Fear Not, A Savior is Born

Welcome to your 24/7 week long online church service. Everyone is welcome in this place. We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule this week to read and digest God's word for you. You will be blessed for it.

I know many of you are running to and fro this week. Often times, the week of Christmas, which should be a week of reflection, on the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, becomes instead, a week of desperation, nerves, and even sometimes, despair. You are in the right place, my friends. This online church is a place where you can slow down, regroup, and reset priorities. We offer the peace, mercy and grace of Jesus to you. Jesus, the prince of peace is in this place to help you with the trials of this life. Look to Jesus today, my friends. Take your eyes off the hustle and bustle of the Holidays. We know these are hectic times, but our God will help us through it all.

We would like to take time out from preaching and teaching to thank God for you. You all are a valuable part of this online church family. We strive to always preach anointed messages each week that will help you to be over-comers by following Jesus Christ, even in this lifetime on earth. Sometimes we fail to let you know how much you mean to us. Your feedback, comments, emails, and encouragement are very real blessings to us. We covet your prayers and be assured we are constantly praying for you.

I believe it is well known by most believers, December 25th is not the actual birth date of Jesus but in fact, it doesn't matter, does it? The organized church of its day picked that date to recognize and celebrate the true and actual birth of the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ. In fact, we can celebrate God's gift to us every day of the year if we choose to do so.

Let's look at some scriptures leading up to our saviors birth and see what we can learn about this wonderful event. Please turn to Matthew 1:18-21:

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused (engaged) to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph, her husband being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily (Break off their engagement). but while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared onto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary your wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son and thou shall call his name JESUS: for He shall save his people from their sins."

Imagine, my friends, here is this young girl engaged, not married, yet pregnant by the Holy Spirit (by decree) having to tell her fiance this fantastic story. Would you believe her? Joseph was mortified and I am sure he thought Mary had been unfaithful to him (which she hadn't). Thank God for the angel appearing to Joseph in a dream and telling him the true facts. However, Joseph still had a choice, didn't he? How many men today would have stayed with their fiance if this had happened to them? Only a man that truly knew and trusted God would do as Joseph did and standby his future wife. Now, the most important part of this reading, it answers the reason for Jesus' birth. In verse 21 it clearly states the reason for Jesus coming to this earth was to save His people from their sins. Now, who would that be? His people are those that accept him as Lord and savior. Are you in that category or not? I sincerely hope you are. Let's continue reading Matthew 1:22-25.

"Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the lord by the prophet, saying, behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Isaiah 7:14). Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel from the lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife (the wedding took place) and knew her not til she had brought forth her first born son: and he had called his name JESUS. "

What a true story my friends. Jesus, the savior of the world, born to save us from our sins. The bible account of the birth of Jesus is not just a nice story, it is in fact history!! Let's look at another reason for the birth of Jesus. Turn to Luke 1:28-31:

This is another account of the angel (Gabriel) appearing before Mary:

"And the angel came in unto her and said. Hail, thou that are highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And behold, thou shall conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS."

Notice how the messenger of God in both accounts sets the young Mary at ease by saying, "fear not." That is God, my friends, always letting his people know that with him they have nothing to fear. Let's proceed to Luke 1:34,35:

"Then said Mary unto the angel, how shall this be seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, the Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called, the Son of God."

There it is church. Jesus shall be called the Son of God. Why? Because he is!! Then Mary says something that is the ultimate instruction for believers even to this date. Luke 1:38:

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid; of the Lord; Be it unto me according to thy Word, and the angel departed from her."

You see folks, the key to good living on this earth is to find out what the Word of God says about whatever your situation in life is and say, "be it unto me as your Word says."

Let's summarize the lessons learned here today:

1. Jesus was born to save us from our sins, thereby assuring us eternal life with him and our heavenly Father. However, it is still our choice, isn't it? What better time to accept the gift of God, salvation through his son Jesus, then at this time of the year. Do you believe this bible story? Jesus can be your savior and you can be his people today. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins and to come into your heart. Ask him to cleanse you and save you. Repent today (turn away) from your sin and confess Jesus as Lord. Mean it in your heart and you will be saved. if you did this, email me today so we can celebrate with you. What a great Christmas this will be for you.

2. Jesus is the Son of God!! Luke verse 35 clearly points this out. Therefore, His authority to be our savior is complete.

3. Do as Mary did. Find out what the Word of God is for your life (by reading the Bible) and then say, "be it to me according to your word."

My friends, if you are going to celebrate Christmas this year, do it with purpose. Live for God and keep your eyes on His Son Jesus. Sometimes we get our eyes off Jesus and onto the things of this Earth. We worry about whether stores say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" or the fact that someone calls the Christmas tree a "Holiday tree". The truth is, stores and big corporations are only concerned about profit and I really don't care what they say anyway. What is important is what we believe and say. Personally, I believe and say Jesus is Lord. I am glad he was born to save us. How about you?

God Bless you,

Brother Bob