The Myth of Bethlehem Where does the Christmas story start? Matthew 1, Luke 1, John 1, John 8:51-59 Matthew 1-2: Mark 1: Luke 1-2: John 1: The real beginning of Christmas: Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 3:14-15, Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 15:18-21, 2 Samuel 7:12-16, Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:1-4, Colossians 1:15-23 Genesis 1: Genesis 3: Genesis 12: 2 Samuel 7: Isaiah 9:6-7: Micah 5:1-4: Getting a much BIGGER picture of Christmas: The Book: The Land: The best way to connect with us is the Connection Card in the bulletin. For the Digital Bulletin, visit myncc.info. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Support Our Ministry If you found this message beneficial and you would like to help continue our ministries, we would be grateful for your support. Go to northcoastchurch.com/give ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Food for Thought for the week of December 19, 2021 Chris painted a picture of how God began long ago to orchestrate the Christmas story. God demonstrates a great patience in His plan to rescue us from sin. What do you learn about God’s patience from the passages below? 2 Peter 3:8-9 New International Version (NIV) 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Psalm 103:8 New International Version (NIV) 8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 1 Timothy 1:16 New International Version (NIV) 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Patience is something that we also need to be better at. How do the following passages encourage you to be patient? Proverbs 14:29 New International Version (NIV) 29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. Ephesians 4:2 New International Version (NIV) 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Galatians 6:9 New International Version (NIV) 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. The definition of the word rescue is, “a strategy or procedure, planned in advance, to retrieve safely a person who has fallen.” Isn’t that a great picture of what God is doing through His son Jesus Christ? God’s rescue plan to save us spans the entire Bible and thousands of years. Take some time to read Titus 3:3-7 and take in the way it captures the essence of God’s rescue plan. Then, thank Him for what He’s done for you. Titus 3:3-7 New International Version (NIV) 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.