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Christmas Means …

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

I trust that as you prepare your hearts for celebration of the birth of our Savior, you will take a few minutes to reflect on the implications that His birth has on our lives. Pastor Larry Farthing gives us a beautiful picture of what Christmas means. Take some time to look up the references as you reflect on the TRUE meaning of Christmas:

He descended that we might ascend (John 6:38, 14:3).

He became poor that we might become rich (II Corinthians 8:9, Jas. 2:5).

He was born that we might be born again (John 1:14, 3:2,7).

He became a servant that we might become sons (Phil. 2:7; Gal. 4:6, 7).

He had no home that we might have a home in heaven (Matt. 8:20; John 14:2).

He was hungry that we might be fed (Matt. 4:2; John 6:50).

He was thirsty that we might be satisfied (John 19:26).

He was stripped that we might be clothed (Matt. 27:28; Gal. 3:27).

He was forsaken that we might not be forsaken (Matt. 27:26; 28:20).

He was sad that we might become glad (Isaiah 53:3; Phil. 4:4).

He was bound that we might go free (matt. 27:2; John 8:32-36).

He was made sin that we might be made righteous (I Corinthians 5:21).

He died that we might live (John 5:24, 25).

He came down that we might be caught up (I Thessalonians. 4:16, 17).

Thanks, Pastors Dave Rittinger, for sharing this with us in your message.

Running the race with joy,

Bill Welte
President/CEO America’s Keswick

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 12-13; Luke 21:1-19

Quote of the day: I think we’re going to have an exceptionally good Christmas. The very fact that outward circumstance precludes our making provision for it will show whether we can be content with what is truly essential. I used to be very fond of thinking up and buying presents, but now that we have nothing to give, the gift God gave us in the birth of Christ will seem all the more glorious … The poorer our quarters, the more clearly we perceive that our hearts should be Christ’s home on earth. Dietrich Bonhoeffer (written to his fiancee from his prison cell, arrested for defying the Nazi regime)

Verse to Memorize: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58