• Some are deathly afraid of spiders. 
• Some are afraid of snakes.
• Some are afraid of heights.
• Some are afraid of flying.
• Some are afraid of storms.
• Some are afraid of the unknown.
• Some are afraid of dying.

1.What scared the Shepherds?

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” (Luke 2:8,9)

2.What calmed their fears?

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not.” (Luke 2:10)

3.Why did the angel say that they should not be afraid?

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10,11)

God sent His Son. God the Son left heaven’s glory to come down to this earth’s gory….

• Heaven’s adoration to the earth’s abomination…
• Heaven’s blessedness to the earth’s bareness…
• Heaven’s coronation to the earth’s curses…
• Heaven’s delights to the earth’s degradation…
• Heaven’s hallelujahs to the earth’s hostility…
• Heaven’s jubilation to the earth’s jeers…
• Heaven’s majesty to the earth’s misery…
• Heaven’s rejoicing to the earth’s reviling…
• Heaven’s worship to the earth’s wrath…

Nothing this earth could afford to give our Lord would equate to what He left in Glory! He stooped way down!!

Why should we not be afraid?

Because of the……

“…..good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10)

Conclusion: Jesus is our Savior! …And He is Lord!! Jesus brings great JOY!! This CHRISTmas, when you are experiencing fear, remember in the middle of our troubles and trials, Jesus Christ can bring PEACE and SECURITY to our hearts.

Introduction: In Revelation chapter twelve, John gives us the end time players in God’s prophetic plan. Please pay attention to the attacks of the Great Red Dragon. Who are these end time players? When will this happen?

1. The Great Red dragon attacks the WOMAN!

“1And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.” (Rev 12:1,2)

The description of this woman fits the scenario of the nation of Israel. A careful study of the book of Genesis 37-52 reveals some insightful truths of what John must have seen with the moon, stars, and sun. Certainly, it is unquestionable that Satan hates Israel. Yet, our Lord’s plan for His people (Israel & the Church) will be fulfilled.

2. The Great Red dragon attacks the MAN CHILD!

“3And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 5And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” (Rev 12:3,4,5)

Anything to thwart the will of God, the great red dragon will attempt… especially when it comes to the birth and deliverance of the Son of God.

3. The Great Red dragon attacks the ANGEL, Michael!

“7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Rev 12:7-9)

Some conservative scholars identify this event to take place during the middle of the tribulation. Others suggest it took place during the fall of Lucifer. Either way the great red dragon will be thrown out of heaven to the earth.

4. The Great Red dragon attacks the SAINTS!

“10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” (Rev 12:10)

The devil accuses the brethren constantly. His agenda is to get the saints to doubt and question the promises and power of Jesus Christ. However, he is a liar. And therefore, he must be resisted as James writes.

1. What kind of Memories are you going to build this CHRISTmas? (Rev 2,3)

“Remember…. “

Jesus reminds the seven Churches in Revelation to REMEMBER some things. Some good. Some not so good.

But rather than REMEMBERING all the bad things, our Lord wants us to have good memories.

2. How can we build good Memories and pass them on this CHRISTmas? (Rev 2, 3)

“Remember…..”

 1. What did Paul mean as he was inspired to write, “In the Fulness of time”?

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” (Gal 4:4)

 The word “Fulness” is πλήρωμα, pléróma (play’-ro-mah), which means a fill, fullness; full, completion.

Bottom line: The Roman roads had been built along with the Greek language. A few thousand years had passed since God’s creation. His promise to send a Messiah, which had been foretold by the prophets, had to be fulfilled.

It was the right time… God’s time.

 2. What did Paul mean as he was inspired to write, “In the Fulness of time….God sent forth his son”?

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” (Gal 4:4)

Conclusion: In the light of this devotion and Scripture, are we going to trust in God’s timing? His salvation? What are you praying about that the answer has not come? Is God really in control? Will we let Him take control? Where do you need to let Him have control? Will you do it now? Are you resting in His finished works? Are you trying to work for your salvation? Has legalism crept in?

Away with legalism…

1. This Gift of JESUS is given because of God’s GRACE!

“For by grace are ye saved…” (Eph 2:8)

2. This Gift of JESUS is given and to be received by FAITH in JESUS!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith…” (Eph 2:8,9)

Faith is taking God at His Word. Faith is believing He will do what He says He will do. The biblical definition of Faith is found in Hebrews 11:1.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Also check out Hebrews 11:6.

“6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

3. This Gift of JESUS is not of ourselves or works!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves.” (Eph 2:8,9)

4. This Gift is from God!

“….it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:9)

5. This Gift is to be received and given!

“10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:10)

1. ANGELS bowed before Him to WORSHIP the promised SAVIOR of the World, JESUS CHRIST!

“5For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.” (Heb 1:5, 6)

Right now in heaven, angels are waiting and ready for the Son of God’s beckoning call. While dispatching some of the angelic hosts in the heavenly realm to carry out His will, other cherub and seraphim are encircling His throne with praise and worship.

Imagine. What is heaven going to be like? There will be “Non-stop” and continuous worship before the LAMB of God.
Why? Because the LION from the tribe of Judah and the One called the ROOT of David is the only One worthy in heaven or on the earth to open the book and seals according to JOHN’S REVELATION.

2. GREAT NEWS…JESUS takes on a human body!

“Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:” (Heb 10:5)

Introduction: Was Jesus God? What do you think? Some say yes. Some say no. Why was John’s gospel written? John’s gospel was written to demonstrate that Jesus Christ was indeed God in the flesh. And in so doing, that those who read it might have everlasting life.

“1But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:31)

Do you have eternal life? Are you sure? How can you be sure?

The same man named John writes,

“11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life… 13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1John 5:11-13)

1. When was the origin of “Word”?

“1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:1-5)

2. What did John reveal about the “Word”?

“14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

God became a human being. Why? To demonstrate His LOVE & LIFE!

3. Where did the “Word” go?

“1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

After being resurrected from the dead, Jesus went back to heaven but PROMISES to come again some day soon. Are you ready? You can get ready by turning from your sin and trusting in Jesus Christ’s shed blood for the forgiveness of your sin, and then receiving Him as your Lord and Savior.

Conclusion: The Holy Spirit inspired John to write to demonstrate that Jesus Christ the LIVING WORD became the WRITTEN WORD. In turn, the WRITTEN WORD who became the PREACHED WORD! Then, the PREACHED WORD becomes the FLESHED out WORD.

Let’s FLESH it out the WORD ( λόγος ) by the POWER of HIS HOLY SPIRIT!

1. The Shepherds were fulfilling their roles by CARING!

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” (Luke 2:8, 9)

It is ok to care. But the problem is when we get burdened down with too much CARE. Does that ever happen to you? What should you do? Check out 1Pet 5:7.

“7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

2. The Shepherds were called to fulfill their roles by SHARING!

“5And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” (Luke 2:15)

First, they had to witness the miracle. Second, they had to SHARE the miracle….JESUS CHRIST, the SAVIOR of the world was born!

“17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” (Luke 2:17, 18)

Conclusion: Today our CARE can be turned into SHARE. By following the shepherds’ response, we too can SHARE JESUS with passion and compassion.

1. On the one hand, our Lord confirms to Joseph, everything is OK!

“When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” ( Matt 1:18-25)

2. On the other hand, our Lord confirms to Mary, this is His will!

“26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth.” (Luke 1:26-28)

“To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.”

Gabriel announced the BLESSINGS of God on Mary.

“28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”

The word “favored” is χαριτόω,(khar-ee-to’-o), which means favor, bestow freely on. Next, Gabriel explains how God was going to perform this miracle.

“30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

“29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.”

“34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

1. His name shall be called WONDERFUL!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (I(saiah 9:6)

The word “Wonderful” is פֶּלֶא – pele, which means Unusual, Extraordinary.

2. His name shall be called COUNSELLOR!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6)

The word “Counsellor” is יָעַץ – yāʿaṣ, which means advice, counsel.

3. His name shall be called MIGHTY GOD!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6)

4. His name shall be called EVERLASTING FATHER!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6)

5. His name shall be called PRINCE of PEACE!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6)

The word “Prince” is שַׂר- śar, which means chief ruler.

The word “Peace” is שָׁלוֹם – šālôm, which can mean peace from war, or completeness, soundness.