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The Birth of Christ

Below is a short summary of the Birth of Christ. You can find the Christmas Story in Luke Chapters 1 and 2 and Matthew Chapters 1 and 2. 

Mary and Joseph were a young engaged couple living in Nazareth, a town in Galilee. God sent the Angel Gabriel to visit Mary. Gabriel said to her:

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 

Luke 1:30-33

Confused, Mary asked Gabriel how that could be so, considering she was a virgin. 

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

Luke 1:35

Mary faithfully agreed, stating that she was the Lord’s servant. 

Evenso, Joseph began to have doubts. Because Mary was pregnant, he wasn’t sure if he should still marry her. 

So an Angel visited him in a dream:

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).

Matthew 1:20-23

This comforted Joseph, and he took Mary as his wife. 

Months later, all the people of the Roman Empire were ordered to register for a census. Because Joseph was from the line of David, the couple traveled by donkey to the town of Bethlehem so they could register. It was here that Mary went into labor.  Because of the census, Bethlehem was overcrowded. Mary and Joseph were turned away for a room.  

They took refuge in a stable. Surrounded by farm animals, Mary humbly brought The Son of God into His earthly existence. Baby Jesus was swaddled and placed into a manger full of hay for a bed. 

In the nearby fields, an angel appeared to a troop of shepherds that were watching over their flocks.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:9-12

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven ,and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:13-14

The angels left, and the shepherds excitedly agreed to find the stable giving shelter to the Baby Jesus. After visiting the new family, the shepherds joyously told everyone about the Messiah. They left glorifying God. 

After some time, three Magi (Wise Men) came to Jerusalem, seeking out the Messiah. 

and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:2

This made King Herod angry, for he wanted to be seen as the king of the Jews. Herod met with the Magi and instructed them to follow the star and find Baby Jesus. They were to report back to him the exact location of the Christ Child. 

The Magi followed the star until they found the small family. 

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

Matthew 2:10

The three men offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and they worshiped The Newborn King. 

Soon after, the Magi left back to their country, taking a different route so they would avoid Herod. 

Other Places in The Bible Christ’s Birth is Mentioned:

 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Micah 5:2

One Last Note...

Although we do not know the Month of Christ’s birth, we do know it was during the time Herod governed. Even though we do not know when He was born, December 25th and the Christmas Season as a whole, have been designated to celebrate His birth since 336 A.D. 

Author Max Lucado observed, “ Christmas begins what Easter celebrates.”

Regardless of knowing the factual date, the extraordinary reality that most of mankind is focused on Him is simply beautiful. What is truly important is that He was born, whatever date that was, because if He hadn’t been born, He couldn’t lead us toward eternal salvation. Therefore, let’s celebrate His birth with the rest of the world! 

Take delight in this sacred celebration that enables us to honor Christ by employing the Christmas Spirit to spread goodness and love to all. 

We are Wishing You a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas!

- Torrance Church of Christ

Bible Verses to Inspire Thankfulness

It is important to humble yourself and give thanks for all of the blessings you’ve been blessed with. We’ve gathered a list of Bible verses to ponder on and encourage feelings of gratitude and thankfulness in your heart. 

Bible Verses Pertaining to Gratitude and Thankfulness:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.

Isaiah 51:3

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:20

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp.

Psalm 147:7

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Colossians 4:2

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:15-16

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

1 Chronicles 29:13

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:30

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving

1 Timothy 4:4

Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Romans 14:6

Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.”

 1 Chronicles 16:35 

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Daniel 6:10

After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.

Acts 27:35

I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.

Psalm 35:18

If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:30-31

Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

John 6:11

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.

Psalm 7:17

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Ephesians 5:4

saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”

Revelation 7:12

Because the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the Lord for the generations to come.

Exodus 12:42

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.

1 Thessalonians 1:2

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.

Romans 1:8

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.

2 Thessalonians 1:3

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.

John 11:41

We Hope

We hope that you and your loved ones enjoy a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving Holiday. Consider Who gave you all; don’t forget to thank Him.

-Torrance Church of Christ

Faith-Based Bucket List Ideas for Christians

What is a Bucket List?

A Bucket List is a list of goals, hopes, and experiences one aims to accomplish before they “kick the bucket”. Bucket lists can help clarify the desires we want in our lives so we can better work toward achieving our goals. They can provide us with better focus and motivation, supplying us with the accountability for reaching our goals. 

Now, What is a Faith-Based Bucket List?

A Faith-Based Bucket List is much the same as a Bucket List. The only difference is your goals and experiences you are working toward include also working toward deepening your relationship with God and are aligned with Christian values. 

How to Create a Bucket List

Creating a Bucket List should be a fun and fulfilling process. It shouldn’t be difficult, but you will need to challenge yourself in order to discover what you’d really like to accomplish. 

Envision- Exercise your imagination and envision adventures, encounters, feelings, and objectives you’d like to have in your lifetime. 

Create a Blueprint- Design a plan that you’ll realistically be able to follow in order to reach your target. Map out the details and embark on your trek! 

Devote Yourself- Make a promise to yourself to follow through with your Bucket List. Committing will allow you to better focus on your dreams, causing them to become a reality. 

Enjoy the Process- Seek for meaning and purpose. Take a deep look inside yourself and your values to determine goals that will be rewarding. Above all, have fun! 

Faith-Based Bucket List Ideas

• Read the Bible in a year(there is a Bible reading plan you can follow here )
• Hop on a plane and travel somewhere you’ve always wanted to go
• Attend a Christian concert
• Invite a friend to church
• Donate to your local food pantry
• Tell someone how important they are to you
• Take a trip to Israel 
• Apologize for a past wrongdoing
• Volunteer somewhere
• Go on a mission trip
• Purchase a gift for a pastor
• Make and deliver a meal to someone in your Church Family
• Chaperone a youth mission trip
• Take an underprivileged child under your wings and give them a great Christmas
• Forgive someone
• Watch a faith-based movie
• Keep a prayer journal
• Spend Christmas in Bethlehem
• Lead someone to Christ
• Join a bible study group
• Attend a prayer group
• Memorize 20 Bible verses
• Send a friend a care package
• Buy a homeless person dinner
• Share your testimony
• Attend a service of a different faith
• Celebrate Passover
• Walk the shores of Galilee
• Learn to truly not judge others

Free Printable

Save and print this free printable so you can start writing your own Faith-Based Bucket List.

Before you go…

Remember, identifying your deepest aspirations is a gratifying process. Fulfilling those aspirations can be even more uplifting and beneficial. If you struggle along the way, seek our Father in prayer. He is always there for you, holding you up when you are down; cheering alongside you. 

- Torrance Church of Christ