1. Christmas
Matthew 1:18-21

2. Matthew 1:18-23 (NIV)
18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

3. Matthew 1:18-23 (NIV)
19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

4. Matthew 1:18-23 (NIV)
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

5. Matthew 1:18-23 (NIV)
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

6. Matthew 1:18-23 (NIV)
23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."

7. 1. Why is Christmas so important?

8. Philippians 2:6-7 (NIV)
6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

9. Philippians 2:6-7 (NIV)
7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

10. 2. Why did He do it?

11. 10 … I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10b (NIV)
10 … I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

12. 1 John 3:5 (NIV)
5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.

13. Philippians 2:8 (NIV)
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!

14. John 3:16-17 (NIV)
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

15. John 3:16-17 (NIV)
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

16. 3. What difference does it make to me?

17. Romans 5:10 (MSG)
10 If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we're at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life!

18. Vineyard Community Church 100 County Road Big Pine Key, FL 33043
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19. Staying Present in the Presence Part 14
Join us next week for
Staying Present in the Presence Part 14