Merry Christmas! It is my prayer that God has blessed you, your family, and church family with a wonderful, Christ-centered day!
Perhaps you heard that certain portions of California received a good snow storm a few days ago. Needless to say, it caused everything to stop for a few days here in Lancaster. I thought I would send you a few pictures of our neighborhood and some of the local area here in Lancaster.
As we think about this Christmas day, we are reminded that Christ was delivered to the world as God’s gift to man. Luke 2:6 says, “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.” Not only was Christ delivered to the world, but the Scriptures teach He was delivered to minister to the world. Acts 2:22 says, “He was delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God.” His ministry was powerful and personal in our midst. I am thankful that He was willing to “make himself of no reputation” and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was willing to be “…made in the likeness of men.”
Finally, He was not only delivered to the world and delivered to minister in this world, but He was ultimately delivered to the Cross for our sins. The Bible says in Luke 18:32–33, “For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: 33 And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.”
There was never a more “special delivery” than when Jesus came to this world and ultimately died for our sins. We certainly have much for which to be thankful today!
As we look forward to the New Year, we realize that there are many challenges facing God’s people today. We see uncertainty in the economic world, compromise in the Christian world, and corruption in the political world. Yet, God’s Word speaks to every issue we will face in the days ahead. It is my prayer that the updates from Lancaster Baptist Church or the comments on current events you will receive through this daily blog might be a blessing and an encouragement to you. Thank you for your steadfastness for our Saviour. Have a wonderful day and a Christ-honoring New Year!
Thank you,
Pastor
