"
Be Intentional in loving God and others in all we do.

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]" Matthew 22:37-39

The cross is a symbol of God's intentional love for us. A celebration

God's love is intentional. It isn't based on feeling. It isn't based on our performance. 

What is intentional love? 

"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

It was premeditated. 

It's easy to love someone who loves us.

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

Salvation is an offer. Christ died for everyone. Even those who will always reject Him.

Love like God, not the World.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1

This kind of love is completely contrary to the "love" the world offers.

"16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:" 2 Corinthians 5:16-18

Love people because God loves them. Do it for Jesus. If you love Jesus you will love everyone (even when it is hard). 

This is only done with intention. Look at people as Jesus does. Only throw a stone if you are sinless. Love anyway. I love you no matter what.

Jesus, the example of Intentional Love

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:4-5

Jesus loves the people who crucified Him. 

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." John 15:9

Loving is easier when we abide/live in Jesus. You can't be an accidental Christian. You can't accidentally love. A hateful Christian is a worldly person. 

This is how we know what love is:

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." 1 John 3:16

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

God's love is consistent and persistent.

We do not see love in the world system. Separation of people is not love. Don't categorize people. Our love must be intentional.

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]" Matthew 22:36-39

Be a conduit of God's love through your heart, soul and mind. God's love is never to be stopped or turned off in us.

Love is a command.

​34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
John 13:34

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:7-8

A hateful christian is a worldly person.

Love Covers

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

It's not about fixing people. It's about loving them and bringing them to Jesus.

"If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing." 1 corinthians 13:1-3

There is no substitute for loving people. Without love all is worthless. 

Live with Intentional Love

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8

 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

 God's Gifts to us: Earth, Sun, Moon and Stars – animals, plants, water

Life – flesh and blood, breath and memories

Family – Spouse, children, grandchildren

Every moment of our lives, joy and sorrow, gives us meaning and proves that we are alive!

The Greatest Gift:

​"For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
                                                     Isaiah 9:6

Wonderful Counselor
James 1:5   If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you
Mighty God
Colossians 1: 15-16   15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him

​Everlasting Father
Romans 8: 16-17  16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory
Prince of Peace
Philippians 4:6-7   6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Jesus Came in the Fullness of God's Love:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

​
God became a flesh -- the mystery

​​
 "Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,
    was vindicated by the Spirit,[a]
was seen by angels,
    was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
    was taken up in glory." 1 Timothy 3:16

​Why Did Jesus Come as a Baby?

"During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him." Hebrews 5:7-9

Jesus was always perfect, always complete. But through his birth and life he experienced the frail, sinful life of man. 

The baby grew up!

Ask the Angels  Luke 2:11
11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Ask John the Baptist  John 1:29
 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world

Ask the demons!  Mark 5:7
7 The man spoke with a loud voice and said, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? 

​Ask Paul   Philippians 3: 8
8 Even more than that, I think of everything as worth nothing. It is so much better to know Christ Jesus my Lord. I have lost everything for Him. And I think of these things as worth nothing so that I can have Christ.

Ask the Roman Centurion Matthew 27: 57
The captain of the soldiers and those with him who were watching Jesus, saw all the things that were happening. They saw the earth shake and they were very much afraid. They said, “For sure, this Man was the Son of God.”

Celebrate the baby, celebrate the sacrifice:

The trials and tribulations for Jesus started right away, and never ended
Herod tried to kill him when he was a baby.
Then he grew up and:
Nazareth (hometown) drove him away
He was homeless, hungry, weary, tempted
He was hated, accused, denied and betrayed
He was crowned with thorns, beaten, spat upon, and crucified
And yet…

JOY!

Matthew 28: 8-9
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.


Greetings = Chairete – Χαίρω  Be Full of Joy!

The Resurrection was the completion of the angels’ greeting

​"For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders." Isaiah 9:6

The child is born (man)
The Son is given (God)
The perfect gift, Jesus, wrapped in the wrapping paper of flesh. 

​“God’s love must be wonderful beyond comprehension. God could quite justly have abandoned us to our fate. He could have left us alone to reap the fruit of our wrongdoing and to perish in our sins. It is what we deserved. But he did not. Because he loved us, he came after us in Christ. He pursued us even to the desolate anguish of the cross, where he bore our sin, guilt, judgment, and death… It is more than love. Its proper name is ‘grace,’ which is love to the undeserving. God himself in his Son has borne the penalty for our law-breaking”. -
​                                                                                                                        John Stott, The Cross of Christ

We are living in a post-truth society. Everyone is distracted. This is not unlike the society Jesus was born into.

Most everyone was distracted in Jesus's time. Herod was told the Messiah had been born. His reaction was to attempt to kill the Messiah. The teachers of the Law were distracted. The pharisees and priests were questioned about where the Messiah was born. They knew and read the prophesies, but instead of seeking Him out they eventually tried to destroy Him. Everyone was so distracted from the truth.

Except for two old people: Simeon and Anna.

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss[a] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.” words of Simeon in Luke 2:29-32

Everyone could have seen this, but the didn't. With the coming of Jesus as a baby God was opening the door of heaven for everyone who wanted to come.

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:33-35

Jesus was recognized by a stranger. This is what Joseph and Mary marveled at. After this, Simeon is never mentioned again in scripture.

Now to Anna:

36 "There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[a] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem." Luke 2:36-38

How can we live like Simeon and Anna, not distracted in a post-truth society?

1. Don't quit -- they didn't give up for years!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

2. They did what God told them to do!

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11

We've all been given talents skills and resources. Use them all to glorify God. Also to build the church up.

3. Fully committed to God and their mission:

Simeon was so in touch with the Spirit he knew it was time to go to the Temple to see the Messiah.

"Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Romans 5:3-5

Anna -- she had a life of loss, but she was full of joy!!

4. Strength of witness, character and mission.

Both Simeon and Anna were focused. What do we need to be focused on? Jesus and our mission: The Great Commission!

There are no do-overs. Once someone dies they die. When Jesus comes again, the door to Heaven is slammed shut. If a person's name is not in The Book of Life that person will not be in heaven. While everyone else was distracted, Simeon and Anna weren't. Don't be distracted. Keep on Mission.

"And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming." 1 John 2:28

God is giving us one more day to speak to look, to seek; one more day to love people and Him.

5. Took Direction taken straight from God.

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

We should look at everyone through the eyes of Jesus. We are to take our direction from God -- we must do (not just read) what He says to do. Anna and Simeon's lives were built around God. Get in tune with God and await the coming of Jesus.

Get rid of distractions. Focus. Focus. Focus. Live in Anticipation!

Hey Folks, God blessed us with a beautiful Christmas Eve Candlielight service. It was wonderful! Shannon gave a great sermon. I forgot to turn off the recorder so I tried to edit it. Hope I did it right. If you have a half hour to listen to a sermon, this one would be a good one to listen to!

The peace the world offers is temporary. True, lasting peace originates in God.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

First time there was a heavenly host seen all at once by humans. Many still miss Jesus' birth, His arrival.

I. Peace on earth cannot originate with man.

Not peace from war -- although we all want that. Not "let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me." 

​Not "I'd like to teach the world to sing" eiher.

As humans, we can't even love the ones we love well:
**Every 9 seconds in the USA a woman is beaten.
**Worldwide 1 in 3 women will be beaten or raped by a known loved one.
**10 million children witness abuse every day.

We live in a fallen world.

They wanted a political messiah, one who would stop the hardship in life, without understanding that we are the ones creating the strife.

All have sinned and fall short, there will never be peace on earth until Christ returns the second time.

There would have been no salvation if Jesus came as a political messiah first.

Here is the peace the angels talked about:

II. Real Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

The arrival of Jesus marked the beginning of God's reconciliation with man.

The means of peace between God and man has entered the world.

Jesus, born as a baby, fully God, fully man.

Born to bear our sins, born to die as the Lamb of God.

God's provision to bring the only possible way to lasting peace -- reunification with God Himself.

Peace provided is peace within.

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people." Titus 2:11

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, 
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

If you accept Him, You will have peace. Jesus and our relationship with Him is our true peace.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him," 
and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility," Ephesians 2:14

The return of the King is the end:



 "In the last days
the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
    as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
    and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
    so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
    the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He will judge between the nations
    and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
    and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
    nor will they train for war anymore.
5 Come, descendants of Jacob,
    let us walk in the light of the Lord." Isaiah 2:2-5

The Christmas story is only the beginning.


"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

A great host in Revelation too! 

Love, Joy, Hope and Peace. We are living in the advent of the 2nd Coming of Christ!! Time is short. Act like it. Be prepared. Have your bags packed waiting for heaven.

My notes are not good this week. I'll just post the recording.

The Silence of Mercy
"18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d](which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus." Matthew 1:18-25

Joseph is there from the beginning.

Joseph is a silent support, a silent protector.

No quote from Joseph in the Bible.

It was no accident that Joseph was Jesus's stepdad.

#1 Joseph was a faithful man. The "and yet" in verse 19 was pretty important. No one would have been surprised if Mary had been stoned.

#2 He doesn't want Mary to suffer.

He loved Mary.

It never says Mary told him. Possibly he found out through town gossip.

Joseph was very likely ashamed and embarrassed. Yet, Joseph dealt with Mary kindly. This is a man with a gentle heart.

#3 Joseph has mercy on Mary. It's not his fault (it isn't hers either, but that's a different story).

 "17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving,considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." James 3:17

James was another son of Joseph's. This verse is a great description of Joseph. 

His dreams were ripped away but he still had mercy. He willingly let go of his dreams for God's plan. 

In verse 20 it says that Joseph considered this. This could mean pondered or fumed over or angered over. 

Joseph was hurt. He was broken-hearted. 

Since the angel said not to be afraid and go ahead and marry Mary it meant Joseph was afraid to marry her. The townfolk would think negatively of him. He wouldn't be seen as an honorable man even though he was.

Some think he took her along with him to Bethlehem to protect her. He couldn't leave her alone at home. What would the people do to her? 

I don't think he ever looked for perfect again. Instead he looked for God.

As he protected Mary he protected Jesus, God's son.

He leaves everything behind. He threw all his dreams away. 

The dream from God was enough for himt o throw away all his own personal dreams. 

He redeems Mary like Jesus redeems all mankind. 

Joseph was gentle and peaceful -- just like Jesus.

Joseph didn't hesitate once God speaks to him. His understanding was followed by service. 

God's the needle. I'm the thread. 

He dove off the deep end cause God said so.