Great Anticipation Prophecy Gen. 3:15; Acts 3:25; 2 Sam. 7:12; Isa. 7:14 Preceded by a great prophet Mal. 4:5; Lk. 1:13-17; Mt. 17:10-13 Mt. 11:11; 3:11 Amazing events Lk. 1:30-33; Mt. 1:20, 21; Lk. 2:8-14

An act of humility Humbled Himself Phil. 2:5-7 Became poor 2 Cor. 8:9

Not greater than… …His death, burial, & resurrection Declared the Son of God Rom. 1:4 Made a fitting Savior Heb. 2:10; 5:7-9 Destroyed Satan’s power Heb. 2:14

Not greater than… …His death, burial, & resurrection Justified & Reconciled Rom. 5:6-10 Preach Christ crucified 1 Cor. 2:2 Glory in the cross Gal. 6:14

Not greater than… …His death, burial, & resurrection The Lord’s Supper Mt. 26:26-29; 1 Cor. 11:23-29; Acts 20:7

Where is the passage that authorizes a religious celebration Christmas? Direct statement __________? Approved example ____________? Necessary implication ______________?

The origin of Xmas is extra-biblical. “Despite the beliefs about Christ that the birth stories expressed, the church did not observe a festival for the celebration of the event until the 4th century.” - Grolier Encyclopedia

The origin of Xmas is extra-biblical. “The date was chosen to counter the pagan festivities connected with the winter solstice; since 274, under the emperor Aurelian, Rome had celebrated the feast of the ‘Invincible Sun’ on December 25.” - Grolier Encyclopedia

The origin of Xmas is extra-biblical. “Neither the term Christmas (a derivative of Christ + Mass) nor the actual celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Christ is recorded in the Bible. Early Christians did meet regularly to commemorate the death, Resurrection and promised return of Christ (1 Cor. 11:20-34).” - Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible

May we appoint “holy days” for other events? Christ in the temple at age 12 Lk. 2:41-50 His deliverance from the mob at Nazareth Lk. 4:16-30 Jesus calling Peter, James, & John Lk. 5:1-11

May we appoint “holy days” for other events? The Lord’s transfiguration Mt. 17:1-5 The day He cleansed the temple Jn. 2:13-22 The day He turned water to wine Jn. 2:1-12

Do NOT add to God’s Word The Law Deut. 4:2; Josh. 1:7 Revelation Rev. 22:18, 19; cf. Prov. 30:6 Example 1 Kgs. 12:25-33

Birthdays Patriotic days 4 th of July Memorial Day Veteran’s Day

Days of rest and/or reflection Thanksgiving Day Pearl Harbor Day Columbus Day

Days of respect, honor, and love Mother’s Day Father’s Day Valentine’s Day

Days for family and fun Easter Halloween Christmas