This morning, we’re continuing our message series entitled, “God Encounters.” As we look forward to what this Christmas season holds, we also look ahead to what God has planned for us in the midst of it.

So far, we were challenged to seek after God encounters in the midst of our daily routines as to avoid missing them as Jacob almost did and proclaiming, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” We were reminded that God has a reason for the seasons of waiting in our lives and He has given us hope as a placeholder until we’ve received what He has promised.

We learned how God’s word is failproof. It may not come to pass when or how we think it ought to, but God’s word never fails! Last week, we learned how humility was a key aspect in the entire Christmas story and how it can bring us into powerful God encounters. We were challenged to be considerate of those around us and to look for ways to serve them just as Jesus did.

This week, just a few days before Christmas, we look to the greatest God encounter of all time; Emmanuel, God with us.

Speaking of it now being just a few days before Christmas… Guys, if you you’re looking for a last-minute gift idea for your wife, here’s an idea.

* Pandora Commercial Skit *

Just like the jelly of the month club, it’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year round!

In all seriousness, though, we gather together this morning to remember the greatest gift ever given that keeps on giving for all eternity! From the very time that Adam and Eve chose their own way over God’s, His plan of salvation was gradually revealed and implemented. His own Son planned to step down from Heaven and wrap Himself in flesh completely humbling Himself.

This gift was prophesied about long before Jesus was born in the flesh:

Isaiah 9:6-7

6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the greatness of his government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

will accomplish this.

About 750 year later, this prophecy came to pass. The greatest gift ever given was knitted together within the womb of a young teenage virgin girl, Mary, engaged to be married to Joseph. 9 months later, the time for this gift’s unwrapping arrived. Now, we can read through the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2, but we’re going to get a fresh perspective on this account given a few years ago by the Southland Christian Church.

* Christmas According to Kids *

Luke 2:1-20

Good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger lies the greatest gift ever; Jesus Christ!

In our ever-darkening world, everyone can use some good news to brighten up our days! Jesus, the light of the world, guiding us home through this rough country full of trials and tribulations. Jesus, our anchor of hope who keeps us confidently seated in the heavenly realms while we also continue to walk through this adventurous life full of unknowns.

The birth of Jesus was described in this way:

Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:16; John 1

the people living in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of the shadow of death

a light has dawned.”

Jesus, the light of the world. He came in a most unexpected way; in complete humility. Mary, a young teenage girl engaged to be married to Joseph had the course of her life radically redirected as she said those simple words to the angel, “may God’s word to me be fulfilled.” She alone in all of mankind’s history and future carried God in the flesh within her own womb. Talk about God encounters!

Jesus still today is radically transforming lives from the inside out. He is still able and willing to set the course of our lives. Paul said it this way: