ADVENT IV- SPECIAL CHILDREN SERVICE with Kevin Harvey

"An encounter with the Christmas child" By Kevin harvey

Christmas time is a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Today "Advent 4 liturgy" is the inspiration for my message. Remember back to the Christmas of your childhood of opening some precious gift.

The anticipation the night before.

The Joy of playing with it

The appreciation and finally sharing of it.

How much more did the nation of Israel long or anticipate the promised Christchild, the Messiah. (Isiah)

And when he was revealed, those who were looking for him rejoiced, example, Simon, (luke 2 vs 25) and Anna, luke 2 vs 36

People were filled with Joy so much that they couldnt help but share it. examples: The shepherds revealed it to many folks. ( Luke 2 vs 20)

Finally all who had a personal encounter with Christ were indeed changed, ie, born again, with the message of love this gift we celebrate at Christmas, And this gift to all mankind not just to Israel is "The Gospel"



Luke 2 vs 8-20/1 25-35

The gift of Christmas is a costly one. It costs the Father (John 3-vs 16) It cost Mary, (John 19 vs 25-27) Christ coming brought salvation to mankind. It cost Jesus his life (John 19 vs 30)

Its cost to us.... free "free given, freely received"

Christ is the gift of hope, when we receive Him!

Sadly, many don't receive Christ, they blaspheme Him, and outright reject Him. Would we do that with an earthly present? Would you despise the gifts your parents give you at Christmas? Well, the greatest gift of all was presented

to mankind in the person of Jesus Christ.

This Christmas when you and your family celebrate with all your traditions, remember the greatest of all gifts, Christ Jesus!! Share Him, Honor Him, with your family and friends.... illustration Keith and the creche. The gift is more than Christs birth, though it began there; it is His life, death, burial, and Praise God, His ressurection!

All the other prophets, or leaders of the other worlds religions are dead and in the grave, but Christ was raised from the dead and when we receive the gift of Christmas, we receive eternal life. Receive Him into your heart and life today and may His love permeate your life!


Merry Christmas!!