A THRILL OF HOPE

HE CAME TO SET US FREE

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “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 conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:18-23

The Virgin Birth

God with us

“…you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

He will save His people… from the penalty of sin.

He will save His people… from the power of sin.

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Luke 1:76-79

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION/DISCUSSION:

•Do you have a favorite Christmas song or carol?

•Do you agree that the virgin birth of Jesus is an essential Truth?

•Do you prefer the straightforwardness of the “classroom” description or the beauty of the poetic reflection about Jesus as Savior?  Why?

•What is your experience with Jesus as Savior?

•Where do you need Him to rescue you? To set you free?