It's all about Jesus

Jn 1:1-14
1. v1-3 the Word - Jesus, the full expression of God with flesh on. Jesus is God, he existed before anything else existed, he created all things. Col 1:15-17.
2. Jesus came to save us from our sins. v4-5. Our darkness comes from our sins. Jn 3:16-21; 8:3-12
3. Jesus must be experienced personally. v9-12
4. Jesus wins in the end. v5. Ps 27:1, Rev 22:5

Waiting Well Lk 2:22-32

Lk 2:22-32
1. We must learn to wait well. Waiting is tough. Lk 2:25-26 Simeon had to wait for a long time before the promise to see the Messiah was fulfilled, but he was righteous and devout while waiting. Waiting becomes easier when we are leaning into the promises of God. We have to know the promises of God, they need to be written on our hearts. Rom 8:28, Mt 6:23, seek God first. Wait expectantly every day for God.
2. We must learn to be led by the Holy Spirit. Lk 2:27, Simeon was moved by the Holy Spirit. Eph 1:23-14, Jn 14:26, Eph 5:18, continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit, over and over again.
3. We must learn to be fully satisfied in Christ and not our circumstances. Lk 2:27-32. Phil 4:11. We can be complete and full of joy knowing we have salvation. All of the fullness of joy started with the birth of Jesus.

The Christmas Story Lk 2:1-21

Lk 2:1-21
Caeser Augustus was vain and was only interested in money and himself. He didn't care that his census was inconvenient for people.
Micah 5:2 Out of Bethlehem would come the true King.
Lk 2:5 Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to register. The were engaged and Mary was 9 months pregnant by the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:26-38, Mt 1:18-25).
Lk 2:6-7 Jesus was born in a stinky stable, probably a cave and was placed in a feeding trough.
Lk 2:8-14 God came to the shepherds (probably the outcasts of society).
Lk 2:15-20 The shepherds went to find and see Jesus. That meeting was probably awkward but amazing centered on God's miracles.

-God's plans are way different and way cooler than mine.
-God is always in control, even when it looks like he is not in control.
-God specializes in using those who are considered unusable.
-Jesus came to bring peace.
-This whole story is astonishing. We should tell others.
-Dance like no one is looking!

What's your story? Mt 1:1-21

Mt 1:1-21
Ron ”If these are the people in Jesus' family tree... then surely there is hope for you and me!”

Some of the people in Jesus' family tree:
Abraham- lied about Sarah being his wife, "helped” God by having a child with Hagar, laughed at God.
Jacob- stole the family birthright and blessing from his brother Esau.
Judah and Tamar- he slept with his daughter in law without knowing it, and she became pregnant, he wanted to kill her, but she proved that Judah had gotten her pregnant. That's just messed up!
Rahab- prostitute, but helped the Jews, and she believed
David- had an affair with Bathsheba, tried to cover it up, killed her husband, took her as his wife.
Ahaz- 2 Kings 16:1-4
Manasseh- 2 Kings 21:1-6, 16

1. We don't have to be afraid to tell our story.
2. God uses imperfect people to accomplish his perfect plan.
3. Matthew knew a little bit about grace and forgiveness. Mt 9:9-12
4. God is in control now, just as he was in control then.
5. We are a part of Jesus' family tree.