a look at the meaning of the family line of Jesus.

Where Jesus came from requires two responses. One respecting his human ancestors or dual family line reflected in Matthew focus on Joseph and Luke following the bloodline of Mary. The other respecting his divine origin. Jesus of Nazareth is the most unique person ever to exist as he in his one person has two natures which is necessary for him to be the Savior. The gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 1-1b-4

Isaiah 45-18-25 describes some of the key works of Yahweh God, as well has some of his personal characteristics. When we turn to the New Testament we see these same works performed by the Lord Jesus. In fact, in John 12-36-41, the author, the Apostle John, states that Yahweh, whom Isaiah saw high and lifted up in the temple, was actually Christ himself. So we have to conclude that Jesus Christ our Lord was Yahweh who had come in our flesh to rescue and redeem us to himself. This was I believe, a literal fulfillment of Isaiah 40-9-11-- -Say to the towns of Judah,- -Here is your God---Christ came to his people in the first century and we can be assured he will keep his Word to return on the Last Day to bring us fully to himself. In His presence will be fullness of joy.

Do you believe in the virgin birth- Many don't. It is unbelievable to them. In fact the first doubter of the virgin conception was the pledged husband of Mary- Matthew relates Joseph's story in chapter 1-18ff. Listen and learn what the birth of Jesus, what we call Christmas, is all about.

Christmas is the season in which the birth of Jesus is remembered and celebrated and it seems to begin earlier every year. The focus on a baby seems to lend itself to too much commercialism. Perhaps we think too much about the baby Jesus and his young mother and lose sight of the meaning of his birth of the virgin Mary. The church has a worship corrective in a focus on advent- the future return of this same Jesus to earth as the rightful Ruler. So to help understand the full significance of Messiah's birth remember to where it is leading. He who has come will come because he who is the Son of David is also David's Lord.

Jesus' second question to the Pharisees proved to be over their head---Tf then David calls him Lord, how is he his son-- -Matt. 12-45-. Jesus refers them to Psalm 110 where we read of King David testifying that Yahweh spoke to his -Lord- and crowned him with glory and honor that are reserved only for deity. The One to come will have the position of rulership over all things, he will be the great High Priest for his people,, and he is the Judge of all men. This person can only be the long-promised Deliverer of Israel, the Messiah Himself. Indeed, Jesus meets every criteria for the Messiah and his resurrection from the dead settles the question. Jesus is the incarnate Lord who is not lacking in any aspect of humanity except sin.

Yahweh promised King David that one of his descendants in the future would sit on the throne of rulership forever. Jesus of Nazareth, who was descended from David, was the fulfillment of that promise. Both his parents, Joseph and Mary, through different lines, were descended from David. Jesus' incarnation affirms his full humanity, which in turn confirms his descent through the blood line of David. As the great human-divine King he rules his people with understanding and compassion.

Christians face spiritual conflicts but God has made provision for both our defense and our victory. He provides us with full armor. Paul describes this armor in Ephesians 6. John Bunyan's classic book, Pilgrims Progress, introduces us to the armor and its use in battle.

Bringing the arc of the covenant into Jerusalem was the catalyst for David instructing his people on why Yahweh should receive thanksgiving- because of his wondrous works, his gracious covenant, and his glorious person. Our reasons are the same, but greatly enhanced by the establishment of the New Covenant in Jesus' death and resurrection.

Christians are to a thankful people. Paul wrote- Rejoice in the Lord always- again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand- do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. -4-4-6---King David led his people in thankful rejoicing as the ark was brought to Jerusalem. He gives 3 basic reasons why we should give thanks to Yahweh. Then Jesus healed 10 lepers and sent them to the priest to be declared clean so they could rejoin the community but only one returned to fall at his feet and say thanks. Where do you find yourself in this story-