2. A GENUINE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS

3. Luke 2:25-34

4. Are you having a hard time celebrating this Christmas?

5. Don’t just look at the THEN of Christmas; look also at the NOW of Christmas!

6. Titus 2:11-15

7. The passage from Paul speaks about two important effects of thinking about the NOW of Christmas.

8. 1. A genuine celebration of Christmas brings a hope for the future. (v. 13)

9. In verse 11- “appearing” In verse 13- “glorious appearing

10. His second coming will be very different!

11. Hallelujah!

12. And as great as this news is for those who follow Christ as their Lord and Savior there is something that is even greater.

13. He comes as our gracious Savior who loves us and knows our name!

14. He loves us!

15. He knows our name!

16. And all of this was made possible by His first coming!

17. 2. A genuine celebration of Christmas brings purpose. (vs. 14-15)

18. Wayne Alderson

19. “I can never forget the person who sacrificed his life to save me. I owe everything to him. I can never forget... I owe everything.”

20. Discover the joy of concentrating on God's purpose for your life so you can begin to genuinely celebrate Christmas.

21. And all of this was made possible by His first coming!

22. Let’s celebrate Christmas this year-not just for THEN but also for NOW!