Thinking more about Jesus

This past Sunday I began a 3-part series of sermons using Luke 2:8-14 as the central text. Although I do not believe that Jesus was born on December 25, there is no question that He was born on some day and that it is one of the two most significant events in the history of the world. The other event is His death, burial and resurrection. While people are thinking more about Jesus during this time of year, it seems logical to me to take advantage of that to talk more about His coming to live on Earth as a human being.
The fact of God coming to Earth to become a human being still boggles my mind when I stop to think about it. It seems to me that God could easily have figured out another way to provide for the salvation of mankind. But as John 3:16 and Romans 5:8 tell us, this is the way that God has demonstrated just how great His love is for us. As we move into the month of December, allow me to suggest some passages of Scripture for you to read. Begin with Luke chapters 1 and 2 because this passage tells of the angel Gabriel's visit to Zechariah who became the father of John the Baptist. As far as we know from the Bible, this is the first contact from God to man in over 400 years and began the events leading to the birth of Jesus. Then go to Matthew chapters 1 and 2 for additional information about the birth and other events of the first few years of Jesus' life. These are the only two passages which deal specifically with the things surrounding the birth of Jesus but here are some other passages which give some additional insights: John 1:1-18, Philippians 2:5-11, and Hebrews 1:1-9.
Thinking more about Jesus is a great thing to do at any time of the year. Perhaps that would be a good resolution to consider as we approach 2010: "To think more about Jesus." Take the time to read these passages of Scripture soon so you won't forget about doing it. It will probably take you 20-30 minutes to read the passages I have suggested. You will be blessed by the reading, but even more, your heart and mind will continue to reflect on the wonders of God coming to Earth to save your soul and you will receive greater blessings from that meditation. Enjoy your day!

"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 John 3:1)