Christmas: God's Grace Shining in the Darkness of Sinful Humanity!
CONCLUSION
You see, Christmas does not just introduce us to the baby in the Manger, but it takes us to the beginning of all things, reminding us of what has gone wrong with the world as we see it today, it brings us to the identity and the ministry of Jesus, and takes us all the way to the consummation of all things in the return of Jesus Christ, when he restores and establishes everything back to something, even much better than the paradise of Eden.
That right in the genealogy, right in the preamble of the birth of Jesus, you do not only see his coming, but you see his going. You don't only see his being born, you see his death on the cross. You do not only see his ministry, but you see the outcome of what people become as a result of Christ's ministry. No wonder, Mathew says, "This is the genealogy of Jesus, the Messiah, the son of David, and the son of Abraham."
May the Lord bless us as we continue to think through these words. As we continue to relate with this Jesus Christ, who is much more than just a baby, whom we not only come to during Christmas but one that we must relate with every day of our lives. And may you, as you prepare your heart and yourself for Christmas, have an encounter with this man Jesus more than you have ever done. Remember, Jesus the Messiah.
Prayer
Thank you, father, for this message and thank you for the way that you who spoke through this genealogy of Matthew. How we pray that Lord you would continue to illumine our understanding, to comprehend what you are speaking, that Although we have looked at it in summary, you will continue to speak to us, giving us the wonderful treasures of your truth in this chapter. Even as we continue to study more about Christmas, precious Lord would you guide us into a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, into an earnest, honest, passionate relationship with him, that knowing him and the power that raised him from the dead, we will not only be transformed, but we will be the men and women who take the message of Jesus in a transforming way to the nations of the world. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
