Celebrating Christmas: The Responses
12/27/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Luke 2:16-20
Christmas can evoke a lot of different feelings and responses from people. Some look forward to the parties, good food and being with family. Children are excited about what they might find under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning. Parents may be dreading the arrival of the bills they know will come. Many will choose to participate in special Christmas worship experiences.
When Christ was born we see various reactions to the birth of Jesus. Some rejoice and celebrate while others become fearful and angry. When people encountered Jesus they could not remain neutral about Him. They either chose to follow Him or go their own way. How will you choose to respond to the gift of Jesus in your life this Christmas?
Christmas can evoke a lot of different feelings and responses from people. Some look forward to the parties, good food and being with family. Children are excited about what they might find under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning. Parents may be dreading the arrival of the bills they know will come. Many will choose to participate in special Christmas worship experiences.
When Christ was born we see various reactions to the birth of Jesus. Some rejoice and celebrate while others become fearful and angry. When people encountered Jesus they could not remain neutral about Him. They either chose to follow Him or go their own way. How will you choose to respond to the gift of Jesus in your life this Christmas?
Celebrating Christmas: The Cost
12/13/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Phillipians 2:5-11
The average amount that a family in the United States will spend on Christmas will be between $500-$1000. If you wanted to give all the gifts mentioned in the Twelve Days of Christmas song it would cost $18,348.87. There is a cost for Christmas. But it is not defined by dollars and cents.
We celebrate Christmas because Jesus Christ was willing to leave heaven and allow Himself to be born a tiny infant in crude surroundings. Jesus gave up all the privileges of heaven to live as one of us and to bring us the free gift of eternal life. The gift of salvation is free to us but it cost God his only Son. This year as you celebrate Christmas remember the incredible lengths God has gone to because He loves you.
Podcast
The average amount that a family in the United States will spend on Christmas will be between $500-$1000. If you wanted to give all the gifts mentioned in the Twelve Days of Christmas song it would cost $18,348.87. There is a cost for Christmas. But it is not defined by dollars and cents.
We celebrate Christmas because Jesus Christ was willing to leave heaven and allow Himself to be born a tiny infant in crude surroundings. Jesus gave up all the privileges of heaven to live as one of us and to bring us the free gift of eternal life. The gift of salvation is free to us but it cost God his only Son. This year as you celebrate Christmas remember the incredible lengths God has gone to because He loves you.
Podcast
Celebrating Christmas: Your Part
12/06/09
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph is only mentioned 12 times in the gospels. Yet he played a significant role in helping bring Jesus into this world. From how he responded to Mary when she told him she was pregnant to caring for her through the pregnancy and after the birth we learn some important lessons. Joseph cared about people and put that care into action. He believed God could work any way he chose. Joseph also was willing to trust God and do what the Lord asked of Him even when it did not seem to make sense. Imagine the impact you will have as you put care into action and as you live out your faith trusting God for the results. Joseph shows us how to live out faith in God in practical ways.
Podcast
Joseph is only mentioned 12 times in the gospels. Yet he played a significant role in helping bring Jesus into this world. From how he responded to Mary when she told him she was pregnant to caring for her through the pregnancy and after the birth we learn some important lessons. Joseph cared about people and put that care into action. He believed God could work any way he chose. Joseph also was willing to trust God and do what the Lord asked of Him even when it did not seem to make sense. Imagine the impact you will have as you put care into action and as you live out your faith trusting God for the results. Joseph shows us how to live out faith in God in practical ways.
Podcast