Christmas is GOD STEPPING TOWARD MANKIND

 

When the right time came, the time God decided on, He sent His son, born of a woman so that He could adopt us as His very own children. – Galatians 4

 

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He (GOD) delights in his way. – Psalm 37

 

And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home.  He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.  He took with him Mary, his fiancé, who was now obviously pregnant.  And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.  She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger…

 

#1 – a Walk of Significance

 

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Eph 2

 

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby…

 

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the Lord’s glory surrounded them…

 

The angel said, “I bring good news that will bring great joy…The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem…and you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger…

 

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of other—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

 

…the shepherds said to each other “Let’s go to Bethlehem!  Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby…in the manger.

 

#2 If We STEP Toward God…it’s a WALK AWAY

 

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you.  He is your example, and you must follow in HIS STEPS. – 1 Peter 2

 

After this interview the wise men went their way.  And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem.  It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!  They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.  Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts…

 

#3 If we walk with God --- it’s a Straight Walk

 

(Proverbs 4:10) …listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving.”

Here’s our Question --- How’s Your Walk?