Advent

Our dear Pastor John sends out an Advent letter every year to the members at our church, Bethlehem Baptist, and I just couldn't help but share it here with you. I was so blessed by it, and can't in words clearly communicate how richly blessed we are as a family at this church--- May the truths contained within encourage your heart and soul this Christmas Eve Day and point you to Christ.

Dear Bethlehem Family,
I love Advent Communion. I always think of Hebrews 2:14-15. It is one of my favorite passages in all the Bible.

It connects the incarnation (Advent) with the death of Jesus (Communion). Watch the connection:
"Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

Incarnation---at our side.
Condemnation---in our place.
Liberation---from our fears.

Incarnation at our side.
"Since therefore the children share in the flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things."

We are human. Therefore, the Son of God partakes of the same nature. This is incarnation. The immortal, eternal Son takes on flesh and blood. Amazing. He is now and always will be the God-man. Why did he "partake" of our nature?

Because otherwise he would not have been able to die.

Condemnation in our place.
"...that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil."

He came to die. God cannot die. But a God-man can die. He came to die because we stood condemned by Satan because of our sins. His accusation was just.

But when Jesus died in our place, God condemned our sin in Jesus' flesh (Romans 8:3). Satan's list of accusations was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14) He was disarmed. Nullified. Cast out of the court.

Now what do we experience?

Liberation from our fears.
"...and all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

God does not want you to be afraid to die. He sets you free. and if you are free from the fear of your worst enemy, what can other fears be but troublesome gnats?

Merry Christmas, Bethlehem! Christ is with you. Christ is for you. You are free. Don't be afraid.

Pastor John


Merry Christmas, friends and family! May you cling to this Christ that has become like us to suffer for us in order to free us from death and give us a reason to live. HOPE. There is life in His name and in His presence forever more. Glory to the newborn King!