We’ve mostly looked at one prophecy or prediction about Jesus this week, about his virgin birth and being God in the flesh (incarnate).  But Jesus fit many other predictions as well, some of them relating to his birth.

He was born in Bethlehem

Micah 5:2.      But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Micah 5:2 ESV)

He was a refugee in Egypt.

Hosea 11:1 11 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

Together, they all form one picture.

The rightful king of Israel is God himself, he’s come to earth to fulfill the promise that Abraham’s descendents would bless the entire world.  Jesus is a descendent of Abraham and King David.  Jesus did this in dying for the entire world’s sins, and reigns now over his kingdom, which is coming in its fullness.

God has come to us, when we couldn’t get to him.

God has given us the gift of grace, when we have nothing to offer but thanks.

This is most challenging to religious people, because we can become accustomed to knowing about God at a distance, and the systems and codes we put in place for this all get thrown out when God shows up in person, and Knowing About God shifts to simply Knowing God.

Challenge: How can you and/or family focus on this central meaning of Christmas?  Advent is the traditional time for the time before Christmas when Christians prepare themselves to truly enter into the story.

We’ll provide some Advent resources here you might use for you or your family:

Reminder: We have a great Christmas event coming December 14th, 2013: The Original Christmas Party.  Hope you’re coming!

Read the Bible in Sync Today

Ryan Sim - May 27, 2013

Monday - A New Idea - Worry

There has been lots to worry about this last month. 8 in 10 worry about Homegrown terror. After the Timothy Bosma story, how many are now worried they’ll be abducted when they sell their truck? I did a google search on worry – the first page of results talked about debt, mental health, parenting, economy, housing market the job market and more. We also asked people on the street, what kind of things do you worry about? And we know many of you are worried about toll commuting takes on relationships, family, finances and health. But we often feel stuck. It leads to sleepless nights, inability to make decisions, anger, ulcers, stress, more. Question: What do you worry about, and how do you worry? Make a list.

Related Topics: Fear, Worry | More Messages from Ryan Sim | Download Audio

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