginable. And when you do experience Jesus and his kingdom, you can’t imagine doing life in this world without Him. He becomes the ultimate GIFT!!! Who knew a king and a kingdom for Christmas.
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