Just what does it mean that God the Son was born? Why has this fact been met with so much controversy, conflict, misunderstanding and even unbelief? Well, listen in today as we continue our special series of topical studies for this holiday season in celebration of the beginning of the greatest event cycle in the history of mankind, known as the First Advent of Christ, as Pastor Landis Fisher presents an informative message which he has titled: “Beautiful Facets of the Birth of Christ”
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Micah 5:1 – 4 (KJV)
Micah 5:1 Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:3 Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. Micah 5:4 And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.
New Testament Scripture Reading: Luke 2:21 – 35 (KJV)
Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; Luke 2:23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) Luke 2:24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. Luke 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Luke 2:28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Luke 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: Luke 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Luke 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2:33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. Luke 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; Luke 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Transforming Power Statements: #1) The spiritual things that God has done are only beautiful to those who are able to see them; i.e. the ones who have been ‘born from above’ or as KJV says ‘born again’ therefore those who are not saved always fail to know the beauties of the Christ.
#2) The fulfillment of prophecies from of old is truly a beautiful facet to show believers the precision and accuracies of the mind of God Who has told the story before time so that we can easily see that it is true and have faith in His Son.
#3) Although it is normal to be rejected as we reveal the beauty of Christ we must always be diligent to proclaim the gospel which is the power of God to every one who believes!!!!
