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v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026"/> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> </head> <body bgcolor=white lang=EN-US link="#1E66AE" vlink="#1E66AE" style='tab-interval: .5in'> <div class=WordSection1> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:120.0pt;text-indent:-120.0pt;tab-stops: 120.0pt;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'>Subject:<span style='mso-tab-count:1'>                          </span></span></b><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'>FW: [methodistsl] Sermon Notes for Christmas Eve! [2 Attachments]<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center'><a name="_MailOriginal"><b><span style='font-size:22.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#FF3300;text-shadow:auto'>The Savior Came To Us!<o></o></span></b></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#FF3300; text-shadow:auto'>Part 2<o></o></span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Sermon Notes<o></o></span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:22.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#FF3300; text-shadow:auto'>Christmas Eve<o></o></span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>December 24, 2010<o></o></span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:22.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Rev. Jim O'Neal, Senior Pastor <o></o></span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center'><st1><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Sun</st1> <st1>Lakes</st1> United <st1><st1>Methodist</st1> <st1>Church</st1></st1><o></o></span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center'><st1><st1><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>9248 E. Riggs Road</st1></st1>, Sun lakes, <st1><st1>Arizona</st1></st1> 85248<o></o></span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;text-align:center'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>(480) 895-8766<o></o></span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><o><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;</o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <div style='border:double red 2.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>Luke 2:1-20 </span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NKJV<o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><sup><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>1</span></sup></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>And it came to pass in those days <i>that</i> a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. &nbsp;<sup>2</sup>This census first took place while Quirinius was governing <st1><st1>Syria</st1></st1>. &nbsp;<sup>3</sup>So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.<o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><sup><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>4</span></sup></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, <sup>5</sup>to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. &nbsp;<sup>6</sup>So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. &nbsp;<sup>7</sup>And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.<o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><sup><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>8</span></sup></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. &nbsp;<sup>9</sup>And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. &nbsp;<sup>10</sup>Then the angel said to them,  Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. &nbsp;<sup>11</sup>For there is born to you this day in the city of <st1><st1>David</st1></st1> a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. &nbsp;<sup>12</sup>And this <i>will be</i> the sign to you: &nbsp;You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. <o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><sup><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>13</span></sup></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:&nbsp; <sup>14</sup> Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! <o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><sup><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>15</span></sup></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another,  Let us now go to <st1><st1>Bethlehem</st1></st1> and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. &nbsp;<sup>16</sup>And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. &nbsp;<sup>17</sup>Now when they had seen <i>Him,</i> they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. &nbsp;<sup>18</sup>And all those who heard <i>it</i> marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. &nbsp;<sup>19</sup>But Mary kept all these things and pondered <i>them</i> in her heart. &nbsp;<sup>20</sup>Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.<o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> </div> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><o><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;</o><b><span style='color:#CC0000'>A.&nbsp; Introduction<o></o></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp; Picture of God!</span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; a.&nbsp; The teacher had finished her lesson and was giving her Sunday School Class a time to draw pictures with crayons.&nbsp; She walked around to each child asking about their creation.&nbsp; She came to Billy who was coloring at a frenetic pace.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; b.&nbsp; The teacher asked,  What are you drawing, Billy? &nbsp; He said,  A picture of God. &nbsp; Teacher responded,  Now Billy, no one really knows what God looks like. &nbsp; Billy replied,  They will now! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp; Before and with Christ</span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; a.&nbsp; Before the coming of Jesus people truly did not know what God was like.&nbsp; They had glimpses as we do today from the grandeur of creation.&nbsp; And throughout history, many religious leaders prayed and speculated on the nature and will of God.&nbsp; The patriarchs and prophets of the Old Testament pointed us to the laws of God and to the awesomeness of our Creator.&nbsp; However, God was still very remote and distant from us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; b.&nbsp; Then Jesus the Savior came to us, and we now have a clear picture of what God is like.&nbsp; Jesus is God in human flesh and in His earthly life He showed us the nature of God.&nbsp; Think of Jesus earthly life:&nbsp; He blessed the children.&nbsp; He cared for the orphan and widow.&nbsp; He forgave sinners and ate with outcasts.&nbsp; Jesus reached out and embraced the leper and healed the ill.&nbsp; He welcomed the foreigner and treated the suppressed and marginalized with dignity.&nbsp; And He gave His life upon the cross for our redemption.&nbsp; The summary of Jesus life is this:&nbsp; Love, love and more love.&nbsp; Indeed, in Jesus we see this great Biblical truth:&nbsp; <b><i><span style='color:blue'> God is love. </span></i></b> (1 John 4:7 &amp; 16 NRSV)&nbsp; This evening I continue the theme from Christmas Sunday reminding us of who Jesus is and why He came to planet earth.<o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><o><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;</o><b><span style='color:#CC0000'>B.&nbsp; Jesus IS the Incarnation of God!<o></o></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp; Bus Station Baby</span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; a.&nbsp; Wade Burton was riding the bus from Chicago to Miami.&nbsp; He had a stop-over in <st1><st1>Atlanta</st1></st1>.&nbsp; Sitting at a lunch counter, a woman came out of the ladies rest room carrying a tiny baby.&nbsp; She pleaded with Wade,  Please, please, will you hold my baby girl for me; I left my purse in the restroom. &nbsp; He agreed, but as she hurried toward the bathroom the woman suddenly darted out the exit door.&nbsp; He could not believe his eyes and tried to find her.&nbsp; However, she just disappeared into the crowd.&nbsp; Wade wondered what to do.&nbsp; Should he just leave the baby there or find someone else to watch the child?&nbsp; Should he go to the ticket office and have them over the intercom ask the mom to return?&nbsp; Something did not seem right so he held the baby tight and then listened to a still small voice in his head:&nbsp;  Go to the authorities. &nbsp; So he went to the Traveler s Aid booth and there he found the hysterically sobbing real mother of the baby.&nbsp; The woman who had left Wade holding the baby was not the child s mother.&nbsp; She had snatched the child from her stroller while her mother was distracted talking to a ticket clerk.&nbsp; Perhaps this kidnapper was just a troubled woman wanting to satisfy the motherly urge to hold a child.&nbsp; All breathed a sigh of relief that the child had not been harmed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; b.&nbsp; Theologically, as we encounter Jesus Christ each of us are in a similar situation as Wade Burton.&nbsp; As each of us contemplates the birth of Jesus we are left with the question,  What will you do with the baby? &nbsp; What will you do when confronted with the baby Jesus lying in the manger?&nbsp; You have a number of choices.&nbsp; You could turn your back on him, or reject him.&nbsp; You could decide he is just a nice baby and that he ultimately is a mortal man and nothing more.&nbsp; I pray none here do any of those things.&nbsp; I hope you embrace him and go to the highest of Authorities, God Almighty, and fall to your knees and accept Jesus as the greatest gift of all!&nbsp;&nbsp; He is God in human flesh and the hope and salvation of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp; Daniel Webster</span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; a.&nbsp; The famous orator and statesman Daniel Webster was dining with some friends in <st1><st1>Boston</st1></st1>.&nbsp; There were a number of other guests there and the conversation was quite lively.&nbsp; When the subject of faith and Christianity came up, Daniel Webster stated his belief in the divinity of Christ and his dependence upon the atonement of the Savior.&nbsp; One of the other dinner guests turned to him and asked,  Mr. Webster, can you comprehend how Christ could be both God and man? &nbsp; Webster replied,  No Sir, I cannot comprehend it.&nbsp; If I could comprehend Him, He would be no greater than myself.&nbsp; I feel I need a super human Savior. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; b.&nbsp; The Divine One became a human.&nbsp; <b><i><span style='color:blue'> And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. </span> </i></b>(John 1:14 RSV)&nbsp; Jesus is what you and I need. &nbsp;For only one who was divine could live the perfect life.&nbsp; Halleluiah Jesus was that One.&nbsp; He alone is worthy to stand before God the Father.&nbsp; He alone can take our sins upon Himself and give us His righteousness that we might be with God forever.&nbsp; Jesus is God Incarnate!<o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><o><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;</o><b><span style='color:#CC0000'>C.&nbsp; Jesus IS the hope of the world!<o></o></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp; <st1><st1>Mammoth</st1> <st1>Cave</span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> </st1></st1><o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; a.&nbsp; Visitors to <st1><st1>Mammoth</st1> <st1>Cave</st1></st1> often share this story:&nbsp; At a certain point in their tour, the guide turns off all the electrical lights and lets the people see how deep the darkness is within the cavern.&nbsp; Some find it awesome and others eerie.&nbsp; Once when the lights were turned off a child cried out in fear.&nbsp;  Don t be afraid, said the child s older brother,  there s a man who knows how to turn on the lights. </span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; b.&nbsp; Jesus is the one who turns on the light.&nbsp; Of course, He does more than simply tell us the path we ought to take, or the way we ought to go.&nbsp; Jesus proclaimed to Thomas and to us:&nbsp; </span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:red'> I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me! &nbsp; </span></i></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>(John 14:6 RSV)&nbsp; Jesus is the one who gives us hope for a better tomorrow.&nbsp; In Him alone can humanity find peace both inward and outward.&nbsp; Jesus is the one who brings us salvation from the darkness of our sins, and the glory of life eternal!&nbsp; <o></o></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp; Tightrope walker crosses <st1><st1>Niagara Falls</span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> </st1></st1><o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; a.&nbsp; There was a famous tightrope walker named Charles Blondin.&nbsp; He was the one who made those famous trips across and over <st1><st1>Niagara Falls</st1></st1> on a slender rope stretched from shore to shore.&nbsp; He never faltered or failed, because Blondin had a secret.&nbsp; As he made his way over the falls he did not look down because the movement of the water was hypnotizing and disorientating.&nbsp; Instead Blondin would keep his eyes fixed on a large silver star he had erected at the opposite end.&nbsp; The star was the center of his attention and guided him to the other side.</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; b.&nbsp; His example is a good one for our world and us.&nbsp; Keep your eyes fixed on the one who was born under that Bethlehem Star!&nbsp; He alone can give you and our world the purpose and meaning we long for.&nbsp; He alone is the path to true peace and justice.&nbsp; In His words we find life and life abundant.&nbsp; He is the hope of the world!</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><o><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>&nbsp;</o></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";color:#CC0000'>D.&nbsp; Conclusion:</span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp; </span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Because of His great love for each of us God in the form of the Savior came to us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <o></o> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp; Jesus IS the Incarnation of God!&nbsp; </span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>He is God in human flesh.<o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp; <span style='color:black'>Jesus IS the hope of the world!&nbsp; </span></span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>He is what you and I and the entire world needs.&nbsp; He is our hope for the here and now and He is our hope for all eternity!<o></o>&nbsp;</o></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1F497D; mso-themecolor:dark2'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";color:#FF3300;text-shadow:auto'>The Savior Came To Us!<o></o></span></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><o><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>1.&nbsp; Jesus was born in humble circumstances.<o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><o><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;</o>2.&nbsp; Jesus IS the Incarnation of God!<o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><o><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;</o>3<span style='color:black'>.&nbsp; Jesus IS the hope of the world!<o></o></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><o><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;</o><b><span style='color:red'>Luke 1:26-38 </span></b><span style='color:red'>NRSV<o></o></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><sup><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>26</span></sup></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, <sup>27</sup>to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.&nbsp; The virgin s name was Mary.&nbsp; <sup>28</sup>And he came to her and said,  Greetings, favored one!&nbsp; The Lord is with you. &nbsp; <sup>29</sup>But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.&nbsp; <sup>30</sup>The angel said to her,  Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.&nbsp; <sup>31</sup>And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.&nbsp; <sup>32</sup>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 ancestor David.&nbsp; <sup>33</sup>He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. &nbsp; <sup>34</sup>Mary said to the angel,  How can this be, since I am a virgin? &nbsp; <sup>35</sup>The angel said to her,  The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.&nbsp; <sup>36</sup>And now, your relative <st1><st1>Elizabeth</st1></st1> in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren.&nbsp; <sup>37</sup>For nothing will be impossible with God. &nbsp; <sup>38</sup>Then Mary said,  Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word. &nbsp; Then the angel departed from her.<o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><o><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>&nbsp;</o><b><span style='color:red'>Luke 2:1-20 </span></b><span style='color:red'>NKJV<o></o></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><sup><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>1</span></sup></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>And it came to pass in those days <i>that</i> a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.&nbsp; <sup>2</sup>This census first took place while Quirinius was governing <st1><st1>Syria</st1></st1>.&nbsp; <sup>3</sup>So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.<o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><sup><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>4</span></sup></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, <sup>5</sup>to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.&nbsp; <sup>6</sup>So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.&nbsp; <sup>7</sup>And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.<o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><sup><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>8</span></sup></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.&nbsp; <sup>9</sup>And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.&nbsp; <sup>10</sup>Then the angel said to them,  Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.&nbsp; <sup>11</sup>For there is born to you this day in the city of <st1><st1>David</st1></st1> a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.&nbsp; <sup>12</sup>And this <i>will be</i> the sign to you:&nbsp; You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. <o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><sup><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>13</span></sup></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:&nbsp; <sup>14</sup> Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! <o></o><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-indent:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><sup><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>15</span></sup></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_MailOriginal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another,  Let us now go to <st1><st1>Bethlehem</st1></st1> and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. &nbsp;<sup>16</sup>And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.&nbsp; <sup>17</sup>Now when they had seen <i>Him,</i> they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.&nbsp; <sup>18</sup>And all those who heard <i>it</i> marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.&nbsp; <sup>19</sup>But Mary kept all these things and pondered <i>them</i> in her heart.&nbsp; <sup>20</sup>Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.<o></o></span></span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <o> </body> <!--~-|**|PrettyHtmlStart|**|-~--><!--~-|**|PrettyHtmlEnd|**|-~--> </html> <!-- end group email -->