PARTNERING FOR CHRISTMAS? Mike Adebiyi (Ph.D.)
WHAT IS CHRISTMAS? John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. This is a process This is a partnership
ACCOUNT OF CHRISTMAS Matt 1:18 – 23 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
ACCOUNT OF CHRISTMAS But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
ACCOUNT OF CHRISTMAS Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
THE PARTNERSHIP It takes the partnership between God and Man for Christmas to happen: Active Partner Passive Partner
Relationship (Marriage) “ACTIVE” partner Mary Relationship (Marriage) Personal Professional Readiness (Virgin vessel) Purity – don’t defile Preservation – don’t destroy Receptivity (believe) God God’s word
“PASSIVE” partner Joseph Compassion Defend Protect Critical Thinking Thinking time Meditation time Compliance (Obedience) God’s voice God’s word
“PRINCIPAL” partner God Conception Dream, ideas, knowledge Vision , gifts, talents, treasure Cause (Purpose) Kingdom People Commandment (Direction) DOs DON’Ts
Lord let all that needs to be done for Christmas to happen for me or through me get done in the name of Jesus. Lord make me a fruitful partner in the process Holy Spirit, sensitize me to my role and responsibility in the partnership in the name of Jesus PRAYER POINTS