Christmas - A Personal Promise

December 24, 2004

Author: Rev. Kip B. Banks, Sr.


"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."  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the
prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they
will call him Immanuel -- which means, "God wit us."



      

Merry Christmas Greetings to you and yours! Today's devotion is a powerful
reminder of the importance of the Lord's birth and to remember Christ, THE
GIFT,  before we consider all the other packages under the Christmas tree.


Christmas -- A Personal Promise

By Charles Stanely



       Christmas is more than an event.  It is a promise that
has been offered to all mankind -- a personal promise that is applicable 365
days a year.  And when we understand its significance, Christmas takes on a
whole new meaning.



       In Matthew 1:18-25, there are two names that us recognize the true
importance of the Lord's birth.  The first is Jesus, which means "God is
salvation."   In giving that name, the angel was indicating the work that Christ
was coming to do.  The second name -- mentioned only three times in the Bible --
is Immanuel, which means "God with us."  In the name of Jesus, we find
forgiveness for our sins, and Immanuel delivers the wonderful promise
that God will be with us forever.



       On the night Jesus was born, the eternal God was motivated by love to
enter the human family.  He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and supernaturally
born to a virgin in order to be one of us.  But He never ceased to be God. 
Apart from the incarnation (the birth of God in human flesh), there is no hope
and no future for anyone who has ever lived.  Without Jesus, we would have to
stand before Almighty God with all of our sin resting upon us.



       At Christmastime, I encourage you to pray before you plunge into the
packages.  As you look at the Christmas tree, remember THE TREE. (Galations
3:13)  When you see the lights, remember THE LIGHT. (John 8:12) And when you
look at all the gifts, remember THE GIFT. (John 3:16) Have a blessed day!


      

Merry Christmas to you and Yours!

             Pastor Kip Banks


East Washington Heights Baptist Church

www.ewhbc.org