Gtcotr/ss122511
(Note: Each Senior Staff member will have an opportunity to address the congregation during transition. We will not receive an offering in the service today – there is an offering receptacle in the foyer for those who wish to give. Our service will begin at 10:30am with Christmas worship and will conclude at 11:30am for the convenience of our families celebrating with us this Christmas morning.)
The Drama Series
Part I: We Need A Savior
Part II: How Can This Thing Be?
Part III: The Unfolding Plan
(Note: I will ask the cast and crew to come up on the platform so I may introduce and thank them for their contribution to this Christmas Season’s production.)
Luke 2
6 So it was, that while they were at Bethlehem, the days were completed for her to be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
11 "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
Today is Christmas Day – the day we set aside each year to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The birth of Jesus was but one day in the plan of God – it was a great day – but only one day! The birth of Jesus was not the end of God’s plan but the means to an end.
The reason why God sent His Son into the world is because:
We Need A Savior
· Without a Savior, this world is the best place we will ever live.
Even though Mary did not know how it could happen, she trusted God. Throughout her life she learned that:
· Every question, trouble and trial of life has a spiritual answer.
We need submit ourselves to the Word of God, have faith, be patient, and:
· Let the plan of God unfold.
So, how can we sum up the Christmas story?
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
This is the Christmas Story!
(Note: I will invite the staff, staff families, elders and their families to come to the stage to lead in the first verse of “Silent Night” as the congregation stands. After the first verse, I will dismiss the congregation to “Go in Peace, Not in Pieces” as those on stage begin to sing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”)
