Christmas 2023: The Story Within the Grand Story

Jesus is worthy of the most precious gifts we can offer. In part 7 of Christmas 2023: The Story Within the Grand Story, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Matthew 2:1-12. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesGod’s Grand Story Creation – Fall – Redemption – Restoration Christmas: The Story within the Grand Story Context for Our Text Understanding the Text The Birth of a King (vv. 1-2) The Fear of a King (vv. 3-8) The Worship of a King (vv. 9-12) Jesus the King Gifts Fit for a King Gold Incense Myrrh YOU! Applying the Text Forget the past Look forward to what lies ahead Press on

Jesus is the eternal Light that shines in the darkness and gives eternal life and blessing to all who believe in Him. In part 6 of Christmas 2023: The Story Within the Grand Story, Pastor Dan Cox reads from John 1:1-18. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy Notes

The birth of Jesus is good news of great joy for all people and is a story to be shared with all people. In part 5 of Christmas 2023: The Story Within the Grand Story, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Luke 2:1-21. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesGod’s Grand Story                                 Creation – Fall – Redemption – Restoration Context for Our Text Understanding the Text Imperial Decree (vv. 1-5) Royal Birth (6-7) Angelic Announcement (8-14) Worshipful Wonder (vv. 15-21) Applying the Text Believe the good news of great joy! Rejoice in the good news of great joy! Share the good news of great joy!

Because God is with us in Christ, we can accept and endure hardship with courage. In part 4 of Christmas 2023: The Story Within the Grand Story, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Matthew 1:18-25. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesGod’s Grand Story Creation – Fall – Redemption – Restoration Context for Our Text Understanding the Text Supernatural Conception Quiet Divorce Angelic Revelation Divine Salvation Immediate Obedience Hardship: Joseph Hardship: You Hardship: Acceptance and Endurance in Christ 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Philippians 4:10-20 Applying the Text Receive the Savior Accept and endure in Christ Come along side others

God, for whom nothing is impossible, is worthy of our faith and obedient acceptance. In part 3 of Christmas 2023: The Story Within the Grand Story, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Luke 2:26-38. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesGod’s Grand Story Creation – Fall – Redemption – Restoration Understanding the Text A Troubling Greeting An Astounding Message An All-Powerful Answer An Obedient Response Power… Faith… Obedience… The Abundance of God’s Power… (Ephesians 3:20-21) The Assurance of Faith… (Hebrews 11:1-6)         The Wisdom of Obedience… (Matthew 7:24-27) Applying the Text Do you believe God can do the humanly impossible? Do you believe God can do the humanly impossible for YOU? Will you obey Him and accept whatever may come?

The wisdom, righteousness, grace, and glory of God were prophesied and revealed in the events of the Christmas story. In part 2 of Christmas 2023: The Story Within the Grand Story, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Genesis 3:15, 12:1-3, Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, and Micah 5:2. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesGod’s Grand Story Creation – Fall – Redemption – Restoration Prophecies of the Christmas Story The Offspring of Woman would defeat Satan (Genesis 3:14-15) The Offspring of Abraham would bless all peoples (Genesis 12:1-3) The Offspring of the Virgin would be called Immanuel (Isaiah 7:10-14) The Offspring of David will rule forever (Isaiah 9:6-7) The Offspring of David would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) Revelations of God’s… Wisdom Righteousness Grace Glory God is never surprised or overwhelmed by your problem(s). God will never leave you nor forsake you. God will complete the good work of perfect righteousness He has begun in you. God will reign forever and make all things new! Applying the Text Thank Him! Trust Him! Praise Him!

Because God became a man in Christ, you can have eternal hope. In part 1 of Christmas 2023: The Story Within the Grand Story, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ephesians 1:3-14. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesCHRISTMAS 2023 Christmas is a celebration of when God became a man in order that He might rescue us from the curse of sin and death.  It is at the heart of God’s Grand Story of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration.  The Son of God, Jesus Christ, willingly left His glorious heavenly throne and humbled Himself by taking on human flesh.  He lived a life of perfect obedience to the law of God, offered Himself up as a sacrifice for our sin, died, and was buried.  On the third day, He rose bodily from the grave, victorious over the curse of sin and death, and appeared to many.  He instructed His followers to proclaim the good news, and to watch faithfully for His return when He will fulfill all His Kingdom promises, render final Judgment, and then make all things new.  Because God became a man, we can have eternal life, peace, hope, light, and joy forever.  He is most worthy of our praise! God’s Grand Story Creation – Fall – Redemption – Restoration Context for Our Text In Christ, you have been… blessed with every spiritual blessing chosen unto holiness predestined to adoption redeemed by His blood forgiven of all your sins informed of the Grand Story given an eternal inheritance sealed with the Holy Spirit Christmas: The Story within the Grand Story – Galatians 4:4-7 God the Father sent the Son, born of woman, to redeem YOU, adopt YOU, and bless YOU forever and ever! Applying the Text Receive the Son. Keep Christ in Christmas!