Experience Christmas
READ: LUKE 2:8
CHALLENGE: Truly Experience Christmas
Luke 2:19 – But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. (CSB)
A.EXPERIENCE THE POWER
Vv8-9- And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
What is this glory of God? Let’s dive into it and see what we can learn about the glory shining around the shepherds.
· Glory = Goodness
Exodus 33:18-23 – Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”21 Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”
Moses said, God, I want to see your glory! God said, I will cause all of my goodness to pass in front of you. We see here a connection between the glory of God and the goodness of God! God went on to communicate, I will have mercy and compassion on whom I desire.
· Glory = Communication from God
2 Peter 1:17-18 – He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
The majestic glory in 2 Peter refers to the transfiguration of Christ and at that time there was communication from God. Moses saw the glory of God and God spoke. Paul encountered Christ’s glory and there was a message from Christ. The shepherds are not just seeing light for the sake of seeing light. It’s about revelation from God.
What is so important that God is talking to the shepherds through the angel? Luke 2:10-12 – But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
· Glory = God’s Might
Glory is at times used to reference God’s might and strength as well.
Romans 6:4 – We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Glory in Romans 6 is synonymous with God’s power! It’s so strong that it overturned death. To reverse one of the most powerful forces in nature is staggering. Death to life! We too can have a new life!
· Glory = Sending His Son
John 1:14 – The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
We have seen the glory of God in Jesus. They saw the miracles and the transfiguration. They were witnesses to that divine side of Jesus. Glory denotes sending Jesus.
B.EXPERIENCE PRAISE
Vv13-14 – Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Romans 1:21-23 – For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
What allows darkness to slip into society and into our lives? Isn’t it the lack of glorifying God?! People have exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of this world.
25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
C.EXPERIENCE PEACE
1. Experience the Power
God is good and strong and present with us. Let’s demonstrate the goodness of God and be a light for others.
2. Experience the Praise
He saves us. Have you received that gift yet? You have so much to be thankful for. Let’s remember all that God has done.
3. Experience the Peace.
Do your part. You don’t have to jaw at people or make their lives miserable. Let’s live like Jesus.
Sometimes we focus on what we have to do and we don’t like coming out of our normal routines. And clearly Christmas pulls us out of the norm. It is busier but it’s also more beautiful.
Wise Men
Dive into an impactful episode as Pastors Bill and Mark from Eagleville Bible Church explore the theme of the Wise Men.
Join us for a straightforward and uplifting conversation that goes beyond the surface, providing a guide to navigate life’s challenges with renewed hope. Subscribe now to be part of a community dedicated to exploring faith, forgiveness, and the enduring power of hope.
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Session 266: Wise Men
Dive into an impactful episode as Pastors Bill and Mark from Eagleville Bible Church explore the theme of the Wise Men.
Join us for a straightforward and uplifting conversation that goes beyond the surface, providing a guide to navigate life’s challe…
Christmas Experience (Full Service)
Thank you for joining Eagleville Bible Church. We are so glad that you have decided to spend some time with us, and we hope that as a result you will be drawn closer to God as you worship with us today. God bless.
If you want to give in support of this ministry, please click here; http://eagleville.church/give. You can also send a check to 1981 St. Rt. 45 Rock Creek, OH 44084.
POV: Kids Tell The Christmas Story
Dive into the holiday spirit with our latest video – a side-splitting twist on the classic Christmas story. EBC kids take center stage as narrators, while the adults bring the tale to life. Experience the wonder as innocence meets laughter in this heartwarming comedy special.
Subscribe, hit the notification bell, and share the joy with friends and family.
Join the conversation by commenting on your favorite moments. Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable together.
Peace in Troubled Times
In this special episode, join Pastors Bill and Eric from Eagleville Bible Church as they delve into the poignant Christmas song, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Unraveling the historical backdrop of the song adds a layer of depth to the timeless message of peace that echoes through its lyrics.
So, tune in as Pastors Bill and Eric reflect on the profound message of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” intertwining Longfellow’s journey with the biblical narrative of peace, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, God’s presence brings hope and a peace that transcends understanding.
Join us for a straightforward and uplifting conversation that goes beyond the surface, providing a guide to navigate life’s challenges with renewed hope. Subscribe now to be part of a community dedicated to exploring faith, forgiveness, and the enduring power of hope.
Connect with Eagleville Bible Church:
Facebook – www.facebook.com/eaglevillebiblechurch
Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/apps/de…
Apple – http://appstore.com/eaglevillebiblech…
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/eaglevilleb..
YouTube – / @eaglevillebiblechurch
Session 265: Peace in Troubled Times
In this special episode, join Pastors Bill and Eric from Eagleville Bible Church as they delve into the poignant Christmas song, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Unraveling the historical backdrop of the song adds a layer of depth to the timeles…
The Favored Life
God SEES, SENDS, SAVES, STRENGTHENS
READ: Luke 1:28
CHALLENGE: Experience God’s Favor
We can experience it by acknowledging that it exists to start with. To open our eyes and see how blessed we truly are.
A.GOD SEES
V26 – In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,
1.God Sees the Small Places
John 1:45-46 – 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” 46 “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael asked him. “Come and see,” Philip answered.
2.God Notices Humble People
Vv27-28 – to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
It all reminds me of – Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
B.GOD SENDS
C. GOD SAVES
Vv28-30 – The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.
(trans.) How does the favor show up?
1. Gift of Presence
V28 – You are highly favored.
V30 – You have found favor with God.
What is favor? He told her that God was with her! Remember what the Matthew said about Jesus? He fulfilled the prophecy You shall call him Immanuel and that means, “God with us”. That means that God will help her to do what she’s being asked to do!
2.Gift of Service Opportunities
What was the favor? She would have the privilege to carry Jesus and give birth to the Messiah. She got to do a special service in this world which was a significant blessing in and of itself. His favor was that she got to do something remarkable for him. She can never take credit for it because it was all God.
3.Gift of Salvation.
Vv31-33 – You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Matthew 1:21 – Name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins.
D.GOD STRENGTHENS
Vv34-37 – “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
God SEES, SENDS, SAVES, STRENGTHENS
2023 EBC Children’s Christmas Program
The EBC Jr. Church Children preformed in “What is Christmas?” The joy of the season shone through as kids beautifully shared the true meaning of Christmas.
If you are looking for a church to spend Christmas Eve, We invite you to spend it with us! EBC will be having 3 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services. December 24th – 3pm, 5pm & 7pm. The services will also be live streamed on YouTube & Facebook.
Christmas Songs
Welcome to a special holiday episode with Pastors Bill and Eric from Eagleville Bible Church, where we embark on a festive journey exploring the enchanting world of Christmas music. In this heartwarming podcast, we’ll unravel the rich histories and meanings behind some of your favorite yuletide tunes.
So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, gather your loved ones, and join Pastors Bill and Eric as they unwrap the gift of Christmas music, reminding us all of the true reason for the season. What kind of Christmas music do you like?
Join us for a straightforward and uplifting conversation that goes beyond the surface, providing a guide to navigate life’s challenges with renewed hope. Subscribe now to be part of a community dedicated to exploring faith, forgiveness, and the enduring power of hope.
Connect with Eagleville Bible Church:
Facebook – www.facebook.com/eaglevillebiblechurch
Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/apps/de…
Apple – http://appstore.com/eaglevillebiblech…
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/eaglevilleb..
YouTube – / @eaglevillebiblechurch