December 20, 2020
Christmas Sermon
SOME TRUE REASONS FOR THE SEASON
Luke 2:8 - 20
Introduction: We know that Christmas is a season that is loved by many and is hated by others. Yet, regardless of which side of that issue you fall on, this much is true: the Christmas season is a time filled with many mixed messages and with pagan and worldly rituals. I mean, this is supposed to be one time in the year when the world remembers the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, and every year we muddy the waters of truth by allowing the Scriptural meaning of the season to be mingled with other messages that have their beginning in the world. Now, I enjoy Christmas as much as the next person, but I just want you to be aware that there are some terrible misconceptions surrounding the true meaning of the season. To many it all about money, commercialism, and greed. Others see it as a time for parties, meals, and get-togethers. Many children know Christmas only as a time for Santa, Rudolph The Red-nosed reindeer and other equally foolish fairy tales. As a result, some children have no idea what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.
A little boy came home from Sunday School. He was so excited about learning about the Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. He was so excited that he had to tell his mother. He says, ""I learned today in Sunday School all about the first Christmas. There was not a Santa Claus way back then, so these three fellows on camels had to deliver all the toys. And Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer with his nose so bright wasn't there so they had to have this big spotlight in the sky to find their way around.")
Someone has compared Santa Claus and the Lord Jesus in a piece called "Santa Versus Jesus."
* Santa lives at the North pole. Jesus lives everywhere.
* Santa rides in a sleigh. Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
* Santa comes once a year. Jesus is an ever-present help.
* Santa comes down your chimney. Jesus stands at your door of your heart and Knocks.
* Santa fills your stockings with goodies. Jesus supplies all your needs.
* You must wait in line to see Santa. Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.
* Santa lets you sit in his lap. Jesus holds you in His hands.
* Santa has a belly like a bowl of jelly. Jesus has a heart of love.
* Santa's little helpers make new toys. Jesus makes new lives.
* Santa puts gifts under your tree. Jesus became our gift and died on a tree.
Thank God for the Bible! In His holy, inspired, infallible Word, God sets the record straight where Christmas is concerned! He gives us, in no uncertain terms, the true reasons for the season. Jesus is the main reason for the season. Allow me to share with you some of the true reasons for the season.
I.
Christmas Is A Time for Giving
v. 11
A. For God To Give His Son To Men - What a beautiful foretaste of the salvation to come: God
gave the first message of His Son to common shepherds, those looked upon as sinners. The
Savior was coming to call sinners to repentance; therefore, the first announcement of His
coming was given to sinners.
B. For Men to Give Their Souls to God - Nobody likes to receive a gift and then give nothing from
themselves in return. God gave His Son to die for sinners. If we are to give a gift to the Lord,
what would it be? There were two groups in connection with the birth and early life of the
Lord who gave themselves to Him - The Shepherds, Luke 2:8-10 and the
Wise men, Matt. 2:2-12.
We all have that someone on our gift list who seems to have everything already. They are hard people
to buy for. What do you give someone who has everything already? Think about it, what can you and I
give to God? He does not need our money. He can get by without our talents. He does not need a fruit
basket, or a new tie, or some socks or handkerchiefs. In fact, when you get right down to it, none of us really
possesses anything anyway your, “I own my own house! Just stop paying the taxes for a few years and see
owns it! You say, “I own my own car! Again, stop paying the insurance and car note, and see who control
that car. You say, "Well, I own my money!" Just let the economy crash and then tell me what you have
left.
There is only one true possession that we each have, and it is our soul. Have you given your heart to the Lord?
1. Christmas Is A Time for Giving
II.
Christmas Is A Time for Good Tidings
v. 10
A. The angel came with the message of "'good tidings" Literally, the phrase comes from the word from which
We get our "evangelize." The message of the angel was a message of salvation. He came to proclaim
The glorious news that a Savior had been born in Bethlehem.
B. This message is a message of hope! The shepherds were considered social outcasts. They were
considered unclean by their religion and were typically uncouth, dirty, and vulgar men. They were
the type of men that no one wanted to be around. They were forbidden from seeking God in
the temple, but God brought salvation to them!
C. The message has not changed! The Gospel is still a message of hope. You may be one who has committed
some terrible sins. You may feel that God would not save you. You may feel that you have no hope.
You think that you are beyond the scope of God's saving power. Well, let me tell you this morning that
God’s arms are wide open, for you to come in and be saved.
1. Christmas Is A Time for Giving
2. Christmas Is A Time for Good Tidings
III.
Christmas Is A Time for Glorifying God
v. 13-20
A. After the first angel finished his speech, he was immediately joined by a vast multitude of the heavenly
host and they lifted their voices to give glory and praise to the Lord. Host: (Army of angels
10,000 x 10,000)
B. May I remind you that Christmas, along with Easter are tremendous time for the children of God
to demonstrate their faith. After all, even though Christmas has been secularized and commercialized,
it is still a day set aside to commemorate the birth of the King of Kings! Let us join our voices with those
of the angelic host and declare the great glory of God.
C. After the shepherds met Him, this became their mission. They went about telling others about Him,
glorifying the Name of the Lord. The shepherds had spread the message but note a shocking fact.
The shepherds alone are seen praising God. No one else is seen seeking or praising the Savior.
The shepherds were praising God for what they had heard and seen. They had reason to praise God.
(How many people hear and see, yet never respond and never praise God?) What are you doing to glorify the
Lord this Christmas?
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