"Christmas '04 message." Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9 v. 15) Of all the night scenes of the Word of God, the night scene in Bethlehem exceeds every other in interest for this reason - it is connected with the birth of the Son of God. It is the moment of which the Apostle Paul declares, "When the fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of Sons". Think of it; the Son sent to win sons! Oh it was wonderful, blest be His name, coming for me for me! His Birth Announced. Luke 2 v. 11 Unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. The Place Selected. Out on those surrounding hills, humble, rugged shepherds are suddenly bathed in light. Fear grips their hearts, fear such as no wild beast could instil. The fear of God. But soon it vanishes. Heaven's greatest message echoes over the hillside. It was here that Rachel died. It was here that Ruth gleaned in the harvest field of Boaz. It was here that David was born. It was here that the Song of the Shepherd rang. It was here that David's mighty men were born. Bethlehem so packed with history leaps into life again. Here the Eternal Christ, the Mighty Son of God, began his earthly life in a lowly stable. The sinner's friend, appears on earth. Bethlehem's lowly manger held him. There trustful shepherds sought and found him. When angels voice disclosed his birth. "Hail! Hail! Incarnate Word. A Saviour, Christ the Lord. Hallelujah!". God's Son, in grace, takes here a place To seek and save a fallen race. The Person Elected. Here is the majesty of the message - He is the Saviour, Christ the Lord! The One possessed of such eternity, and power, and beauty, and mission, that shining, powerful angels hovered over the parapets of glory to proclaim his birth; that over 250 titles are employed to set forth his character. He is the subject of prophecy, the Star of hope. He is the Saviour of sinners. He is the Wonderful Counsellor who guides believing men in the paths of peace. He is the Mighty God who created worlds. He is the Everlasting Father who cares as no one else ever did. He is the Prince of Peace who stills the storm-tossed, guilty conscience and reconciles the penitent to God. The Purpose Presented. What does John say? In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world. I. That We Might Live Through Him. I am come that ye might have life. II. Herein is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us. Love manifested in His Son, to be the propitiation for our sins! The wrath-bearing one! III. We have seen and do testify that the father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. No wonder Paul describes him as God's Unspeakable Gift. Was ever a gift like the Saviour given? No wonder Paul's response is one of praise, worship and gratitude. What is your response to him ? . I take this opportunity to send seasonal greetings to all our regular web visitors. This has been a year of many blessings. The prospects for the coming year are as bright as the promises written in the Bible. Let us press on in the great work of reaching people for the Lord Jesus Christ. Let it be our passion to spread the message of a free salvation for all sinners and a full salvation from all sin. . If you would like spiritual counsel and feel you would like to talk to our pastor then click HERE to e-mail him directly. Written for this website by Rev. E. Stewart. Due to be updated: end February Archived Messages. 18/09/04 The Three-fold Inheritance. 23/05/04 Christ Our Life. 30/01/04 Being Faithful. 27/12/03 Advent Prediction. 11/10/03 Watchman - Guilty or Guiltless? 14/05/03 An epoch making day. 20/04/03 All hail the risen Lord. 22/03/03 Heart Cry for Revival. 02/01/03 The Church of the Open Door. 02/12/02 The River of Blessing. 01/09/02 The Revelation of the River. 04/05/02 The Greatest Watershed in History. 29/01/02 Knowing and doing the Will of God. 22/11/01 Things Which Cannot Be Shaken. 07/07/01 The Soulwinner's conflict 24/04/01 The Divine Dividend 17/03/01 The Move That Made The Difference 10/01/01 Marching On In The Will of God 15/12/00 Christmas Message 07/10/00 The Inheritance of Divine Fullness (2) 15/09/00 The Inheritance of Divine Fullness (1) 28/07/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (4) 15/06/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (3) 07/05/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (2) 09/04/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (1) 22/04/00 Easter Message