Key Scripture: John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24
We are at the moment in a season where we feel the need to celebrate; There has been Halloween [All Hallows Eve] , We have now got Bonfire night the celebration of the death of a traitor, and then we celebrate in our Christian homeland the birth of the Saviour of the World our Lord Jesus Christ [Christmas]. His birth which is recorded was miraculous in itself, not one that had been tainted by mans impurities but one that had been conceived by God, through God using a Virgin woman to bring birth to the most significant event in Human History after the creation of the World. As we look at this we will realise indeed we have real cause to celebrate.

This story of Christmas the birth of our Lord Jesus of course was just the beginning of a life which was eternally to shape our understanding of God, the world and of our own frailties and desires. The world of course recognises the fact that Jesus was real by the way we use His name on a daily basis. In these days where it has been trendy not to believe, we still refer to Him through our language [Often not kindly] but nonetheless we use His name which must mean He has some form of reality in our understanding. We do not use the name of Santa Clause as a swear word do we?

The reason we all love Christmas so much is because it is about families and love, although many this Christmas will have neither. We give gifts because of our love for one another and to make our lives special. Thanks to Coca-Cola we have red Santas and reindeer and we have commercialised the season beyond all imagination. However let us reflect on what we are really celebrating 'Jesus Birth,' the baby who was sent by God to live a sinless life and then die to deal with our sin so we can have relationship with God if we choose it!
2 Corinthians 5:21- He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him

Jesus was not corrupted by the world because His father was not human. He was empowered to live a sinless life because he was uncorrupted and although tempted as we are did not give in to the vices we all so readily do.

1 Peter 2:24and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.
I love this text because when Jesus loves and forgives it is as though all my sins are zipped up inside of Him and can't get back out again. Knowing I am loved and forgiven by God for not just my actions but my bad thoughts and feelings too brings healing to every part of me.
Will I then celebrate Christmas - Yes!, Will I give presents -Yes!
Will I eat too much-Probably! Will I take time out to thank God for the arrival in this world of His Son my Saviour -Definitely!
Enjoy Christmas, Celebrate and Remember Jesus

Maybe you have realised that you need to be serious with God. If you have a need ask Jesus to answer it, trust Him and believe He will do it!

Start to believe in what God says about you in the bible. If you have not invited Jesus into your heart this would be your first step. Peter said of Jesus
'You have the words of eternal life' John 6:68

The Lord Jesus is ready to help you as soon as you ask to know Him as Lord. Jesus Christ has paid for your sin, my sin and every ones sin by living a life free from sin and dying in our place so that we might know forgiveness of sin, and freedom eternally from the power of death.

Remember you can only deal with your own sin. Everyone has to answer to God for what they have done, but God is merciful and will forgive them too, when they are ready to come to Him. He will always accept you, and makes you the offer now of real, genuine love and resurrection life.

You need to say sorry to God for having offended Him by your sinful actions, and choose to walk in His ways instead. Ask Him to forgive you for your sins, repent of your sins and tell God you need His help to stop living in a way that pleases you, and tell him you want to live to please Him.

Invite Jesus Christ to come and be Lord of your life. Thank Him that He has bought you back from the road of darkness and destruction by giving His life for you, and releasing you from the burdens of rejection, guilt and shame. Bringing you fully into His wonderful light. Thank Jesus for this, and acknowledge His death and resurrection and ask His Holy Spirit to come into you right now and give you the power to change and you will find real acceptance in Him and He himself will show you the way forward.

Next step is to tell someone you have received Jesus as your Lord and Saviour and find a church that really loves Jesus and lives for Him.

It will not be easy but will be the greatest and most joyful decision you have ever made.

If you have made this decision today E.Mail us and we will send you a Gospel of John and some helps to get you started in your new and exciting walk with Jesus.