Merry Christmas 1997
There is NO POWER in the birth of Jesus Christ. Nor in His death. It is only in His resurrection that Christianity becomes reality!

But it IS Christmas time, AND there IS much in the bible about His birth: About that time when prophecy became history. When an old Jew named Sim'e-on saw the Salvation which God had prepared before the face of the people.

Let's read Luke 1:26-38

And it is this same Jesus that nine months later became the earth-bound Son of God. Born of a virgin, housed in flesh and destined to death by crucifixion. He died but LIVES! But let's look at some more scripture . .

What kind of Man IS this Jesus, anyway?

Hebrews 1:5

For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee. And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?
The Father (and the writer of Hebrews) compares Him to the angels and declares Him vastly superior.

Psalms 2:7-8

I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto me, "Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance, and the uppermost parts of the earth for Thy possession."

God took on human flesh. And it happened at a certain time: "That Day." A particular point in time!

That Day, before Mary had come together with Joseph, Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost." Matt 1:18

That Day the angel told Mary "Thou art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: Blessed art thou among women." Luke 1:28

That Day the Holy Ghost came upon her, and the power of the highest overshadowed her and the child she bore was called "The Son of God." Luke 1:35

That Day Mary said, "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy word." Luke 1:38

That Day God made Himself of no reputation, took on the form of a servant, was made in the likeness of men, humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. He received a name which is above every name. Phil. 2:7-9

That Day was the most important day that had ever come.

Jewish Scholars waited for That Day!

Jewish Women waited for That Day!

Sim'e-on waited for That Day!

Little Old Anna waited for That Day!

John the Baptist waited for That Day!

The Water in the Jordan River waited for That Day!

And satan waited for That Day with dread!

Christ's Son-ship began "That Day". The day of the "begetting." This life began at conception. If Mary had had an abortion she would have destroyed, murdered, the Son of God: The hope of Israel: The salvation of mankind!

But, don't you know that God KNEW He could trust that little Jewish girl?

God never said to any angel, "I have begotten you" And He never said "I will be your Father and you will be to Me a Son." But He did say these things to Jesus:

Hebrews 1:6

And again, when He bringeth in the Firstbegotten into the world, He saith, "And let all the angels of God worship Him."

The knees of the angels, both righteous and fallen, along with every other knee, shall bow to the King of kings and the Lord of lords. God commanded the creature to worship the Creator. Honor and glory shall be His.

This "Begetting" Speaks to His inheritance. The Son inherits the kingdom, the angels do not. But, Guess What . . . .

How many of you know that WE inherit EVERYTHING our big Brother does!

Hebrews 1:7

And of the angels He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire."

Psalms 104:1-5

Bless the Lord, O My soul. O Lord My God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honor and majesty. Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment: Who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of His chambers in the waters: Who maketh the clouds His chariot: Who walketh upon the wings of the wind: Who maketh His angels spirits; His ministers a flaming fire: Who laid the foundation of the earth, that it should not be removed forever.

Compare Psalms 148:8

"Fire and hail; snow and vapor; stormy wind fulfilling His Word."

The angels are His ministers, using natural events and elements to bring their message from God. Angels let nothing stop them in their appointed tasks.

We are God's ministers also. The flaming fire must be our method to declare Jesus Christ. We must not be cold and lifeless, but on fire for God, 'fervent' in Spirit, determined to accomplish that to which we are sent.

(Please don't miss next month's Sermon) I would appreciate your feed-back on these monthly sermons and the teaching on Romans. I hope you are following the link to the "Teaching Site" - Thank You for visiting this page. Pastor James West