He's Coming To Town Series

INTRO

Isn’t it amazing what Christmas has become? How the sweet calm picture of the birth of one named Jesus has become so much about rush, money, and envy.

ILL: Listen to this parody of the Christmas season that I read this past week:

"And there were in the same country children keeping watch over there stockings by the fireplace. And lo! And was said unto them `Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that is for all people who can afford them.

For there will be given great feasts of turkey, dressing and cake; and many presents; and this shall be a sign unto you, ye shall find the presents, wrapped in bright paper, lying beneath a tree adorned with tinsel, colored balls and lights.

And suddenly, there will be with you a multitude of relatives and friends, praising you and saying, `thank you so much, it was just what I wanted’ And it shall come to pass as the friends and relatives have gone their away to their own homes, the parents shall say to one another, What a mess to clean up! I’m tired, let’s go to bed and pick it up tomorrow. Thank goodness, Christmas only comes once a year!’ And they go with haste to their cold bed and find their desired rest."

SUM: Year after year, Christmas comes around and yet the majority of people never give a second thought to the only reason we have Christmas to begin with. They don’t understand that without Christ their Christmas is just mas.

God, because He loved the world so much: came into the world, put on human flesh, and he even started out the same way you and I did, >>> yet far too many people don’t ever take the time to go and see this king -- to bow down and worship him.

A. COUNTDOWN STARTED WELL BEFORE THANKSGIVING!

1. Excitement of the Lights and the Trees

2 But also the Pain of so busy – Rushing everywhere – Anger driving!

3. Stores so busy and full!

B. THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS – WELL IT’S HERE!

1. Adults, what does it represent to you?

a. Giving/Receiving; Cooking/Eating;

b. Robbing Peter to keep up with the Jones/then struggling to pay

c. Those great/awesome family get togethers! - ?

2. To Children, Christmas is yet all together a larger difference.

a. To some, it’s about gifts – a time other than birthday but here everyone gets!

b. To some – a Visit from old Santa Claus.

“he knows if you’ve been good or bad; “so you better watch out – I’m telling you why! S.C. is coming to town”

c. So What IS Christmas to you and What Will It BE?

C. CHRISTMAS IS HERE!

1. Yes, Get Ready for and Enjoy Christmas

2. But stay in focus – Remember the 1st Gift – Jesus

3. Remember the home He is building right now based on what you and I give Him

D. 3 REMINDERS AS WE ENTER THIS SEASON!

1. He Will Come As A King

2. When We Least Expect Him

3. His Gifts Will Never Wear Out

FOCAL PASSAGE IS MATTHEW 24:30-44

I. HE WILL COME AS A KING

Jesus came the first time as a baby. In a dirty, dusty, manger that was fit for animals. He wasn’t born or royalty but into a peasants family surrounding rumors of misconduct.

They Expected a King – He came as a Servant. I don’t know that we fully grasp what He laid aside for you and I. You talk about Christmas? You talk about giving?

Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV) 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!

That’s how He came the 1st Time – But not this time.

A. READ MATT. 24:30-31

That doesn’t sound like life today does it!

1. Anyone can see that what is promised by God is NOT what is today.

2. Are you satisfied with life? Is this all there is? NO WAY!

3. In that day, when Jesus comes as a King, the Lion will lie down with the Lamb, nation will no longer engage in war against nation.

Revelation 21:4 (NIV) 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

B. He’s Coming To Town!

1. He’s Coming To Town – AGAIN! But He won’t be from the North Pole and riding on a sleigh. He won’t even be coming as a baby.