And So, the Story Begins

Mary, a teenager, in the town of Nazareth, was highly favored by God.

She was visited by the angel Gabriel with a message, “The Lord is with you… You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus.”

Mary’s response… “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Joseph, a descendant of David, was betrothed to Mary. Yet, when Mary was found to be pregnant, he considered what options he had.

In a dream, Joseph was visited by an angel of the Lord. “Do not be afraid.” Take her as your wife. The baby is conceived 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.”

Joseph’s response…

“He did what the angel of the Lord commanded him…”

“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 ( means ‘God with us’).”

And so, the story began…

Christmas…the celebration of Jesus’ birth. And the story continues to this day.

His life…His perfect life. He WAS the Good News. The Kingdom of God has come.

His death…His life sacrificed for each of us. The ultimate gift of love, our sins forgiven, so that we may have eternal life in Him.

His resurrection…death could not hold Him. He is preparing for us a place in heaven.

The story… Immanuel, God with us. Jesus…Our Savior

And so, the story continues…

May Christmas this year bring you the ultimate gift of love. A life filled with God’s love. A confidence that He is with you. An assurance that you will be with God in heaven.

The story is Jesus’ story. The story is your story. Celebrate Jesus, God with you. Celebrate Jesus as your Savior, and accept His gift of love.

Merry Christmas.