Avizandam. In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters. Avise endum For many of us it seems that Christmas was only a few months ago. The months quickly fly by and once again, Christmas is almost upon us.
The Old Testament scriptures prophesying of the coming Messiah were all anticipating the staggering event of Christmas. Surely one of the most astonishing verses in all of Scripture is John chapter 1 verse 14. John begins his majestic prologue by stating, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Then in verse 14, he writes this amazing truth, And the word became flesh, And dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full. of grace and truth.
The incarnation, the becoming flesh of the eternal God, is an event without parallel in the history of the universe. And so, while the events of this Christmas on the calendar may become rather humdrum, resulting in a jaded view of just another Christmas. The freshness and wonder of the eternal God coming into time and space as a little baby in a manger in Bethlehem never ceases to amaze us. We bow down. and adore our God and Saviour.
Jesus. And I trust that once again. You will marvel in a fresh way that God descended from heaven and lived among us, Emmanuel. Those of us who preach at Christmastime face a real challenge. In many ways, it's the greatest opportunity for us to present the good news of the gospel of the grace of God.
And that's true. But if, like me, you've preached about Christmas over many years, You may be tempted to say something creative or cool or novel, but in an attempt to be different. I don't know how many times I'll be speaking this Christmas. As well as our services at Calvary on Sunday mornings, I will be speaking at our school, our child development center, and, of course, on Christmas Eve. What more can I say about shepherds and wise men and no room in the inn?
How can I get away from the clichés of the reason for the season and so on. Will I induce guilt on those who only come to a service at Christmas Eve? How many times can I tell people it's possible to get caught up in all of the trampings of Christmas and miss the Saviour? The answer? is the living word of God.
My task as a preacher is to point people to the Lord Jesus. And as he's lifted up, He will draw all kinds of people to himself. Our Saviour is unique in human history. He's the central figure of all human history and of all of eternity. He is the creator and sustainer of all things and the goal of all things.
At Christmas, we celebrate that when he comes, he will He does not come to condemn us or judge us, but rather that through him we might be saved. A glorious.
So as you anticipate another Christmas, Rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. May we Like his disciples, see his glory. The one who is full of grace. and truth. Avizando.
You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is senior pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms. For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com slash the verdict.
