Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

OH CHRISTMAS TREE! OH CHRISTMAS TREE

12/22/02 pm

Rev. John McCaherty

1st Baptist Murphy

Text: Lu:2:7: And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Lu:2:12: And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Lu:2:16: And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Intro: During the Christmas season we spend a lot of time and money on decorations, in fact retailers start long before Christmas putting out the tree’s and lights so that we will start to plan and buy those decorations for our homes. As we see in our text, when Jesus came into this world there were no decorations only the manger and some swaddling clothes. Humble, not to draw attention to Himself, God became flesh… In many of our houses it just would not be Christmas without the tree.

This evening I have brought with me a small tree to decorate here, with you. I would like to tell you about this tree as we go, but first let me tell you about the tree itself. I bought this tree when I was about 18 yrs old, I was living with my father and we had very little money. In fact that Christmas there was going to be no tree, dad was selling real estate doing the absolute best that he could but the market was the worst in history. I was working a part time job, and many time we relied on my income for things in the house. Now I don’t tell that story for anyone to feel sorry for me, because during that time I truly learned some valuable lesson’s.

Also this is not an attempt to make something “religious” out of a Christmas tree, just a way to help you remember all the wonderful things God has done for you…..

So let’s decorate my tree…

First we start off with the tree itself…

1. Evergreen Tree-

a. Ac:5:30: The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Now I know that the tree before us is not the same type of tree that Jesus died upon, but can you see the parallel.

b. We choose evergreen trees because while everything else is dying in the winter time this tree remains green. Let’s parallel that with the everlasting life that Jesus gives. The bible say’s that “Jesus came that we might have life” Joh:3:36: He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

2. Lights – I heard a very sad story about the lights that we use during the Christmas season this year, most of the lights that we buy here in this country are made in china, with slave labor – these lights are put together by Pastors whom have given their lives to preach the gospel, and yet have been arrested and put in slave work houses to make lights, by hand.

a. Now I look at those lights shining upon that tree and remember to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith. Not only them but us, M’t:5:14: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

M’t:5:15: Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

M’t:5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven

b. The lights on the tree should not only remind us of ourselves. But the very meaning of Christmas is the Birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Joh:8:12: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

3. Garland – the garland reminds me of a thread, much like the thread that runs through the word of God, do you realize that from the very beginning of time itself, God had a plan and weaved a great tapestry of wonders, when you look at one aspect of the Bible you may not see the entire picture. But as you study the word of God, He has prepared the plan and carried out each and every thing necessary to bring us to a saving knowledge of Jesus, to bring us to Himself.

a. Old Testament – laws, prophets, prophecies

b. New Testament- birth of Christ, crucifixion of Christ, resurrection and return of Christ