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The Power of Christmas Truth - Matthew 1:21-2:4 (Part 4)

Fourth Name - Christ

"Assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he (Herod) inquired of them where the Christ was to be born" - Matthew 2:4.  Jesus is called Christ here, the Messiah, The Anointed One.  In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet tells us that Jesus will be a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.  Let's look deeper at him being the Everlasting Father in the aspect of him being the giver of life.

As we look at a few verses, when we see Jesus Christ, think life.
  • John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have" - What? - "eternal life."
  • John 11:25 - "I am the resurrection and the life.  Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."
  • John 14:6 - "I am the way, and the truth, and the life."
  • John 14:19 - "Because I live, you also will live."
How did Jesus show us that he had control over life?  By conquering death.  Think about the cross.  They took the life of the giver of life.  As John MacArthur puts it, "Spiritually speaking, if you take the life of the giver of life, you will never be able to receive life." 

No matter what you're facing right now, what you've done before, or how badly or unfairly you've been treated in the past, regardless of what life is throwing at you right now, you can have hope in the life to come if you place your trust in Jesus Christ.  "For with you is the fountain of life." - Psalm 36:9

How simple and powerful is Christmas?  It comes down to four names.  Jesus because he saves us from our sins.  Immanuel because he is God with us.  King because he is the sovereign ruler of the universe.  And Christ because he is the giver of life.  When we see these truths, and believe them, we can see just how simple and powerful Christmas really is.  Merry Christmas!

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