Merry Christmas Eve

Like a drama unfolding, the curtain was opening
An audience of angels was holding its breath
A census, a manger, two travel worn strangers
The stage was finally set.

Galatians 4:4 "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman."

Angels folded their wings at the throne, worshipping
As God whispered, “I love you, my Son.”
Jesus took off His crown and laying it down
Said, “Father, Thy will be done.”

Matthew 3:17 "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

The time had now come for God’s only Son
To be born as a light in a dark, lonely place.
So He stepped from Heaven’s hall to Bethlehem’s stall
Where a star lit His newborn face.

Matthew 2:9-10 "After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy."

Then God called to Gabriel with gladness and tears,
“Play the trumpet, the horns, and the strings.
Tell the shepherds, and the wise men and all who will hear.
Command all the angels to sing
Fill the sky with your voices and sing!

Luke 2:8-13 "In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'"

Joy, joy to the world
Praise to the King
Oh, let it ring.
Joy, joy to the world
Worship and sing
Jesus has come to bring joy!

John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world that he sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him."

This the power of the cross
Christ became sin for us
Took the blame, bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross

Hebrews 9:22 "And without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

This the power of the cross
Son of God slain for us
What a love What a cost
We stand forgiven at the cross

Luke 23:33,46 "And when they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him....And Jesus, crying out in a loud voice, said, 'FATHER! INTO YOUR HANDS, I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.' Having said this, He breathed His last."

Matthew 28:5-6 "The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said."

John 14:19 "After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also."

1st Corinthians 15:55-57 "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

It is good to celebrate Christmas! It is good to celebrate the birth of Jesus! If Jesus had not been born, He could could not have lived His life in complete righteousness and holiness. If Jesus had not come, He could not have given His life as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. If Jesus had not been born, He could not have risen again, forever conquering death and securing a place in Heaven with God for His people.

It is good to celebrate the birth of Jesus, for without His birth we would not have a Savior. Without His birth, we would have no way to be saved, no one to have faith in, no way to repent.

Let us thank Jesus for the immense sacrifice that He made for God's glory and our good when He humbled Himself to the point of being born as a baby, in a womb that He fashioned, in a stable whose atoms He held together. Let us thank Him for growing up in a sin-filled world, never once giving into temptation. Let us thank Him for willingly offering Himself up as the sacrifice for our sins so that we could spend eternity in Heaven with God.

Thank you, Lord. Come back soon! Amen