From Livestream
by Pastor Nave on December 11, 2016
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4, KJV).
Christmas is a time of celebration where everyone is able to focus on the positive, Scriptural principles of love, peace, and giving. But, Christmas isn’t just a passage in Scripture—it’s there for a specific purpose. II Timothy 3:16 tells us all Scripture is to instruct us in righteousness.
Therefore, Christmas is a time for learning principles that are applicable to every area of our lives and for every time of the year. Instead of focusing on the typical icons of the season, we should consider what Christmas really teaches us.
Don’t Divorce Your Miracle
When Joseph discovered his bride to be was expecting a child, he was concerned what the culture around him would say. He began to think about putting Mary away privately (Matthew 1:19), but before he could subvert the plan of God, the Lord sent an angel to Joseph (Matthew 1:20).
Joseph was about give up on a pending miracle by leaving Mary, choosing to pay attention to the cultural norms instead of the supernatural norms present in His life. But, the angel told Joseph not to dismiss something out of his life just because it wasn’t going the way he thought it should. We can’t let go of the miracle God has in store for us.
God has a Plan
Scripture tells us God rains on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). We’re going to face trials in life no matter who we are. It’s easy to become discontent with life and question what God is doing. But, we must remember God has a master plan for our lives—He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Sometimes we have chaos in our lives that doesn’t make sense. But, sometimes God brings tribulation into our lives so He can put everything in order (Luke 1:3–4). At Christmas, God pulled random acts together to save the world through the form of an infant. Even today, we don’t realize how God may be writing a unique, special story in our lives to bring about a miracle.
Everybody Needs a Savior
The beginning of Matthew plots out the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:1–16). All the many begats are teaching us a lesson. Jesus’ lineage was full of kings, priests, prophets, foreigners, liars, deceivers, and the like. His lineage teaches us one thing—everyone needs Jesus.
From the best to the worst of us, we all need to hear the words of the angel that one night: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10–11, KJV).
