Merry Christmas everyone. But more than that I hope you have a Blessed Christmas. And if you want to know what that means there’s probably not a better source than Linus. He explained it to Charlie Brown almost 60 years ago in a Christmas Special that has become an American favorite. In 1965 it was extremely daring to have Linus recite from the Bible on prime time television. It probably wouldn’t even happen today and the network executives did not want it as part of the show then. But Charles Schultz, the creator of Peanuts, was a strong Christian man and he wouldn’t back down. Schultz’s conviction resulted not only in Charlie Brown learning the true meaning of Christmas but in Luke Chapter 2 being heard by millions of people every year at Christmas time.

John Chapter 3 concludes with Jesus and His disciples baptizing believers in the Judean countryside. John the Baptist is doing the same thing but people are now gravitating to Jesus. John’s disciples are bothered by this but he tells them it is God’s plan. In vs 28 John says “I told you I am not the Messiah. I have just prepared the way for Him. He must increase and I must decrease.” Again the humility of a true Christian stands out. And once again John testifies as to the identity of Jesus. Vs 31–He has come from above. Vs 34-He is sent by God. He speaks God’s words. Vs 35-The Father loves His Son and has given Him everything. Then finally in vs 36 John the Baptist says it one more time—Anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life! And anyone who doesn’t obey His Son will be under judgment. In these first 3 Chapters the Apostle John has laid out quite a case as to the identity of Jesus. He leaves no doubt that this is not an ordinary man. He calls him The Word, The Lamb of God, The Messiah, and the Son of God. He has shown Jesus as a miracle worker and as one who had righteous anger & authority. Jesus has described himself as “The Son of Man” and “God’s light”. So we’re only 3 chapters in but we can see this man Jesus is more than a carpenter, more than a good teacher, more than a prophet. He is The Savior!