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The Christmas Song
Nat King Cole
“JOY TO THE WORLD”
Joy to the worldThe Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing
Joy to the earth
The Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods
Rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy
He rules the earth
With truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, and wonders of His love.
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace
“Therefore the Lord (Adonai...the God of heaven) Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and (she will) bear a son, and she will call His name Emmanuel.”
CHRISTMAS SONG
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Enya
And you (all mankind at physical birth) were (spiritually dead) dead in (the sphere of spiritual death because of) your trespasses and sins…
…in which you formerly walked (as a lifestyle like all unbelievers) according to the course (organized curriculum) of this world (Satan’s system of thought), according to the (guidance of the) prince of the power of the air (Satan…guidance to oppose all the relates to God), (according to the guidance) of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience (a spirit of rejection of God and His salvation offer).
Among them we too all (me, Paul, and all the believing Jews) formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging (in) the desires of the flesh and (in the desires) of the mind, and were by (the influence of the sovereign sin) nature children of wrath (destined for the Lake of Fire), even as the rest (the Gentiles were destined for the Lake of Fire).
(And you’d be toast…) BUT God (the Father), being rich in mercy, because of His great (seeking the highest and best…unconditional) love with which He loved us (all creatures)…
…EVEN (and especially) when we were (spiritually) dead in our transgressions (and sins), made us (spiritually) alive together with (and in union with) Christ (by grace you have been saved)…
…and (God the Father) raised us up (in resurrection) with Him (the Lord Jesus Christ), and (God the Father) seated us with Him (the Lord Jesus Christ) in (session in) the heavenly places in (union with) Christ Jesus…
…so that in the ages to come He (God the Father) might show (with this evidence) the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us (who are) in (union with) Christ Jesus.
For by grace you have been saved through faith (alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone); and that (grace and faith and salvation is) not (from the source) of yourselves, it is the gift of God (to you)…
…not as a result of (your) works, so that no one may (be in a position to) boast.
For we are HIS workmanship, created in (union with) Christ Jesus for good works, which (good works) God (the Father) prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
“For God (the Father) so (unconditionally) loved the world (all mankind so much), that He gave His only begotten (uniquely born) Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), that who(so)ever believes in Him shall not perish, but (instead shall) have eternal life.”
“For God (the Father) did not send the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved (delivered) through Him.”
“He who believes in Him (the Lord Jesus Christ) is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten (uniquely born) Son of God.”
The Lord is not slow about His promise (of deliverance to salvation), as some count slowness (as some accuse Him of), but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance (a change of mind about Christ).
CHRISTMAS SONG
Mary Did You Know
Sung by June Murphy
But God (the Father) demonstrates His own (unconditional) love toward us (all mankind), in that while we were yet sinners, (the Lord Jesus) Christ died (as a substitute) for us.
For as in (union with) Adam (at physical birth) all (mankind) die (spiritually), so also in (union with) Christ all will be made (spiritually) alive (by being given the resurrection life).
But when the fullness of the time came (after the Mosaic law made it clear that all of us do not have a righteousness of our own), God (the Father) sent forth His Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), born of a woman, born under the Law…
…so that He might redeem (purchase from slavery…release from prison) those who were under the (tyranny of the Mosaic) Law, that we might (as a result of this freeing experience) receive the adoption as (adult) sons.
But we do see Him (the Lord Jesus Christ) who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace (gift) of God (the Father) He (the Lord Jesus Christ) might taste death for everyone.
There was the true Light (the Lord Jesus Christ) which, (by) coming into the world (at the first advent…also known as the Incarnation), enlightens every man (concerning the requirement for salvation).
He (the Lord Jesus Christ) was in the world, and the world was made through Him (He is the CREATOR), and the world (Satan’s minions) did not know Him (because they rejected Him even thought they knew Him).
He came to His own (the Jews), and those who were His own did not receive Him (literally…they gave Him no welcome…they rejected Him as Messiah, in spite of seeing every evidence pointing to His Messiahship).
But as many as received Him (whosoever), to them He (the Lord Jesus Christ) gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name…
…who were born, not of blood (human lineage) nor (were they born simply) of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but (they were born again) of (the will of) God.
It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I (Paul) am foremost of all.
Yet for this reason (that I am the foremost of all sinners) I found mercy (from God), so that in me as the foremost (sinner), Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
Now to the King (of kings and Lord of lords…to the) eternal, immortal, invisible, the (one and) only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
BREAK
The Christmas Song
Nat King Cole
ANNOUNCEMENT
No face-to-face teaching next week
TODAY’S OFFERING
Deacon
Denny Goodall
Barah Ministries Financial Policy
Even though we are sanctioned by God to charge for the many things we provide for you to worship God, we choose not to exercise our right. Therefore no price appears on any material from Barah Ministries so that anyone who desires biblical teaching may have it free of charge. Even though the materials we provide are free of charge, they are not free of cost. We appreciate it when the Word of God motivates you to provide for others with your contribution.
OFFERING VERSE
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Remember to give with the motivation suggested in Scripture
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful (grace oriented) giver.
TODAY’S STUDY
The God-Man’s Impact on People Because of His Birth
The God-Man’s Impact on the World
“Comfort, O comfort (is coming to) My people (Israel),” says your God.
“Speak kindly to Jerusalem; and call out to her (in captivity), that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”
A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness (roll out the red carpet for Him); make smooth in the desert a highway for our God (the Messiah…the Lord Jesus Christ…the deliverer).”
“Let every valley be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; and let the rough ground become a plain, and the rugged terrain a broad valley…”
“Then the glory of the Lord (Jesus Christ) will be revealed (He will take on the form of true humanity and tabernacle among us), and all flesh will see it (His glory) together; for the mouth of the Lord(through His Word) has spoken.”
A voice says, “Call out.” Then he answered, “What shall I call out?” (Call out that) All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass (people are temporary).
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever (it is permanent).
(To the messenger…) Get yourself up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news, Lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news; Lift it (your voice) up, do not fear. Say to the cities of Judah (in captivity), “Here is your God (the Messiah…Emmanuel)!”
Behold, the Lord God will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him And His recompense (compensation is) before Him.
Like a shepherd He (the Lord Jesus Christ…the deliverer) will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm (in the freedom) and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
CHRISTMAS SONG
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Nat King Cole
The God-Man’s Impact on Joseph
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed (engaged) to Joseph, before they came together (before the had sexual intercourse) she was found to be with child (pregnant) by the (agency of God the) Holy Spirit.
And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man (a believer in Christ) and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away (divorce her) secretly.
But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the (agency of God the) Holy Spirit.”
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet (Isaiah…in Isaiah 7:14)…
“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means,“GOD WITH US.”
And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife…
…but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he (Joseph) called His name Jesus.
CHRISTMAS SONG
A Baby Changes Everything
Sung by June Murphy
The God-Man’s Impact on Mary
Now in the sixth month (of Elizabeth’s pregnancy) the angel Gabriel (the Lord’s messenger angel) was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth…
…to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of (King) David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming in, he (Gabriel) said to her (Mary), “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God (you are in the sphere of God’s grace).”
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.”
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God (the Father) will give Him (the Lord Jesus Christ) the throne of His father David…”
“…and He (the Lord Jesus Christ) will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.”
“And behold, even your relative (formerly barren) Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month (of pregnancy).”
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
The God-Man’s Impact on Elizabeth
Now at this time (right after the angel’s departure) Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah…
…and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby (John the Baptist) leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
And she (Elizabeth) cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”
“And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?”
“For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.”
“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”
And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord…”
And my spirit has rejoiced in (the) God (who is) my Savior (the Lord Jesus Christ).
“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.”
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name.”
“AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR (respect) HIM.”
“He (the Lord Jesus Christ) has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.”
“He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble.”
“HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; and sent away the rich empty-handed.”
“He has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy…”
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and (to) his descendants forever.”
And Mary stayed with her (Elizabeth) about three months (until she had the baby), and then returned to her home.
The God-Man’s Impact on the Shepherds
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David…
…in order to register (for the census) along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child (pregnant).
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths (sparganoo), and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people…”
“…for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying…
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
CHRISTMAS SONG
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Nat King Cole
The God-Man’s Impact on the Magi
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi (astronomers) from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying…
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
The God-Man’s Impact on Herod
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him (was troubled).
Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
They (the chief priests and scribes) said to him, “(The Messiah is to be born) In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet…
‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’”
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.
And he (Herod) sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.”
After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts (fit for a King) of gold (for His Deity), frankincense (for His life), and myrrh (for His humanity, identifying Him with His death).
And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
The God-Man’s Impact on the Parents and the Children of His Day
Now when they (the Magi) had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.”
So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt.
He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.”
Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.
Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:
“A VOICE WAS HEARD IN RAMAH, WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING, RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN; AND SHE REFUSED TO BE COMFORTED, BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE.”
But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said…
“Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child's life are dead.”
So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.
But when he (Joseph) heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee…
…and came and lived in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
The God-Man’s Perspective of His Impact
For the (Mosaic) Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they (Levitical priests) offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.
Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered (if they made the offerers perfect), because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins?
But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year.
For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
Therefore, when He (the Lord Jesus Christ) comes into the world, He says (from His Deity), “SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU (God the Father) HAVE NOT DESIRED, BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME…”
“IN WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND IN SACRIFICES FOR SIN (by man) YOU HAVE TAKEN NO PLEASURE.”
“THEN I (the Lord Jesus Christ) SAID, ‘BEHOLD, I HAVE COME (IN THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME) TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD (the Father).’”
The God-Man’s Impact
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous…
…and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.
CLOSING SONG
O Holy Night
Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.//In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed
Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.
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Thanks for listening!
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