People Spots
Online
Produced by James W.
Moss, Sr., and Church Consultants
Provided as a service by New Life Ministries
Christmas:
The Big Picture
by James W. Moss, Sr.
Scripture Lessons: Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 4:16-21
We need to understand that Christmas is just the beginning of the story.
God sent his son. Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. That is what makes the birth of Jesus unique.
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).
He grew and traveled to Jerusalem as a boy of 12.
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).
He was baptized. This announced the beginning of his ministry—a ministry in which he cared for people, taught, healed, performed miracles.
“You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22).
Palm Sunday appeared to be a glorious victory. There must have been tears in Jesus’ eyes because he knew what was coming.
“‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’ They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it” (Luke 19:33-35).
He took upon himself the role of servant.
“He poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet” (John 13:5).
His friends denied him.
“‘You are not one of his disciples are you?’ He denied it saying, ‘I am not’” (John 18:25).
He died on the cross. His death was real.
“Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30).
The resurrection occurred. Our Savior lives.
“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news, ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told him that he had said these things to her” (John 20:18).
He returned to the Father.
“‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes and a cloud hid him from their sight” (Acts 1:8-9).
The church was born and inherited the ministry of Jesus.
“When the day of Pentecost came … suddenly the sound like the blowing of a violent wind came … they saw what seemed like tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.…” (Acts 2:1-4).
He will someday come again. Come blessed Jesus.
“This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
I have tried to piece together the big picture. Christmas is just the beginning.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
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Read about Jim's seminars and books.
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December 15, 2005. Volume 8, Issue
19.
People Spots Online
is prepared by James W. Moss, Sr., and Church Consultants. It is provided as a service by New Life
Ministries, www.NewLifeMinistries-NLM.org.
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