Christmas time has become a hectic time of shopping, lights, and decorating. Often times it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of everything that we forget the true meaning of Christmas. We forget that Christmas is the season of giving and rejoicing for Christ (our ultimate Christmas gift) came 2000 years ago to give us the hope of Salvation in Him. Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he dives deeper into the true meaning of the Christmas season in his message, ‘Tis The Season: Christmas is Giving.
Matthew 1:18–23 Isaiah 7:14 Isaiah 9:6–7 2 Corinthians 8:3–5 Proverbs 11:30b Luke 10:41b–42 John 3:16 John 10:27–30 Romans 8:31–39 1 Corinthians 13:4–8
Christmas is Giving
Why Do We Give At Christmas?
At Christmas time we give gifts because God gave the ultimate gift of His Son Jesus 2,000 years ago. The wise men continued this tradition when they brought the gifts of Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh. We continue this tradition today by giving gifts to our loved ones.
16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
11 And going into the house, they (the wise men) saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11
The Gift of Christ
Jesus was the ultimate Christmas gift. God set the standard for giving when He gave His one and only Son that we might have Salvation in Him. This Christmas season, remember that giving is more than just physical gifts, for God gave more than just something bought in a store.
30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the LORD God will give to Him the throne of His father David, 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end. ~ Luke 1:32-33
Jesus was not simply an ordinary man. Don’t get me wrong, Jesus was fully human, but that wasn’t all He was. Jesus was also fully God, but He set aside His Godliness and took the form of a helpless baby. He didn’t have to, He could have easily stayed on His throne in Heaven, but He didn’t. No, instead, He humbled Himself and took the form of a human so that we could live with Him forever.
Jesus didn’t get off of His throne so that He would have an everlasting Kingdom because His kingdom would’ve been everlasting whether He came to earth or not. He came to earth so that we would be with Him in His kingdom forever. He came so that no matter how hard life got, no matter how scary the times seemed, we would always have the hope of everlasting life with Him. That’s why Jesus came, not so that He would be rewarded, but so that we would be able to live. So, that His creation that He molded and formed and placed in their mother’s womb would have the opportunity to spend eternity with Him forever. His one goal on this earth was to save mankind.
When life feels too difficult, too bleak, too much to handle, look to God. Look to Jesus and remember He is still on His throne. No matter what happens in life, God is still seated on His throne. No one can move Him. No one shakes Him. God’s dominion and throne will never come to an end. It is from everlasting to everlasting.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Hold Your Peace This Christmas.
“2 saying, ‘Where is He who
has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it roseand have come to worship him.’” ~ Matthew 2:2
God set forth not only a sign for the Wise Men that Jesus had come but a star that led them straight to Him. God sets before each of us our own star that leads us to Salvation. A star that leads us to our call. And a star that leads us to every step we need to take in life, yet we don’t always see our stars.
We don’t always look up to see where we’re going or where to go next. Sometimes we’re too focused on what we want and what we think that we don’t take a second to look to the Heavens to see what God wants or thinks. This Christmas, look for your star, whether it’s a star leading you back home, to your call, or to your next step in life.
No matter what it is, put your faith and trust in God, not yourself or others, for God’s will for your life is perfect. And if you follow His star, you’ll find everything you could have ever wanted or needed.
All over the world, Christmas will be celebrated this December 25th. We open our presents under our decorated Christmas Trees. We spend time with family and friends as we celebrate this festive holiday. But as we celebrate and partake in this joyous season, do we truly know what we are celebrating? Do we truly know and understand the real meaning of Christmas? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he brings his eye-opening Christmas message, Christmas Tidings: The Real Christmas Story.
Luke 2:1–20 Romans 3:23 Hebrews 4:15b Galatians 2:20 John 14:26 Ephesians 4:31 John 3:16 John 7:37b–38 Revelation 22:17
The Real Christmas Story
The Birth of Jesus Christ
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:1-7
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Luke 2:8-20
What’s the real meaning of Christmas?
The real meaning of Christmas isn’t about Santa, presents, or even spending time with your family. The real meaning of Christmas, the true Christmas story, is the story of God setting aside His Godliness to become man so that He could save anyone who would humble themselves before Him.
“14 Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” ~ Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah told king Ahaz to ask the LORD for a sign. Any sign he wanted would have been done for him to see that the LORD God was going to deliver Judah out of the hands of the king of Syria and the king of Israel. But king Ahaz said no thank you, I will not ask. How often do we get the opportunity to ask for something, but we don’t, for whatever reason, and we miss out on a blessing? James said in his epistle that we have not because we ask not.
I remember many years ago, we were doing a 21-day fast, and we had maybe about 21 people participating. One night while praying and worshiping with everyone, I felt like the LORD was saying, ask me for anything you want. So, I told everyone there what I felt. I am not sure if anyone there asked. I was so caught in the moment; I never did ask for anything.
Ahaz, on the other hand, sounded so pious when he said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test.” But Ahaz was into idol worship and didn’t want to give them up because he rathered relying on the king of Assyria, whose gods he was worshiping. But this is what James said, “You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask:” (James 3:2).
But, God said, you know what, I’m going to give you a sign anyway because this sign is not for you alone, but for all people past, present, and future. What seems like an impossible task is what brought us salvation, for what is impossible with man is possible with God. This Christmas, put all doubt aside, cancel all reservations, and put the LORD God to the test and ask.
Heavenly Father, give Your people the confidence to approach your throne of grace with confidence and boldness that they may ask, claiming the promises You have promised us. And when we ask, please hear, and when You hear, please answer. Thank you for the sign of the first Christmas. We accept Your salvation, in Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
Jesus came to save mankind 2000 years ago, but there was no room for Him in the inn. Because of this, He was born in a stable and laid in a manger. We often look at the Nativity scene as something beautiful and wonderful, but was it? Was the manger scene a beautiful sight to behold? Have we completely lost sight of the significance of the manger scene? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he brings the powerful message, Christmas Tidings: Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room.
Luke 2:7 John 1:2–3 Matthew 20:28 1 Timothy 2:5–6 Revelation 3:20 John 15
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room
2,000 years ago, there was no room for Christ in the inn. 2,000 years later, there’s not even room for Christ in our schools, government, and country. Is there at least room for Jesus in your heart?
Jesus’ account of Every Heart to Prepare Him Room
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20
Paul’s account of Every Heart to Prepare Him Room
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14-19
When you make room in your heart for Christ, He not only comes in, He gives you the strength you need to overcome all obstacles in your path. Christ changes us so that we might become more and more like Him. Let every heart prepare Him room that we might all be saved.
When did it become breaking a rule To say your name out loud in school When your name’s the only one that sets us free? When did it become incorrect To speak the truth about life and death When your life gave us all eternity?
Even if it gets me convicted I’ll be on my knees with my hands lifted
If serving you’s against the law of man If living out my faith in you is banned Then I’ll stand right before the jury
If saying “I believe” is out of line If I’m judged ’cause I’m gonna give my life To show the world the love that fills me Then I wanna be guilty
I’ll rise up and honor you I’ll testify to the good you do ‘Cause your grace and your mercy have overtaken me
So even if it gets me convicted I’ll be on my knees with my hands lifted
If serving you’s against the law of man If living out my faith in you is banned Then I’ll stand right before the jury
If saying “I believe” is out of line If I’m judged ’cause I’m gonna give my life To show the world the love that fills me
Then I wanna be guilty by association Guilty of being a voice proclaiming Your ways, your truth, your life I’ll pay the price to be your light
If serving you’s against the law of man If living out my faith in you is banned Then I’ll stand right before the jury
If saying “I believe” is out of line If I’m judged ’cause I’m gonna give my life To show the world the love that fills me
Then I wanna be guilty by association Guilty of being a voice proclaiming Your ways, your truth, your life I’ll pay the price to be your light
Oh little town of Bethlehem Looks like another silent night Above your deep and dreamless sleep A giant star lights up the sky And while you’re lying in the dark There shines an everlasting light For the King has left His throne And is sleeping in a manger tonight, tonight
Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping For God became a man And stepped into your world today Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history As a city with no room for its King While you were sleeping While you were sleeping
Mary shivers in the cold Trying to keep the Savior warm Born among the animals wrapped in dirty rags Because there was no room for Him in the world He came to save
Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping For God became a man And stepped into your world today Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history As a city with no room for its King While you were sleeping While you were sleeping
United States of America Looks like another silent night As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies That save the trees and kill the children And while we’re lying in the dark There’s a shout heard ‘cross the eastern sky For the Bridegroom has returned And has carried His bride away in the night In the night
America, what will we miss while we are sleeping Will Jesus come again And leave us slumbering where we lay America, will we go down in history As a nation with no room for its King Will we be sleeping Will we be sleeping
United States of America Looks like another silent night
“8 And
there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch
over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord
came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were
sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for,
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For
unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the
Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the
babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” ~
Luke 2:8-12
As we celebrate, on this 25th day of December, the birth of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, we reflect on the first Noel that was declared by angels to lowly shepherds. The angels were excited to share the good news of great joy. The long-prophesied, the long-awaited Messiah, was born. Not in some palace or ritzy dwelling, but in a foul-smelling, animal-filled stable.
God Himself humbled Himself and was born of a woman in order to become man so that He, through His own death, might redeem man. That is the good tidings of great joy. But it was not just for the shepherds, or the Israelites, or the rich, or the poor for that matter; it was for all people. Whomsoever will…, can come to Him.
As I mentioned, the angels were excited to share the good news that, incidentally, was not for them. How about you? Are you excited to share the good news of great joy? Are you excited to tell others, or are you intimidated? This Christmas, amidst all the celebrating, remember to put Jesus first. It’s His birthday we are commemorating. Yes, yes, I realize that Jesus was more than likely not born on December 25th, but it’s the day we commemorate His birth.
It’s not about the day; it’s about His birth. You don’t see the Commonwealth citizens up in arms because the queen of England’s birthday is commemorated on a day other than her natural birthday. So, let us remind our friends and neighbors and even family members who have forgotten what we are actually celebrating. The birth of Jesus Christ, who came to earth as a man, to live and to die, and to be buried, and to be raised to life on the 3rd day. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and He is coming back to get us soon. That is the First Noel proclaimed by the angels that day or night 2000 years ago.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of eternal life with You. Give us the excitement, the boldness, and the confidence to share this good news with others.
The birth of Christ is so significant that we built our dates around it with B.C. and A.D. Prophets prophesied the coming of the Messiah. The coming Son of God given to mankind. Isaiah described the birth of Christ Jesus like this, ‘Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,’ in Isaiah 9:6. But what was Isaiah trying to tell us? What was he prophesying about Jesus? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he brings the second part, Unto Us A Child Is Born, Unto Us A Son Is Given, to our five-part series ‘Christmas Tidings.’
Isaiah 9:6-7 Genesis 3:15 John 3:16 Isaiah 7:14–15 Luke 1:46-56 Matthew 1:18 Luke 2:7a Philippians 2:5–11 John 1:1–5 Isaiah 9:6b-7 Matthew 11:12 John 14:27 Philippians 1:21 Isaiah 9:2 Isaiah 5:20
Christmas Tidings: Unto Us A Child Is Born, Unto Us A Son Is Given
The Birth of Christ
Unto Us A Child Is Born, Unto Us A Son Is Given
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be uponHis shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
A son has been given to us by our Everlasting Father. He is God incarnate. He is the prophesied child born 2,000 years ago.
10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”
Luke 2:10-14
Jesus’ birth was foretold hundreds of years prior to His birth. These tidings of great Christmas joy was brought first to the lowly shepherds by the angels 2,000 years ago. Unto us a child is born, but a son is given. Jesus is the child of Mary, but the Son of Almighty God.
The Purpose of Jesus: A Son Is Given
16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.
John 3:16-17
Jesus’ one purpose for coming to the earth was to be the Son given to all of mankind. Jesus had to be born as a human child so that He could save the world as a man. That’s the meaning of Christmas. That’s Christmas tidings.
Christmas is a time of hope and joy, but it seems almost hopeless in a world filled with pain, sorrow, grief, starvation, and death. Sometimes it feels as if the very joy is being sucked out of our bodies. What is the joy and hope of Christmas? And how do we receive that joy? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he preaches part one, Joy to the World, of his five-part series Christmas Tidings.
10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11
In other words, “Joy to the world, the LORD is come.” Are you overjoyed to hear the good news? It doesn’t just bring happiness because happiness depends on circumstances, and when circumstances change, our happiness changes. Are circumstances changing your level of happiness? Do you get sad, or upset, or even angry when a situation or circumstance arises that you have no control over? Have you given someone else other than God the power to dictate your level of happiness? Then you need to ramp up the joy of the LORD.
