The Significance of Jesus: Don't Lose Sight of Christ in Your Christmas Holiday...

 

Do you know the significance of Jesus? And, do you know the sacrifice He made for us all?

We use Christmas to worship the Lord and remember the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God gave us Jesus, His Son, to die for our sins. Jesus came into the world as a baby, born to a virgin. He was born in a manger and had very humble beginnings. He went on to perform miracles and stayed humble. As He said it, "He was about His Father's business." This is significant because Jesus became a light for us all. Meaning, He used His body to die on the cross for our sins. In the old days (Old Testament), people had to give animal sacrifices. But, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for us.

He bore all our sins. Because of His great sacrifice, we can now call on Him. We can pray in Jesus' name and our sins are forgiven. We can ask for help in Jesus' name and Christ is there for us. Jesus also left us with a mighty big gift. He gave us the Holy Spirit. Some people call the Holy Spirit the Holy Ghost or the Paracletus. The Holy Spirit is how we hear from God.  The Holy Spirit speaks what He hears and He tells it to us. That's another significant gift God gave us.

As we use Christmas to honor the birth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, use the music and images below to understand how important it is for us to celebrate the birth of Jesus all over the world.

Use the music and images below to usher in the birth of our Savior this holy and significant season.

 

O Come All Ye Faithful...

In posting this clip, Fredy Leon said, "This was a Sunday Night Worship at Bethel Redding on 12/10/17. I started this with the prayer because we were meant to live for HIM. He deserves all of our Praise."

 

Luke 2 KJV The Birth of Jesus Christ...

The story that describes the birth of Jesus is very significant. This wasn't just another birth. There was a star over Bethlehem and wise men went to worship the Lord. King Herod wanted to kill baby Jesus. But, God had already made the way. As you read the story of Jesus' birth, look at the images shared below. It's important to understand that Jesus came from heaven and the angels announced His birth. Jesus is the Savior for the world. 

Luke 2 KJV: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

 

One of the reasons this image was selected was to show the humble beginnings of Jesus. No, He didn't stay at a 5-star hotel. There was no room service or free wifi. Our Lord and Savior was born in a manger. This is a powerful part of Jesus' story that He shares with his disciples later in His life.

There's a verse that says, "Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up." The world wants people to show flashy cars and money. But, that's not humility. Showing all that flash can lead to false pride and inflated egos. And, no flesh can stand before God.

Next, we've included two very special videos. These are by Jotta A, a Spanish musician.

 

(A Very Young) Jotta A. Agnus Dei...

 

Jotta A Singing Agnus Dei en Espanol...

 

This is another version of Agnus Dei sung by Jotta A. The anointing is all over this music! It's a reminder that Jesus came in the world as a humble baby. He stayed humble and yet, the world rejected Him. But, Christ loved us so much, He gave His life for us that we might have eternal life through Him.

 

One of the reasons that we used this image was to show the people and animals. They bowed down to worship the Lord Jesus - even as a baby! We live in a world where people don't want to bow down. But, the Bible states, "Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord."

Our next music selection is Donnie McClurkin's rendition of "Holy". This is such a powerful song about how holy Christ is and the sacrifice Jesus gave us. And, there's a twist to this story.

 

Holy Legendado by Donnie McClurkin with Spanish Subtitles...

On December 11th or 12th, 2018, Donnie McClurkin was in a serious accident and totaled his car. He posted on social media after the accident that he remembered blacking out behind the wheel. But, the miraculous part of the story is that Donnie wasn't alone. And, this is significant. There were drivers in two cars that saw him swerve on the road and they followed him with blinkers on as he crashed into the concrete. They pulled him out of the passenger side of the mangled wreck! Glory to God in the highest! God is with us at all times. And, He cares for us! Such a loving God we serve!

Here's Donnie's recount of the story:

Lost consciousness driving…but two human angels followed my swerving car with their emergency blinkers onto stop traffic ….drove behind me until my car crashed into the middle concrete island. I remember none of it except those two angels pulling me out of the passenger’s side of the crumbled TOTALED car..airbags deployed…crushed metal and Fiberglas!!

 

Love the lyrics, "I will praise the Lamb of God who sits upon the throne. I will worship Him and give the praise to Him alone." It's a reminder to not look to the right or the left. But, worship God alone!

 

Donnie McClurkin's story reminds me of a personal testimony. Years ago I attended a revival service out of town. I was going to take the train, but the Holy Spirit said "Take the bus." When I booked my tickets, the Holy Spirit said, "Don't book the return." I thought, that doesn't make sense? But, I know with God to just obey, so I didn't book the return. As the revival ended - and I still didn't have a ticket or ride home, a deacon said they would take me back. I thanked God for how He worked to help me. But, that's only half the story.

Sitting in the back of the SUV with the deacon's wife and the church mothers and kids, I couldn't rest. The wife was distracted. She was putting videos in and changing CDs. I couldn't sit still. We were following the deacon who was driving directly ahead of us in a van. There was such an agitation in my spirit I finally said something. "I can drive." As soon as we pulled over, I said it again. It was such an agitation because I couldn't rest. I used to do a lot of highway driving and as I watched the deacon's wife tailing her husband's van I kept seeing an accident. The deacon said, "Well, I am getting sleepy." His wife said she would drive the van with him and leave me to drive the SUV. I praised God silently. It wasn't that I was trying to be a know-it-all, but an accident can suddenly happen if you're not paying attention.

We get back on the road and it's late at night. Everyone was sleeping and I started driving. I cracked the window and drank my coffee for the long ride ahead. Turning on the music, I didn't know any of the artists they had on the CD - except for Donnie McClurkin's "I call you Holy. Your name is Holy. You are so Holy to me."  I set it to play back-to-back. As I got in the spirit and paid attention to the road, I kept a safe distance from the van ahead of me. I thought, "Okay, angels. Now, we're set" The church mother next to me was mumbling in her sleep and she kept saying, "Jesus, Jesus." And, I smiled warmly and said, "Yes, Jesus, Jesus." I didn't realize I was getting filled with the Spirit. It helped for what was about to happen.

Up ahead suddenly, the van slammed on the brakes. I thought, "Huh?" I was a safe enough distance behind them that I looked in the rear view mirror and saw the mack truck behind me. I realized I had to do something fast. Not wanting to startle the sleeping seniors or the children, I said, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus." And they started to wake up. All of the cars ahead of us had slammed on the brakes. I then looked quickly to the right and realized the lane was open, but I knew the mack truck was behind me. I was taught that you should try to communicate with other drivers so they know what you're doing. They might be sleepy, too! I tapped the brakes quickly so the mack truck driver would know what I was doing. I then made my fast right turn and the mack truck did the same.

As we safely passed the van and all the cars at a standstill, we saw what made them stop. A deer had run across the highway and hit a car in the first lane. The van stopped in the second lane. We passed in the third. I pulled over to wait for the van to catch up to us. At the rest area, the deacon said, "I don't know what happened back there. Did you see that accident?" All I could say was, "That was God. That was Jesus. That was nothing but God," because I was carrying His precious cargo.

In giving glory to God, it's important to call on Jesus in our times of need. Now, that doesn't mean that every accident is avoided as in the case with Donnie McClurkin. But, God promises to never leave us nor forsake us. That was demonstrated in the angel drivers staying with Donnie McClurkin's car and turning on their hazards to alert other drivers. What a loving God that He makes the way for us? And, He helps us avoid an accident or get through one! And, that's a mighty blessing to have a loving Father God who is always there for us!

 

Tu Eres Rey - Barak Featuring Christine D'Clario with English Subtitles...

Dios es real y el tiene un proposito con cada uno de nosotros. Hubo un mensaje publicado con este video sobre un hombre joven que fue disparado y casi perdió su vida. Los doctores pudieron salvarlo y el joven publicó un mensaje especial. Dijo que Dios bendiga a la persona que le disparó. Me sorprendió cuando lo leí. Y entonces me di cuenta de lo que estaba diciendo. La persona que lo traicionó fue el catalizador que lo llevaría a Cristo. Al igual que Jesús tenía a Judas y podríamos tener a alguien en el trabajo o en la escuela que nos odia. Su odio nos hace acercarnos más a Dios. No se siente bien en ese momento. Pero, como Jesús les dijo a los discípulos, más tarde verán. Es por eso que la palabra dice, "bendice a los que te maldicen. Reza por los que te usan con rencor.  "nos ayudan a acercarnos más a Dios. 

Translation: God is real and he has a purpose with each one of us. There was a message posted with this video about a young man that was shot and nearly lost his life. Doctors were able to save him and the young man posted a special message. He said God bless the person who shot him. I was shocked when I read it. And, then I realized what he was saying. The person that betrayed him was the catalyst that would lead him to Christ. Just like Jesus had Judas and we might have someone on the job or at school that hates us. Their hate makes us draw closer to God. It doesn't feel good at the time. But, like Jesus told the disciples, later on you will see. That's why the Word says, "Bless those that curse you. Pray for those that spitefully use you." They help us draw closer to God.

 

Hallelujah - Howard University Gospel Choir...

This video starts out a little shaky, but the Spirit of God is in this chapel and the young people singing. Hallelujah to the Most High God. Usher in God's presence. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord for the great things He has done. And, remember, don't look back. Old things are passed away.

 

Because He Lives (Amen) West Coast Choir...

In closing, we used Because He Lives. It's important to understand that the Body of Christ is one and Jesus is coming back for His Bride. If you've never heard this before, it can be a little confusing. The world states they are "one love" meaning all races and religions, but they don't want to include Jesus. While Jesus did say we're to love one another and not to judge, He also said the only way to the  Father is through Him. Salvation comes from Jesus Christ alone and it has to be His way, not man's.

Man tries to make it seem like if they come together as a whole they can be saved, but that's Tower of Babel thinking - that they can all get to heaven without an intercessor. Jesus states in the Bible, "No one comes to the Father except through me." That means, the only way to heaven, eternal life, and the blessings God has for is is through accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. God wants a relationship with His people. And, He wants a relationship with each and every one of us.

And, here's all you need to do to get the free gift God has for us through Jesus...

The Prayer of Salvation

If you haven't said the Prayer of Salvation, now's the best time. Just say: Father God in the name of Jesus, Lord, I ask forgiveness of my sins. Please come into my heart, Lord. I turn my back on sin and I make you my Lord and Savior. I want to follow you for the rest of my life. Please give me eternal life through you in Jesus name, Amen.    

Or, if you're already saved, but turned your back on God. Now's the perfect time to make things right. Don't let the devil make you feel bad about your past mistakes any longer. In Christ, you're a new creation and you have a Father God who loves you. Old things are passed away and God remembers the sin no more. Won't you please come back home to Him? 

Rededicate Your Life to Christ Prayer

If you need to rededicate your life to Christ because you feel like you've been sinning or haven't been living right, pray: Father God in the name of Jesus, I ask forgiveness of my sins and I turn my back on sin. Please help me to overcome ---- and I want to lead a better life through you. I decree and declare this day I have overcome ---- and I have the victory in Jesus name, Amen. 

Stay in God's shadow, stay away from sin and temptation, keep reading your Bible and keep seeking God first.

Lastly, there's one final word the Holy Spirit wanted us to share. In this season, it doesn't matter what the devil does, says, or tries to do. With the blessings God is about to release, what the devil says or does won't matter. If the devil tries to threaten your job or come against you in some other way, don't react and use the flesh. Just wait on God. This is especially important through the end of the year.

Keep reading your Bible. God is about to move and it will be fast. Repent of all sins, stay encouraged, and keep your spirits up! Wait and see what God's about to do. If you haven't read our December Newsletter with the two letters from the Holy Spirit, you can find it here. Watch God make the way!

God bless you and Merry Christmas!

Don't lose sight of Jesus this Christmas. It's not about black versus white, rich versus poor or the Democrats versus the Republicans. It's also not about groups, cliques or taking sides. It's about worshiping God and Jesus Christ. It's about God's agenda and God's will for our lives.

Be ye doers of the Word... We pray this message blesses you today!

If you need prayer, please call the Bill Winston Prayer Center at (877) 543-9443. You can also check online for Joyce Meyer's prayer request form and other sites that can pray for and with you. You are more than a conqueror!