This Sunday I'll be preaching from Matthew 1:18-25, where God reveals to Joseph the nature of the child in Mary's womb. In this passage, we learn that this baby will be named Jesus "for he will save his people from their sins." How marvelous it is to consider the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is much more than a baby in a manger, as glorious as that reality is. It's about a baby who was born so that He would one day die on the cross for our sins. This is why Jesus has come. He's come to save us from our sins. 

Later in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?" (Matthew 18:12). And this is what Christ has done for us. He's come down from heaven to save us. We've gone astray, but Jesus has come to earth so that He might seek and save that which was lost. 

This Christmas, let us rejoice in the greatest gift that we've ever received, the gift of salvation. And may we share that gift with the lost world around us so that they might enjoy the wonderful gift of salvation this Christmas as well.

Sunday morning worship is a Saturday night decision! One of the best ways to get the most out of our time together in corporate worship is to come prepared, going to bed early on Saturday night, and by reviewing the sermon text, our song list, and our responsive readings. To help you prepare for Sunday worship, I've provided each element of our worship below for your review prior to Sunday.

 

In Christ,

Hunter Hanson