Note - This outline is original in content and context. Any resemblance of this outline with other material on this website is coincidental.
CHRISTMAS THEMES FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING
MATTHEW 2 & LUKE 2
I. THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT OF CHRISTMAS
A. How many people believe in the reality of the biblical account of Christmas?
B. Called the Christmas Story
-a cute story, a play for the children, not taken seriously
C. Many people are missing the true power of the biblical Christmas message
-the story of God’s love, redemption, hope, eternal life
-God doing the impossible
-an event satan tried to prevent
D. Things we see in the biblical Christmas message should be a part of daily Christian living
-some of these elements are repeated
II. THE LIGHT OF THE CHRISTIAN - THE STAR - Matt 2:1-2, 9
A. Many ideas as to what the star was - alignment of planets, super-nova, comet, an angel, supernatural act of God
-Num 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
-Jesus identified as the "Bright and Morning Star" and the "Daystar" in scripture
B. The star was the light of God leading the wise men to the savior
-the star moved through the heavens
-the star led the wise men to Jesus
-Mat 2:9
C. The star represents the light of God in the Christian leading people to Christ
-Mat 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
-Dan 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
III. THE WORSHIP OF THE CHRISTIAN - THE WISE MEN - Matt 2:2, 9-10
A. The wise men came to worship the King and present gifts
B. God calls us to live a life of worship
C. God calls us to present our life as a gift to God
-Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
IV. THE PROCLAMATION OF THE CHRISTIAN - THE ANGELS - Luke 2:8-14
A. The angels appeared to shepherds and proclaimed the first gospel message
Angel - messenger, pastor, evangelist
B. God has called the Christian to share and proclaim the gospel of Jesus. We are His messengers
C. God has called the Christian to praise, worship and glorify God on earth
V. THE OBEDIENT LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN - THE SHEPHERDS - Luke 2:15-20
A. The shepherds -
-immediately obeyed the voice of God’s messengers
-told everyone they met about what they had seen and heard
-went their way rejoicing
B. The Christian life is -
-one of obedience to the Word and Will of God
-one of sharing what we have seen, heard and experienced
-one of rejoicing as we continue our journey
VI. THE EXPECTATION OF THE CHRISTIAN - SIMEON - Luke 2:25-35
A. Facts about Simeon
-just, devout
-had the presence of the Holy Spirit
-had the leading of the Holy Spirit
-had discernment by the Holy Spirit
-anticipated and expected to see the Messiah
B. Simeon wasn’t disappointed with seeing a baby rather than seeing a king
C. We see the character and nature with which we must live
-holy, committed, discerning, anticipating
D. We live in anticipation of the return of Christ but will not be disappointed if we go by way of the grave.
-either way there is a longing to see the Lord
V. THE OCCUPATION OF THE CHRISTIAN - ANNA - LUKE 2:36-38
A. Anna
-Not bitter because of life’s unfairness (she was a widow)
-Made the temple her home
-A life of service, fasting and prayer
-Shared her story
B. How we should occupy ourselves as Christians
-Not filled with bitterness because of life’s unfairness
-Make the House of God and the presence of God a central part of our life
-Serve Him with fasting and prayer
-Share our story with others
