CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: Our Unalienable Rights Through Emannuel

By Pastor Wendy Swanson
Mesquite United Methodist

Hope, peace, love and joy. These are the unalienable rights given each of us through Emmanuel, God is with us. At the time of Jesus’ birth it seemed that all the world had going for it was hope. At the time of Jesus’ birth the world was still lost in sin, not that it still isn’t. (Don’t worry the story gets better.) If hope is abandoned we have no chance at peace, love, and joy. Without hope the darkness becomes a place of norm rather than exception.

1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Micah 7:7, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”

Peace came down at Christmas. Peace on earth, good will toward all persons. Jesus came to give us a way back to the Father, Creator. Through Jesus we gain peace knowing that our sins can be and are forgiven.
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Love is what Jesus came to teach. Love is what Jesus came to give us as an example of what it (love) really looks like. Love cannot be learned by books but must be embraced through action. This was the main problem for the Pharisees; they could not get past the books.

1 John 3:16-18 16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

Joy! Joy is the completion of hope, peace and love combined! Joy to the world. Joy for resurrection power. Joy that death has no more hold on humankind.

1 Peter 1:8-9 “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

1 Corinthians 15:54-58 54 “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

This Christmas follow the star more closely. Get closer to the manger. Bring the gift of yourself. And “Go Tell It On The Mountain, THAT JESUS CHRIST IS BORN!”

Peace and Blessings.