Christmas

Christmas Day

December 25, 2006

Introduction:  The angel’s message to shepherds 2000 years ago comes to us this day. What would it say to us?  It is a message which has changed this world and in fact our very lives – It is a message of confidence and joy.

I.        It is a message of confidence – The angel says: “Do not be afraid!” 

There are many in our world living today in fear – What are the fears people are dealing with these days?

A.     Fear of the future.

1.      Terrorism – We watch nightly on the evening news reports from all over the world where violence is escalating. Many fear what might befall us in the new year where near calamity can come upon us suddenly - at any moment.

2.      Uncertainty of the future – what will befall us next?  The fact that we do not know the future makes some folks immobile, frozen in the present. This is what frustrates so many – we do not know the future. But one thing we do know – He who orders our past will direct our future. The God who entered time and space as a baby will order all of our days.

B.     Worries and disappointments of the past can also   cause some to fear. Each of us has had those moments of which we are not proud. It’s easy to say, “it’s in the past” yet so often our past has a habit of entering our present so that we relive our “times of yore” over and over again as if it were happening presently.

1.      The memory of past sins, failures and disappointments can leave us depressed and discouraged. Not wanting to look forward to the future.

2.      But God has given us Christmas – The Father’s gift of His Son is the solution to our problem with sin, and with guilt. Thus we take comfort in the words of the prophet who says: “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…”

Transition: The Angel announces to us, “Be not afraid!” When our fears subside we can truly worship the new born King with joy and peace.

II.     The angel’s message is one of true joy.

A.     “I bring you good tidings of great joy.” says the angel.

1.      These are good tidings – God has come to visit His people – He chooses not to leave us floundering in sin – no, He came to defeat sin and death and Satan’s power by becoming a curse for us.

2.      Having become a curse He exchanges our misery for His own righteousness. No other gift could fit us better. He knows what we need and has given us His best. This day we simply celebrate that God has acted for us – lying in a manger, hanging on a cruel and bloody cross, standing triumphant outside an empty tomb, at the font, in the cup. Real places for real sinners!

B.     These glad tidings are for all people. 

1.      The first Christmas sighting was in late August/early September - with a Christmas display and merchandize ready to be sold - at a Wal-mart store! From the day after Thanksgiving up to today a few local radio stations have played nothing but Christmas music which can leave some overwhelmed by Christmas wishing it would go away as soon as it arrives! 

Yet what an excellent time for us to witness to our family, friends, and neighbors that what the world has been so long expecting has in fact come to be – God and man are reconciled! If a few shop keepers and telecommunications executives want to prolong Christmas – so be it!  At no other time in the year are people talking about Jesus then this present Christmas season. Why shouldn’t we talk of Him whose birth we celebrate this day! 

2.      There is now peace on earth because the Father is at peace. He is at peace with the sending of His Son. He is at peace at what this Savior has accomplished at the bloody cross and empty tomb. He is at peace to bring us home on our last day into mansions glorious.

Conclusion: With confidence and joy we now live for Him who has saved us. Be with me Lord Jesus I ask Thee to stay. Close by me forever and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care. And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there. Blessed Christmas!