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The New Era

    On Christmas day, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we remember also the significance of His birth. With His coming, Jesus beckoned in a new era for Christianity. Instead of the law-based, Jewish faith we now have the grace-based, gentile faith, so-to-speak. Because of Jesus' coming, Christianity was now available to everyone, regardless of heritage. Chances are good that most people reading this have no Jewish heritage. Without Jesus' coming, you couldn't have been a child of the One True God. And let's be honest, without grace we never would've made it either. Praise Him and thank Him today as we celebrate His first coming to earth to usher in a new era of love and grace.

Luke 2:8-12 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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.” (ESV)

 Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (ESV)

 Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (ESV)

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