Christmas Present: God With Us, Here & Now

God Steps Into Our Present Reality

• In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.  So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.

  Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him  and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:1–7 CSB

God Reveals Himself to the Overlooked and Ordinary

• In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord  stood before them,  and the glory of the Lord  shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid,  for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:  Today in the city of David a Savior  was born for you, who is the Messiah,  the Lord.  This will be the sign for you:  You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

  Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host  with the angel, praising God and saying:

  Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth  to people he favors! Luke 2:8–14 CSB

God’s Presence Brings Peace

• Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth  to people he favors!  Luke 2:14 CSB

• See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel,  which is translated “God is with us.” Matthew 1:23 CSB

Christmas Means God Is With Us in Every Season of Life

• See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel,  which is translated “God is with us.” Matthew 1:23 CSB

• God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.  Psalm 46:1 CSB