Why has this greeting become controversial? Today it is considered politically correct to say, "Happy Holidays." Why? Who is this Jesus whose birth we celebrate? Why is He so important?
The Jewish prophets foretold of the coming of the Jewish Messiah many centuries ago. The Prophet Isaiah writes:
"Therefore the LORD Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14
*Immanuel or Emmanuel or Imanu'el (Hebrew עִמָּנוּאֵל "God [is] with us" consists of two Hebrew words: אֵל (’El, meaning 'God') and עִמָּנוּ (ʻImmānū, meaning 'with us')* (wikipedia reference)
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE." Isaiah 9:6
Jesus is the Son of GOD-the ONLY begotten SON OF GOD. Jesus is our Salvation.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Jesus is the WORD of GOD.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." John 1:1-2
"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
Jesus is the One who holds the key to our birthright.
"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God-children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." John 1:12
Jesus is the Mediator between us and God the Father.
"For there is one GOD and one mediator between GOD and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all.." 1 Timothy 2:5-6
Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE.
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' " John 14:6
Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb of God who cleanses our sins and redeems our souls.
"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to your from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." 1 Peter 1:18-19
Jesus is our High Priest.
"When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not part of this creation. Hebrews 9:11
Jesus is our intercessor. Jesus is at the right hand of God.
"...Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of the GOD and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:34
"...but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to GOD through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them." Hebrews 7:24-25
Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Jesus is our Defender, the Righteous One.
"But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:1-2
Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith.
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
Jesus is the chief cornerstone.
"See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame." 1 Peter 2:6
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone." Ephesians 2:19-20
Jesus is the vine.
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the Gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." John 15:1-4
Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David.
"...the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." Revelation 5:1-5
"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for GOD from every tribe and language and people and nation.You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our GOD, and they will reign on earth." Revelation 5:9-10
Jesus is the difference between life and death. There are NOT many paths to GOD. There is only ONE PATH, ONE WAY, ONE TRUTH, ONE MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD and MAN, ONE SAVIOUR, ONE REDEEMER-His name is Jesus Christ! This Christmas join us in meditating on the truth of who Jesus Christ truly is. Let us share these life-giving truths with those we love. Give the gift of Christ for Christmas-He is the VERY BEST present!
"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." Revelation 22:20
1 comment:
Come Lord Jesus!!!!
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