Welcome to the sermon for this week. Since the library is closed for some days around the holidays, I am posting the sermon today. I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas with lots of joy.
So far, I have had a good holiday season. I went out for a meal with my brother and his family, and we all had a very good time. I am looking forward to a much needed day off on Christmas Day.
In prayer this week, please remember to pray for peace in this world. Pray for peace in Syria, Burundi, South Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan and all of the other places in this world that are experiencing warfare. Let us also pray for those who are fleeing from war. Pray that all of their needs will be met.
Also, let us continue to pray for the spread of the message of the love of Jesus around the world. Pray that the gospel might reach Japan, Morocco, Tunisia and Israel.
Today, I would like to focus on the two advents of the Lord Jesus Christ. During this time of year, we who are Christians celebrate the fact that Jesus came to us in the form of a lowly infant born in a manger.
We rejoice in the fact that God came to be with us. Jesus came to live among us. He came to provide us with a perfect example of how to live in this world. He also came to teach us and give us instruction in how to be a true follower of God.
However, that is not all Jesus came to do. He came to be the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. Jesus came to die on the cross to set us free from our sins. This is good news for all people all over the world throughout all time.
Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross. He took our place and our punishment on the cross. But Jesus didn't stay in the grave. On the third day, He rose again defeating death and the grave.
Now, Jesus is seated at the right of the Father Almighty making intercession for all of those who have put their faith and trust in Him. He is our Great High Priest.
This is all a result of the incarnation, the first Advent of the Lord Jesus. Because Jesus came to us on Christmas Day, we have a Savior, an example, a redeemer and a friend.
The first time that Jesus came to this earth, He came in a humble way. He was born as a baby to two poor peasants from Nazareth. Jesus was despised and rejected of men. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. The first time that He came, Jesus was rejected by most of the people. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.
However, the Bible makes it very clear that Jesus is coming again. When Jesus ascended up into heaven, the disciples were told that Jesus would return. The Bible says that every eye will see Him when He comes again.
When Jesus makes His Second Advent, He will not be coming as a lowly babe born in a manger. He will be coming as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He will come with power and great glory. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
At His Second Advent, Jesus will make all things new. The world will know complete peace, harmony and tranquility. There will be no more sin and suffering. The lion will lay down with the lamb. Nation will no longer rise against nation. Every person will sit under their own vine, and no one will make them afraid. All will be well under the rule and reign of King Jesus. Come quickly Lord.
During this Christmas season we are so thankful that Jesus came to be with us and save us. Let us also look forward to that day when Jesus will come again.
Next week, we will back on a regular schedule. I will post the verses on Monday, and I will tell you about a plan that I have with the verses for the upcoming year. On Wednesday, I may post a review or something else. I haven't decided yet. The sermon will be on Friday next week. Merry Christmas to all. Amen.
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