Why Did He Come?

Ezekiel 8-11 records the departure of the glory of the Lord from the temple. For centuries, God’s people had rejected Him. Now, for over 600 years, His presence will be notably missed … until a starry night in Bethlehem. Luke 2.9-14 records the greatest birth announcement in history: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord, Luke 2.11.

This was God who came out of heaven to dwell in flesh, John 1.14.

The synoptic gospels tell us Jesus went through the complete human experience: a baby growing in the womb; born as an infant; life as a child and a young man; and finally life as a man subject to all the realities of created life. Jesus’ incarnation is so great, it is of such great impact, that it should be on our mind every day - not just one day out of the year. If we don’t have an incarnation - we don’t have Christianity.

Holidays like this are a great opportunity to share Christ, why He came, and the hope He provides.

On Sunday we will:

• Look at 2.10-14 and talk about the wonderful news about the Savior who came.
• Look at how that hope was made possible by the greatest sacrifice ever given.

As you prepare for worship, please think about these questions.

1. Why is the message of Jesus’ coming so joyous?
2. Who is the message for?
3. Why did God send Jesus? (Colossians 1.19-20)
4. Who took the initiative in our salvation? Why?
5. How can you use this holiday as a way to bring Christ glory?

OPENING / WELCOME
Jim Grushon

SONG LEADER
Russ Robins

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Jason Schofield

LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Rich Jacobs
 
SCRIPTURE READING
Dan Dekoski
Luke 2.9-14

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING PRAYER
Paul Braden

CLOSING COMMENTS
Mark Ringle

WELCOME CENTER
Pam Grushon / Emily McDonald

USHERS
Ben Baker / Dan Spargo

CLOSING THE BUILDING
Jim Grushon