Counter Christmas, Part 3: Real Change…

Traditions…Set Free!

Traditions…Set Free! Only Open Hands Are able to receive What God wants to give

Because Jesus was Born…

Because Jesus was Born… - Long Holiday - Long Lines at Stores - Retailers Smile - Family Gatherings - Poor are Remembered - Suicides are Up - Churches Have More People

Christmas changed the world By changing us

Because Jesus was Born… His followers are different

Shepherds…

Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord…

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests" - Luke 2:10-14

"Peace on earth, goodwill towards men" ?

Her bumpersticker said: "Let World Peace Begin with me"

Her bumpersticker said: "Let World Peace Begin with me" As she tried to gently Run me over…

"Peace on earth, goodwill towards men" Is that the promise of Christmas? ?

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace... I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother…'" - Matthew 10:34-35

Truth Divides… Always

Truth Divides… Always Then where's the peace?

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid… I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" - John 14:27, 16:33

Christ has not promised: Peace of circumstances But peace of heart and mind

Circumstance-based peace Is slavery

Circumstance-based peace Is slavery Christ-based peace is life

…righteousness and peace kiss each other - Psalm 85:10

Christ is my righteousness Peace is a function of walking in Christ's righteousness - Not earning - Not ignoring

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests Even if you don't get What you want for Christmas

The Flu

Peace: The right meds Comfort food Music Movies, Books, Media, Sports Relationships

Peace: The right meds The right meds Comfort food Comfort food Music Music Movies, Books, Media, Sports Movies, Books, Media, Sports Relationships Relationships Jesus Jesus

What changes because of Christmas? Peace of Heart and Mind

Christmas changed the world By changing us

The angel answered (to Mary), "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God - Luke 1:35

A virgin will become pregnant… "…the power of the Most High will overshadow you"

Problem: 700 year-old prophecy says the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) 80 miles away

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world -Luke 2:1

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world -Luke 2:1 What a coincidence!

Prophecy: Messiah has to be of the line of David Bethlehem= City of David

Prophecy: Called out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1) Herod's persecution

"Dear eight pound, six ounce, newborn baby Jesus…"

God is absolute control at all times: Nothing escapes his grasp Nothing takes him by surprise

So what?

For nothing is impossible with God - Luke 1:37 …with God all things are possible - Matt 19:26

In Christ: Addicts are set free Wife abusers become real men Racism is challenged and overcome Religion is finally killed Haters become lovers of people

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation - 2 Cor. 5:17 If Jesus stays in the manger, you and I stay unchanged and unable

Which Jesus? The meek and mild baby who evokes feelings of sentiment Or the God-come-to-earth who orchestrates all events perfectly in keeping with his awesome Power Only 1 changes lives

Let them do what they want with the manger scenes Let's see them try to stop Jesus from transforming a heart given over to him

What changes because of Christmas? Mind-Boggling Power

What changes because of Christmas? Mind-Boggling Power

Christmas changed the world By changing us

The Whole Message of Christmas: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"-- which means, "God with us" - Matthew 1:23

"God with us" For Approx. 33 Years

Jesus to the Disciples: I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you - John 16:7

Star Trek Shtop Helphing…

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you…" Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him - John 14:18, 23

Changes Everything…Kills Religion - Obedience for Presence - Sacred time, sacred space

I have blood family I can be closer to than biological family I even have blood family I've never met- yet have immediate kinship with

What changes because of Christmas? God's Never-ending Presence

Christmas changed the world By changing us

Because Jesus was born… You can be different - You can have peace- regardless! - You don't have to stay the same - You aren't capped in your growth - You aren't enslaved to your emotions or your actions

"You Took My Place!"

Take the Gift…