Merry Christmas everyone!   Jesus is still the Christ of Christmas!  My thoughts and prayers continue to go before “the throne of grace” on behalf of all those that are hurting this season that you “may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (cf. Hebrews 4: 14-16)

Of the 1,189 chapters and 31,102 verses of the Bible, John 3:16 is probably the most succinct proclamation of the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ. 

“For God so loved the world (you!) that He gave (gift of Christmas) His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ), that whoever (you!) believes in Him (trusts in the one who bore the penalty of our sins) should not perish (separation from God) but have everlasting life.”

We have to come to the Bible knowing there is a God.  Psalm 19:1 reminds us that, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”  Romans 1:20 says that “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead…”

John 3:16 clearly explains the “who, what and why of Christmas.”

Who gave was our creator - God!   What He gave was His Son, Jesus Christ!   Why He gave was that whoever trusts in Him will not perish.

The world is not on trail, you are not on trial but the world is lost and you are lost without Jesus Christ.  God’s motive for sending the greatest gift of all was not to condemn but to save! (cf. John 3: 17)   John 20: 31 says “these things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

My prayer is that you truly believe/trust in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and trust/follow Him as the Lord of your life!  You won’t be sorrow - in this life or the one to come!

Merry Christmas!

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Rodney