From Christ's Birth to Your Purpose
Bishop Leonard Chatham
Have you ever wondered why Jesus was born? Sure, we've all heard the Christmas story, but there's so much more to it than a baby in a manger. Today, I want to take you on a journey that starts with Christ's birth and leads right to your purpose. Because let me tell you, God's plan didn't end in Bethlehem – it's still unfolding through you and me.
God's Master Plan
Let's start with a mind-blowing truth from Isaiah 46:10. God says, "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'"
Think about that for a second. Everything we see around us – everything that's happening in our lives right now – God already knew about it. He's not up in heaven scratching His head, wondering what to do next. No, He's already got it all figured out.
"There is nothing that is here that is a visual picture that hadn't already came into the mind of God and had already been done," I want you to get this: "It was already done in the mind of God before it became a reality here on earth."
The Purpose of Christ's Birth
Now, let's talk about why Jesus had to be born. It wasn't just so we could exchange presents once a year. The real reason goes much deeper.
You see, sin had separated us from God. And God, in His infinite wisdom, knew exactly what needed to be done to bridge that gap. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15, the first Adam fell, and with him, all of humanity. But then came the last Adam – Jesus Christ – to make things right.
"Because sin had separated men from God, God already knew what he was about to do," I want you to understand this: "Before the foundations of the world, Christ was already slain."
The Stages of God's Vision
Now, here's where it gets really exciting. God's plan for Jesus' birth shows us the stages of how He brings His vision to life – and it's the same process He uses in our lives today.
1. Conception
It all starts with conception. Just like Gabriel spoke to Mary, God speaks His vision into our hearts. And our response should be like Mary's: "Let it be done unto me as thou has spoken." Are you ready to conceive God's vision for your life?
2. Convergence
Next comes convergence. Once Mary conceived, everything started moving towards fulfilling that vision. Joseph had to go to Bethlehem for the census, putting them in exactly the right place at the right time.
"After we conceive what it is that he wants us to have, then he makes everything start converging. That means that everything starts turning toward that dream, toward that vision."
3. Confirmation
After the birth comes confirmation. The wise men, Simeon, and Anna all confirmed who Jesus was. In the same way, God will bring people into your life to confirm the vision He's given you.
"God doesn't leave you out here without a witness. God's not gonna give you a vision and don't keep you encouraged."
4. Conquering
Then it's time to conquer – to step out and fulfill that vision. Jesus did this when He stood up in the synagogue and declared, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor" (Luke 4:18).
"You got to get out there and conquer that thing. You gotta get out there and start laying hands on people. You gotta quit whining and complaining, stuck up in the church, talking about what we ought to do and start living your dream."
5. Completion
Finally, there's completion. For Jesus, this was the cross. But here's the amazing thing – completion isn't the end. It's a new beginning.
"When Jesus completed the assignment, he said, 'It's finished.' ... But you know what else happened also? That was another part. ... He put one foot on the grave and another one on the earth. And it started all over again."
Putting It Into Practice
So, what does all this mean for you and me? It means we're part of God's ongoing plan. Jesus said, "Greater works shall you do" (John 14:12). We're called to continue His mission.
Here are some practical steps to align yourself with God's vision:
Listen for God's voice. What is He conceiving in your heart?
Watch for things converging in your life. How is God positioning you?
Pay attention to confirmations from others.
Step out in faith to conquer your God-given mission.
Complete what God has called you to do, knowing it's part of a bigger plan.
Remember, "Because he lived, I can face tomorrow. Because he lived, all my fear is gone. Because I know who holds my future, and life is worth the living just because He lives."
God's plan didn't end with Christ's birth – it's continuing through you. So let me ask you: What part of God's vision are you living out today?
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