Christmas News (Lu. 2:1-20)

Five months from now it will be time for Christmas.  Wise people plan ahead.  Here is a sermon starter for you.

1. It was news that could not be squelched or prevented by politics, taxes, poverty and hardship.
2. It was news -- good news -- that was accessible to and understood by the simplest people.  The news was neither confusing nor complicated, though the event was supernatural.
3. It was news about which heaven couldn't remain silent.  Both the angel and the multitude of the heavenly host couldn't contain themselves.
4. It was news that required decision.  Sentiment wasn't enough.  Reverence wasn't enough.  The shepherds had to go and see, go and bow, go and worship, go and witness.  Christmas requires action!
5. It was news that was to be meditated upon and broadcast about.

Challenges & Conversations (12/22/15)

Read Mt. 7:21-23.

Today's Challenge: Do you have a relationship with Jesus?

Before you are quick to answer yes, consider that . . .

• Just because you know about Jesus doesn't mean that you know Him.  You know of President Obama, but most of you can't say that you know him. Why?  You haven't invested time, effort and energy in mutual interests so you can get to know him (really know him).
• Just because you do good deeds doesn't mean you know Jesus.  You pay your taxes.  That's a good deed.  It doesn't, however, mean that you are on a first-name basis with the Secretary of the Treasury.
• Just because you say that you know Jesus doesn't mean that He will say that He knows you. Relationship goes two ways.  It is dynamic, not static.  There is movement, togetherness and delight.  There is talking, listening, investigating, walking.  There is discovery and mystery. The one who says he knows Jesus should seek to please Him by seeking what He wants.
• A relationship with Jesus is not automatic.  You are not born into right standing with Jesus. You are not right with Jesus simply because you take Communion, got baptized or regularly attend church.
• Just because you claim to be a Christian doesn't mean you have a relationship with Jesus.

Thursday night, many will end up at a local church for Christmas Eve service.  More likely than not, Communion will be served. Why are you going to participate?  I mean, if you have no relationship with Jesus, what do you think taking Communion will accomplish?  What you should do is not take Communion and, instead, ask the Pastor how to start a relationship with Jesus.