“The Gospel at Christmas”
Pastor David Moore
Old Testament reading: Psalm 25:1‐10
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His decrees.
Theme: How do we know we have received the sacrament and Christ at Communion?
New Testament reading: Colossians 1:1‐8 & 28‐29
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
(28‐29) We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.
“The Gospel, radiant with the glory of Christ’s cross, constantly invites us to rejoice.” ~Pope Francis
Having the gospel presented to you is different than having it come fully into your life. ~D. Moore
Four signs we have received the fullness of Christ into our life.
1. The gospel is joy. 1 Chronicles 16:27‐29
2. The gospel is power. The power of God is the gospel of Christ.
3. The gospel is grace. The gospel is a bottomless well of hope and truth is sustaining our lives.
4. The gospel is Jesus Himself.
Paul in his writing in the New Testament is always bringing the message back to the fact Christ is the center. If you have Him (Christ), you have everything, He is the gospel. Christ is our righteousness, holiness, wisdom, and He is the gospel. ~D. Moore
When we truly believe Jesus is the gospel, our lives will begin to change from the inside out like Paul in Colossians. This week re‐read the Scriptures from the sermon. Pray that the gospel will become the embodiment of Him in your life.
God bless you. It is truly encouraging to see Christ working in all of you and how the growing and fruit is present here at Union. ~D. Moore