2. We just want to wish you an old fashioned Merry Christmas! “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” -- Micah 5:2

3. Some may say, ‘How can you, in this evil time of war & repression, still commemorate the peaceful birth of baby Jesus as in days of yore when the spirit of the epoch was much gentler & milder?’ “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city” – Luke 2:4 Why not? Many things can still be learned from the Christmas story!

4. For one thing, Jesus’ era wasn’t all that peaceful! The spirit of that epoch was as repressive as today! Yet inspite of cruel government & persecution of the poor, God sent His Son! “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” –Luke 2:5

5. If we …inspite of all bad news… still have faith & let our hearts care for mothers, fathers, innocent babies, simple things and hope for a better world, with God ALL things will still be possible today! “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7

6. So take courage! Inspite of suffering & difficulties God will & always has taken care of His own. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” -- Isaiah 9:6

7. “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.” His angels are always there, in control of every situation, permitting only what God allows!

8. Many took and still take issue with little baby Jesus. His “mistake” was to be born ‘the Son of God’ straight from the Father of Lights by intervention of angels … yet through an insignificant family from a a simple village in a despised province! On top of it, He was born from a ‘questionable’ virgin, laid in an animal feeder in a stinking stable … instead of in a glorious worldly palace! Such a Messiah does not fit the ambitions of proud men and powerful rulers! “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

9. But God & His angels don’t seem to care much for the proud & mighty rulers, prefering rather to manifest themselves to meek simple shepherds abiding in the fields watching their sheep! “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

10. It looks like His angels have more success to get meek, simple people to do His bidding, than lofty rulers… It looks like His angels have more success to get meek, simple people to do His bidding, than lofty rulers… “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”- Luke 2:15-16

11. God just loves to use simple, little people to proclaim His message! He far prefers the broken, humble hearts! “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” -- Luke 2:17-18

12. “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them..” -- Luke 2:19-20 Do you feel little, broken, humble? Then cheer up! God can use you too, and wants to speak to you too, to also proclaim His words! “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15

13. And thus we wish you a mild, gentle, wise, simple MERRY CHRISTMAS! And thus we wish you a mild, gentle, wise, simple MERRY CHRISTMAS! He stands at your heart’s door. Let Him in today! Just say: ‘Dear Jesus, please come into my heart and give me your free gift of eternal life, amen. Thank you. FEEL FREE TO PASS ON TO OTHERS For more powerpoints visit: www.98.to/powerpoints/ “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17