December 25th (Christmas Day) - Celebrating Jesus' Birthday

 

Passages: 

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21)

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12)

¹⁸ Then Jesus came close to them and said, “All the authority of the universe has been given to me. ¹⁹ Now go in my authority and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ And teach them to faithfully follow all that I have commanded you. And never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

 

Ponder:

The sequel to the book of Luke, (one of the two Gospels that covers Jesus' incarnation), is the book of Acts.

In Dr. Luke’s day, the name of a person was given intentionally, often saying something about the person’s character, matching their personalities or station in life. Matt 1:21 says “She will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” 

Jesus means "Jehovah our Saviour”. Jesus’ life purpose was to follow the name that He was given at birth.

Luke, writes in Acts Chapter 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

The name Jesus is often used today as an expression of anger or profanity, often heard as a swear word. Yet, this is the sacred name in which, by faith, brings us healing and salvation.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, on this day we celebrate your birthday, we say we honour and revere your holy name.

Thank you for these days, when we could reflect on the circumstances surrounding your birth. Just as you came as Emmanuel - God with us, we thank you, that as we go to fulfil your great commission (Matt 28:20), your promise remains, that you are still with us by your Spirit, every minute of every day. .

Thank you Lord that you are still the reason for the season. Amen

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

A poem to close.

My dear precious Jesus, I did not mean to take your place,

I only bring toys and things and you bring love and grace.

People give me lists of wishes and hope that they came true;

But you hear prayers of the heart and promise your will to do.

Children try to be good and not to cry when I am coming to town;

But you love them unconditionally and that love will abound.

I leave only a bag of toys and temporary joy for a season;

But you leave a heart of love, full of purpose and reasons.

I have a lot of believers and what one might call fame;

But I never healed the blind or tried to help the lame.

I have rosy cheeks and a voice full of laughter;

But no nail—scarred hands or a promise of the hereafter.

You may find several of me in town or at a mall;

But there is only one omnipotent you, to answer a sinner’s call.

And so, my dear precious Jesus, I kneel here to pray;

To worship and adore you on this, your holy birthday.

Little Drummer Boy by Pentatonix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ_MGWio-vc

Circle of Love by Dolly Parton

https://youtu.be/KmS210h6RX4

Mary's Boy Child - Boney M. 

https://youtu.be/FHTCldo7uw4

GO TELL IT ON THE Mountain - Wilson/Porter

https://youtu.be/17n9aB_968s

*(The Jesus Diary – The Most Comprehensive Chronology of the Life of Jesus Christ, the Son of God)

** Luke: The NIV Application commentary from Biblical Text to Contemporary Life: Darrell L. Brock – Quotations (moving forward) will be from this source and The Matthew Commentary Collection by Wilkins, Osborne and McKnight.