Pastor Scott Applegate

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).  Matthew 1:23 NIV

• Jesus came to show us what God was like

“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” John 1:18 NIV

“…Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:9 NIV

“If you find it hard to believe in God, I strongly advise you to begin your search not with philosophical questions about the existence and being of God, but with Jesus of Nazareth…God himself is infinite in his being and altogether beyond our reach and comprehension. That is why he has taken the initiative to reveal himself, for we could never come to know him otherwise.” John Stott

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12 NIV

• Jesus came on a rescue mission

“Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, my God.” Hebrews 10:5-7 NIV

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10 NLT

• Jesus came to give us the best gifts

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT

“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke 2:10 NLT

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NLT

“…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 NIV

Thank you God for sending Your Son on that glorious night to be born a virgin, to live a perfect life, and to die on the cross for my sins.  Thank you that he rose from the dead three days later and that this Christmas and every Christmas we can celebrate the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.  This Christmas I am receiving Your gift of salvation and opening it by faith.  I am putting my trust and hope in Your promise of eternal life.  Replace the darkness in my life with the truth of Your love.  You died for me, help me to live for You.  In Jesus name Amen.