Dec. 18, 2022

HOW TO BE READY FOR CHRISTMAS – 12-18-22

WE’RE READY FOR CHRISTMAS WHEN WE:

1. RECOGNIZE THE EMPTINESS OF LIFE WITHOUT GOD.

Luke 1:26-27 26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

Luke 1:28–38 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”…

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” 

2. RECEIVE THE WILL OF GOD WITH FAITH-FILLED SURRENDER.

Luke 1:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." 

3. BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL FINISH WHAT HE STARTED.

Luke 1:45 45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Luke 1:52–53 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”