A Baby Changes Everything
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | December 22, 2024
Turn to Micah 5:2 and Matthew 1:18-25. Today’s message, "A Baby Changes Everything," won’t keep you long—the Lord wouldn’t be pleased without a gospel word this Christmas. No services tonight or Wednesday; next Sunday, our assistant pastor brings "Resolutions Sunday" to close 2024. Micah 5:2 says: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Matthew 1:18-25 reads: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” Let’s pray: Father, thank You for this Christmas service, this host, the singing—bless every part. As we ponder “A Baby Changes Everything,” don’t let anyone here or online miss salvation’s gift. Thank You for Kelsey’s faith this morning. Save others, help me preach, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Changing the Focus of History
A baby changes everything—ask any parent. When Faye and I welcomed Tim, then Scott, our focus shifted: time, talents, treasures, all captured by them. But one baby, born over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem Ephratah, changed the world forever. Micah prophesied a ruler from eternity; Matthew shows His birth split history. Before Christ (BC) and Anno Domini (AD)—“in the year of our Lord”—mark time globally, even for unbelievers. Some swap BC for BCE (Before Common Era) and AD for CE, dodging Christ, but His impact endures, transcending culture and religion. This baby’s power reshaped history’s focus—past and unfolding. More vitally, He changes our relationship with God. Matthew says He’d “save his people from their sins”—Romans 3:23 confirms all have sinned. First John 5:12 says, “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” Acts 4:12 and John 14:6 affirm no salvation apart from Jesus—Emmanuel, God with us. You must focus on Him.
Changing Our Family Situation
Jesus also changes our family situation. Kids alter homes—adding love, responsibility, a new name. Spiritually, humanity splits into two families. Ephesians 2:1-3 calls us “children of wrath” by nature—born sinners, as John 8:44 says of some, “Ye are of your father the devil.” Shocking, yes, but God sees differently. There’s no universal fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man—only those born again, adopted through Christ, join God’s family. You can’t choose your birth family—circumstances vary, as in “Christmas Shoes”—but kids deserve love, not judgment. Jesus doesn’t always fix earthly struggles, but He transforms eternity. Trust Him, and you’re a child of God, a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). Say, “God, my life’s a mess, but I choose Your family.” He’ll welcome you with salvation’s gift.
Changing Our Future
Finally, Jesus changes our future. Romans 10 reveals we crave God’s acceptance but stumble in ignorance, seeking it through works. Only Christ is God’s righteousness. Verses 9-10 say: believe He died and rose, confess Him unashamedly, and salvation’s yours. Belief alone isn’t enough—James 2 notes even demons believe. Action matters. When I wed Faye, I didn’t just feel love—I confessed “yes” before a preacher. Likewise, say, “Yes, I take Jesus,” and eternity shifts. Pray, “God, I’m a sinner, lost—I trust Jesus, unashamed.” Supernaturally, you’ll know heaven’s your home. This baby, destined for the cross, offers a glorious future. Will you receive Him?
A Call to Receive the Gift
This Christmas, a baby changed everything—history, family, future. Kelsey chose Him today; you can too. Don’t leave without salvation’s gift—eternal life through Jesus. Confess Him, unashamed, and join God’s family. Stand with me—where would you go if you died now? Let it be heaven.