Matthew 1:23-25
The purity of Jesus was from day one when Mary who was a virgin was pregnant. The purity of never being touch and even when Joseph took Mary as his wife she was not touched until after Jesus was born.
Today we are having lot of fun with Ugly Sweaters and some are nice looking Christmas Sweaters.
It is not hard to find the Ugly today. In this world today we have a lot of ugliness going on. Just like we have had here this morning with some ugly sweaters and some actually nice sweaters there are some good people still left, but there are fewer than there used to be.
At this time of year people begin to think about giving something to those we love and those in need. However, are we really giving the gift that we should be giving them.
One of the main reasons we have the custom of giving and receiving presents at Christmas, is to remind us of the presents given to Jesus by the Wise Men: Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh.
Frankincense was a perfume used in Jewish worship and, as a gift, it showed that people would worship Jesus.
Gold was associated with Kings and Christians believe that Jesus is the King of Kings. Myrrh was a perfume that was put on dead bodies to make them smell nice and, as a gift, it showed that Jesus would suffer and die.
Christ comes from the Greek word (Khrīstos), which is a translation of the word from Hebrew (Māšîaḥ). This when translated into English means"Messiah". As for "Mas" this is actually a shortened version of mass.
Jesus came to earth in human form to fulfill our destination if we choose. Jesus was born of a virgin named Mary who would see him crucified over 30 years later. And one day He will return for those who know him personally.
There are 5 things to understand in knowing Christ as your savior.
1. God's purpose is life and peace: God desires for you to have life and peace now and for all eternity."I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b
2. Recognizing the problem: sin and separation: We were created to know, love and glorify God. When we choose to go our own way, living life in willful disobedience to God, we are choosing to be separated from God both now and for all eternity. The Bible says we are sinners…"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 But God is love…"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 And God is also just…"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
3. We cannot save ourselves: Because God is Holy, He cannot allow sin to enter into Heaven. Most people attempt to save themselves by their own efforts, good works or church attendance. The Bible says…"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12 How then can a sinful person enter Heaven where God allows no sin?
4. We are saved by grace: The good news is... in spite of our sin, Christ died for us."For it is by grace you have been saved through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not of works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9" But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
5. Responding to God's gift by faith: "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
The Ugly is having sin in your life. The Ugly is not knowing Jesus as your savior. The Ugly will be going to Hell for eternity.
The best is coming to Jesus and asking for forgiveness and living with him in your heart until the day you die. Then you can spend you're eternity in Heaven with Jesus instead of in Hell with Satan.