Simple Christmas Part 1

​This past week I was teaching my Old Testament Survey class and I was reminded that many believe it is difficult to read through the Old Testament especially the sections of extended genealogies. Reading page after page of “Asa begat Josaphat” doesn’t seem to do wonders for the soul. As we enter into this Christmas season I have regained my appreciation for the Old Testament and specifically the never ending list of genealogies. In fact they have become one of my favorite sections of Scripture. I believe the genealogies throughout the Bible illustrate one of the most beautiful truths we will encounter: “Your faithfulness endures to all generations.” (Psalm 119:90).

The reason the genealogies of Scripture are so long is because God’s faithfulness extends to “a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9). In fact, Psalm 36:5 describes it this way: “Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” Generation after generation, spanning all the way back to the days of Abraham, God has been faithful to keep His promise. This is why the Gospel of Matthew begins with a genealogy – to show that the coming of the long awaited Messiah was an expression of God’s faithfulness! In that moment the entire world was reminded that “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:23)

This Sunday we will begin a new sermon series called Simple Christmas. We will examine some of the most famous passages associated with this season. My prayer is that during the busyness of the year we can stay focused on the simple truths of His goodness. May our hearts rest in this beautiful truth – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). “For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 100:5).

Pastor Billy