Billy Graham: The First Christmas
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Spiritual Growth

Preparing to Celebrate Christ's Birth

Advent Meditations from Billy Graham

December 2, 2012 - The word "Advent" means arrival, and it refers to the arrival of Jesus Christ into the world. Take time between now and Christmas to reflect on this great truth. We will provide a meditation for each week as you prepare to celebrate the coming of the Christ child.

Preparing to Celebrate Christ's Birth

by Billy Graham

The “Advent season” usually starts four weeks before Christmas and concludes with the celebration of Christ’s birth. Some churches emphasize the Advent season more than others, but all Christians look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth during this season of the year.

Why was Jesus’ birth so important? The reason is because slightly over 2,000 years ago, God stooped down from Heaven and became a human being: Jesus Christ. As the Bible says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” — John 1:14, NIV

Think of it: God became a man! He did it because He loves us—and that’s what we should celebrate as Christmas approaches.

Week One: December 2

Read Isaiah 9:6 — In this Scripture we find the message and meaning of Christmas. Isaiah the prophet gave five awe-inspiring names of our Lord that encourage us, thrill us, and fill us with hope at this Christmas season.

1. Wonderful. When He did His many miracles, the Scripture says, “The people wondered” (Luke 11:14, KJV).

2. Counselor. The people said, “No one ever spoke the way this man does” (John 7:46, NIV).

3. The Mighty God. He is the God-Man. He said that He and the Father are one (John 10:30).

4. The Everlasting Father. It was by Him, the living Word, that all things were created. He is the designer of the whole universe (John 1:3; Hebrews 11:3).

5. The Prince of Peace. There will never be lasting peace on earth until He comes again to reign in righteousness. But He is also the Prince of Peace in other ways. None can have peace with God apart from Him and the peace that He made through the blood of His cross (Colossians 1:20).

The full meaning of these words from Isaiah should give us enough strength, hope, and joy to face any crisis, endure any sorrow, and meet any temptation. How has Jesus shown you recently that He is “Wonderful, Counselor ... the Prince of Peace”?

Do You Need God's Love in Your Life?

Follow the Steps to Peace online to learn about Jesus or recommit your life to Him.

 

44 Comments

MICHAEL says 12.19.2012, 5:11 p.m.

My lord and saviour jesus, all thanks goes to you especially for the grace of life and your mercy bestowed upon us each and everydays of life here on earth, and i look forward to take part in your mercy till worlds end AMEN

Rose says 12.19.2012, 3:11 p.m.

I thank God for his Loving mercy and grace toward the world. I remember Christ's birth everyday of my life and Thank God for His spirit of Love shown trhoughout the world.

Laban says 12.19.2011, 01:59 a.m.

Thanks Lord there is none like you! I thank you for you for the free gift of life.

Paul says 12.5.2011, 01:45 a.m.

Lord, thank you for reminding me that your presence in my life is more important than your presents to me.

Brenda says 12.4.2011, 8:19 p.m.

Thank You Dear God for the gift of your Son Jesus for the salvation of my soul!!

Vince says 12.2.2011, 01:59 a.m.

As we prepare for the greatest event know to man the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ let us remember that if not for Him coming down to earth and making the supreme sacrifice of his Life on the cross we would all be lost souls

juanita says 11.30.2011, 07:43 a.m.

Let us focus on what Christmas really is about and be sensitive to every opportunity to share the greatest gift God gave us the first Christmas- Jesus and the eternal life He offers. Let us center our hearts and minds on Him. We have so lost sight of what Christmas is in our materialistic society with it's worldly desires for more and more stuff. Let us desire more and more of Christ Jesus.

Wee Bin says 11.27.2011, 7:27 p.m.

Suffice to say I'm just thankful for His unconditional love... That we may reflect His live and glory to our family and friends

Kathy says 11.27.2011, 5:44 p.m.

So many of my friends are choosing not to celebrate Christmas anymore due to the over exaggeration of everything that takes our focus away from Christ's birth. Thank you for sharing these words that remind us to remember the reason for the celebration of The Messiah's birth!

Cindy says 11.27.2011, 5:32 p.m.

For he is Good. He is God He is Lord. I am so thankful for his presence everyday of my life.

Jennifer says 11.27.2011, 5:21 p.m.

The Messiah..... And He Shall Reign Forever and Ever.

Annie says 11.27.2011, 5:02 p.m.

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, THE PRINCE OF PEACE: Unto You I gave year, and waited, and kept silence at Your counsel. After Your Words I spake not again; and Your speech dropped upon me. And I waited for You as for the rain! I HAVE NOTHING, BUT MY LOVE!!!

Dave says 11.27.2011, 4:35 p.m.

With other religions people seek to meet God. With Christ God comes down to meet us.

andy says 11.27.2011, 2:20 p.m.

I love God

steven says 11.27.2011, 11:04 a.m.

Thank you my Lord !

Ronisha says says 11.26.2011, 6:18 p.m.

Thank you Mr. Graham for showing us the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of God's Son Jesus Christ.

Lucy says 12.28.2010, 11:14 a.m.

Thank you for insight into the shepherds not being allowed in the temple and telling us of the sheep raised for sacrifices. God chooses the underlings to enlighten the higher ups. What Spirit in your writings to us. Thank you from the heart. Just what I needed.

melinda says 12.14.2010, 03:27 a.m.

God has done so much for me and will be the reason for the season for me. I love him dearly forever and for always Let Thy Name Be Praised.

Ghadia says 12.12.2010, 9:37 p.m.

Thanks for your wonder words. Sir please pray for India from corruption free country.

Jan says 12.12.2010, 8:15 p.m.

I just discovered this site. Praise the Lord for the BGEA's use of technology to "go into all the world" in new and creative ways, teaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. And most of all, praise the Lord for His "indescribable gift", the most precious gift of all, His Son.

joshua says 12.10.2010, 07:52 a.m.

Jesus is the reason for every day of the season Praise God Amen.

MARY says 12.8.2010, 8:26 p.m.

MY NAME IS MARY. I THANK GOD FOR EVERYTHING, I PRAY EVERY DAY AND NIGHT AND IT LIKE SOME HAVE SAID WE ARE LIVING IN A HURTING WORLD. IF IT WAS NOT FOR THE LORD JESUS I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'LL DO.

Candy says 12.8.2010, 10:05 a.m.

Thank You for reminding us what Christmas is all about, also the full meaning of this words. So often we are full of stress and sadness around the Holiday. I'm glad I have an Amazing God who loves me. Merry Christmas

Alex says 12.6.2010, 6:13 p.m.

May I know the lecture for week 2?

zeny says 12.6.2010, 05:33 a.m.

Glory to Christ, the all in all GOD, who showed His wonderful love, when I was not so botherd of my mother's situation at the hospital recently. The Prince of Peace, when I was just at peace to our big hospital bills, and proved once again being our Jehovah Jireh, everything was settled after 36 days of mother's stay(hosp) by God's grace through Christ, the living God, who never fails. . . Thanks, Jesus . . .

Aamir soneel says 12.5.2010, 04:25 a.m.

Sir, I read your fruitful sermon. It's amazing because our Savior is coming to us and we must watch ourselves that we prepare ourselves for that joyful event because if HE givs us a blissful advent time than HE also want our lifes according to HIS commandments.

sheryl says 12.4.2010, 07:50 a.m.

I'm so thankful for this site and another one I go to for my readings and learning of Gods word...I love the advent weeks. It puts the real reason back in Christmas, something so many lose sight of...I have tried to make this a big part of our church services but it seems to not be as important to them as it is to me...I even offered to be in charge of it year after year but they said no ..??? I guess because i'm a girl! Thank you BGEA and may God continue to bless you ...

Donna says 12.3.2010, 05:55 a.m.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has blessed my husband and me so very much, especially this year. I am so glad to be saved and am looking forward to spending Christmas this year in our new home. God Bless Everyone!

Stephania says 11.30.2010, 11:25 p.m.

I would like to thank you for all your inspirational messages. You have helped in my sipiritual walk with Christ in which I can't thank you enough! You are a true blessing! Happy Merry Chirstmas! With the love of Christ!

Brenda says 11.29.2010, 8:17 p.m.

So it is ok to celebrate Christmas even though its origins (including tree, mistletoe, and caroling) are pagan? I grew up believing that Christmas is the celebration of Christs birth and until today I did not know the truth behind the origins. Need a little help here!!

Awobigo says 11.29.2010, 1:01 p.m.

1 John 3 16.

Padma says 11.29.2010, 10:22 a.m.

Wonderful Scriptures, Amazing God, Loving Jesus...Amen

Gottfried says 11.29.2010, 05:39 a.m.

Today encouraging Christians in South Korea to pray for peaceful reunification of North-South Korea is needed. Only the Good News can give us hope that a peaceful solution is in sight when it looks so far away.

Elizabeth says 11.29.2010, 03:20 a.m.

WHEN WE ARE AT A CROSS ROAD AND DON'T KNOW IF WE ARE IN GOD'S WILL, AND,WE HAVE PRAYED FOR GUIDIANCE, AND DON'T KNOW IF IT IS OUR WILL OR GOD'S TO GO IN A CERTAIN DIRECTION. WHAT IS THE ANSWER BILLY?

Gloria says 11.29.2010, 02:50 a.m.

Thank you so much for this Word of God!! Its so amazing and I'm so blessed!! Thank you Lord for the Cross..for the blood that shed for us! You are Great and Wonderful..Love you Lord!!

Shonee says 11.29.2010, 02:12 a.m.

I believe in miracles.. I know God is always with me.

Cheryl says 11.28.2010, 11:08 p.m.

He is always encouraging me to have Faith in him, to trust in him. My Dad passed away last Christmas Eve 2009, and my family is hurting, but I'm believing in God to heal our family.

Evans says 11.28.2010, 6:16 p.m.

Glory be to God for restoring us back to Himself, when we decided to go our own way. Let us not lose the essence of the season- to win souls, to meet the needs of the less-privileged, to pray for the backslidden and the lost and to revitalise our relationship with God. Seasons Greetings to BGEA and all members of the body of Christ.

Stephanie says 11.28.2010, 5:29 p.m.

Thanks BGEA, its good to reflect on Christs Birth and its meaning! God bless!

CHRISTIE says 11.28.2010, 5:04 p.m.

O HOW I LOVE TO HEAR THAT NAME OVER AND OVER AGAIN, >>JESUS>>>>JESUS>>JESUS, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME.

Sarah says 11.28.2010, 3:41 p.m.

Thank you for sharing this weekly blessing.

mariamm says 11.28.2010, 3:27 p.m.

I'm weak still I'm strong because everything I recieve in my life people arrond us will say how it can be possible for her, it's nothing but by God's grace. LET THY NAME BE PRAISED.

Donna says 11.28.2010, 3:14 p.m.

Thanks for the "Reality" check!

Marsha says 11.28.2010, 1:56 p.m.

If I listed all the wonderful miracles God has shown me and given me, there would be no more room left for anyone else to post. Glory be to God.

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