Welcome to the Christmas Eve services of First Baptist Church!
We have planned for you to worship with us today, and we are very thankful you are here. We hope and pray that you will experience the joy of this place and the joy of knowing and worshiping Christ.
What makes Christmas so special for us? For me, it’s four special distinctives.
First, Christmas is special because of the truth of God and His work in our world. Today, I will preach from God’s Word. In Scripture, God calls us to know and serve Him who is the Lord of lords and the King of kings.
You will notice as we join together that this is not sentimentality or tradition to us; it is seeking to worship God in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). We are not going through the motions; we are seeking to help you to know and accept Jesus Christ.
Second, Christmas is special because Christ is the Savior of the world. God sent His Son into the world so that you might be saved through His death for you on the cross. The angel told Joseph to call His name Jesus because He shall save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). The angel also told Mary that her Son would be for the salvation of many people.
The greatest Christmas event is when a person receives new life by trusting Christ.
Third, Christmas is special because of the special fellowship that believers experience as we worship, serve, and live together as the family of God. This church has been special to me and my family. I pray that today you will experience that special joy as well.
Finally, Christmas is special because it tells us God’s plan. God loved you so much that He gave His unique Son to become the sacrifice for our sin. We are adding on to our buildings because we want to be a place and people on the Northshore who help others know Christ. We are expanding for your family.
Our purpose statement expresses our desire and God’s plan.
“We exist to help people know and accept Jesus Christ and through Him to experience life-changing relationships.”
We pray today that you may experience the truth, love, joy, and peace that comes through knowing Jesus Christ.