Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2023 Monday Message:

Luke 2:11 NLT. Angel speaking to the shepherds: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Today we celebrate Jesus, the Messiah, our Lord coming to earth. Sacred writers like Matthew, Mark, Luke and John have documented exactly what happened. Secular writers also mention Jesus, his healings, the large crowds he attracted and the crucifixion. Over 2,000 years later, we still remember and celebrate every detail. The question is, “why?” Why did God cause all this to happen?

God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – created everything, including mankind. God was pleased with everything he created, and declared it to be very good! But he must have known that mankind would fall into sin, becoming incompatible with heaven. I believe that broke God’s heart. After all, his desire is that no one would perish; that all would repent and return.

Therefore Jesus came to earth to redeem mankind. His knowledge was exhaustive. He taught like no one else. His healing ability could not be ignored. But never forget that the rescue of mankind was his main mission.

Let’s skip ahead to the cross. In the “Great Exchange,” Jesus took the sins of the world to the place of the dead, where they belong. The absence of sin left the believers pure and innocent, suitable to take up residence in heaven alongside God, Jesus and all the saints! This is God’s great gift to mankind, God’s grace, undeserved favor. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished,” and then he gave up his spirit. It wasn’t just his earthly life that was finished. He was also saying, “Mission accomplished! I have completed what I was sent to do!”

And now, because of what Jesus did, believers have assurance of salvation. Merry Christmas!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship