Pastor's Pen for 05/22/2018I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The angel sent from heaven down to earth is preaching the Good News of the Gospel. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1)

GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1)

No longer are you alone. No longer is life an aimless wandering. No longer do you need to fear death. Why? Good News of Great Joy. Jesus is born of the Virgin Mary. God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3)

Jesus comes to take the wrath of God due sinners. When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy. (Titus 3)

GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY IS CHRISTMAS. God brings salvation FULL & FREE.

You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (1 Peter 1)

Jesus has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil. Jesus came from heaven down to earth out of His LOVE FOR YOU. Jesus’ destination is the Cross of Calvary – to hang from the TREE all your sins in His Body. The wood of the stable must give way to the wood of the Cross.

After the Angel preaches the Good News to lowly Shepherds, Heaven breaks wide open. The Angelic choir is singing. A multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2)

God the Father is glorified in the work of His Son. God is glorified as sinners are brought to faith in Jesus. Jesus brings PEACE – PEACE with God. “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. He breathed on them “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. (John 20)

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Christ gifts you Christmas peace. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. (Colossians 3)

Christians have Christmas peace through the forgiveness of sins. Forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3)

Peace be with you. Merry Christmas. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.