THERE IS NO ONE ELSE LIKE JESUS!
In Hank Ketcham’s comic strip "Dennis the Menace," Dennis asks his father, "Why can’t Christmas ever go into overtime?" It’s a good question. It’s a great idea! Many different dates have been observed as the birthday of Jesus. January 2 was the first we know about. Later May 20 was observed. At different periods Christmas has been on April 18, April 19, March 25, March 28, and January 6. For a long time the Eastern Orthodox Church observed January 6 and it is still the date observed by the Armenian Church. I do not believe the date is as important as the fact that we worship Him is spirit and in truth.
I. In His first coming the star announced Him.
(Mat 2:9 KJV) When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
A. In His second coming it will be by the sound of a trumpet. 2 Thes 4:16.
II. The angels proclaimed Him.
Luke 2: 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
A. This is our work now to proclaim Him to the whole world. Mark 16:15.
B. The world does not want to recognize Him. They are even afraid of saying, Merry Christmas.
III. Mary treasured Him.
Luke 2: 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
A. We too, can keep Him in our hearts by receiving Him as our own personal saviour and hide His Word in our hearts. Psa. 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.
IV. The Shepherds glorified Him.
Luke 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
A. We should always give God the glory.
1. My wife and I are often praised for our 45 years of International Missionary Evangelism. However, we strive to point out that it is Jesus who has kept us and we give Him all the Glory and Praise for what He has done! We could never save anyone or change a person’s life, it is Jesus.
V. His parents marveled at Him.
Luke 2:48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
A. We are often amazed over our children. From their first word, to their first step and on through out their growing life. We are still amazed by them.
B. Think of Mary and Joseph, wow.
VI. Simeon praised God for Him.
(Luke 2:25 KJV) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
2:28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 2:33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 2:34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
VII. Anna gave thanks for Him.
Luke 2:36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
VIII. The magi worshipped Him.
(Mat 2:2 KJV) Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
(Mat 2:10 KJV) When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
IX. Herod the King tried to kill Him.
Matt. 2: 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
X. All the people were amazed by Him.
Mark1: 27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
A. We should all be amazed by Him continually as there is no one like Him. He came from heaven, He died for us. He rose from the dead. He is our intercessor and He is coming again, but most of all JESUS LOVE YOU AND ME and He will forever do so.
Praise God for Christmas!
Praise Him for the Incarnation
for Word made flesh!
I will not sing
of shepherds watching flocks
on frosty night or angel choristers.
I will not sing of stable bare in Bethlehem or lowing oxen
wise men
trailing distant star
with gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Tonight I will sing
praise to the Father
who stood on heaven’s threshold
and said farewell to His Son
as He stepped across the stars
to Bethlehem
and Jerusalem.
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