What Are You Waiting For?
Christmas Eve 2019
Steve Tanner
Luke 2:21-35
“At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, ’Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.’” Luke 2:25-31 (p.781)
- Stop Waiting. Start Living.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (p.811)
God’s Gift of Jesus means:
- I can live in forgiveness.
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23 (p.859)
“[God] is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians 1:7 (p.895)
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13 (p.904)
- I can live knowing I am loved.
“God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 (p.860)
- I can live with hope.
“And his name (Jesus) will be the hope of all the world.” Matthew 12:21 (p.743)
- I have a choice to make.
“’(Jesus)…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 (p.823)
My Next Step:
___ I choose to unwrap and accept God’s Gift of living in forgiveness, love, and hope.
Car Questions/Discussion Starters:
- What is your earliest childhood memory of Christmas?
- What would you like this year’s Christmas celebration to be about?
- What gift(s) can you give without spending any money?
* The Life Transformation Bible is the New Living Translation of the Bible, including many useful tools to help you better understand God’s Word, including our own Alive Church Life Transformation Discipleship Plan. They are available FREE in the church lobby.