Christmas symbols and characters are attractive on everyone’s eyes. But unless we discover their meaning and understand the stories behind them, they will remain as mere decorations. Let us therefore reflect with four usual symbols and characters of Christmas and see if we can get valuable lessons from them so we can celebrate this season better.
I– THE NATIVITY
Mat 2:6 ’But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’
Luk 2:7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
1. The nativity depicts the story of the Prince of heaven who abandoned His throne, stripped off his attributes of deity and was born as a child in manger at Bethlehem so he can be identified with his own people by personally living among them
2. As the birth of Christ makes Bethlehem among the landmarks of the world, the birth and propagation of Christianity will make a great impact to any place of the world.
3. As the birth of Christ makes a new meaning to the lowly manger, we can also find our own worth by allowing Jesus to be born in the manger of our hearts.
II - THE STAR (MAT 2: 1-12)
Mat 2:1 Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking,
Mat 2:2 "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him."
S - SEEK GOD WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART
T - TRAVEL THE JOURNEY OF FAITH
A - ADORE THE LORD JESUS OUR SAVIOUR
R - REPOND AND OBEY GOD’S WORD
1. When Jesus was born, the world full of darkness found the light. Peace hope and love can only come through the birth of Jesus in our own heart.
2. The star of Christmas lead those wise men to the Lord…You too can be called star on your own right if you lead someone to Jesus.
3. Before finding Christ, the wise men need the light of the star outside as a guide, but when they found Jesus, the light is already shining within their hearts. Hence, they can hear the voice of God.
III– THE GIFT S
Mat 2:11 They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
GOLD - JESUS IS OUR KING
FRANKINCENSE - JESUS IS OUR HIGH PRIEST
MYRRH - JESUS IS OUR SAVIOUR
1. The wise men gave their symbolic gifts to Christ, but the gifts they gave told us that God is the one who gave the best and greatest gift for us.
IV – THE SHEPHERDS
Luk 2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
Luk 2:9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Luk 2:10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Luk 2:11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Luk 2:12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Luk 2:16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
Luk 2:17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
Luk 2:18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
1. When royal kings and famous people announce the birth of their child, they usually includes only the elite people on their list. But when God announce the birth of His son, it was proclaim by heavenly angels to the lowly shepherd. This prove us that there is no discrimination in God.
2. If God regards the poor shepherd of Bethlehem, then He is concern with ordinary people like you and me.
3. Being shepherd is one of the most boring works during the biblical times but not until they found Christ on the manger . Boring life can be transformed into exciting once you find the real reason for living.
4. Divine revelation and enlightenment can come not only in the in sacred temples but while we are doing our every day duties in our work place. Keep your ears open to God’s message because he can send his angels to give us his word while we are doing our duties every day.
5. If God can use an ordinary shepherd to become evangelist, why not an educated engineer, or nurse to become a preacher? When God calls and uses people, our efficiency always depend on our willingness and obedience
6. Seminaries and bible colleges makes professional preachers, but hearing the voice of God in a personal way makes the difference. Personal experience with God put fire on message of the shepherd. Because of that everybody were thrilled, amazed and believed
7. God is still on the business of promoting shepherds into ambassador for those who don’t care whether or not there’s salary increase
CONCLUSION:
THERE ARE THREE REACTION TO THE NEWS OF CHRIST BIRTH
1. THE REACTION OF HATRED AND HOSTILITY – HEROD
2. THE REACTION OF INDIFFERENCE – THE CHIEF PRIEST AND SCRIBES
3. THE REACTION OF ADORING WORSHIP
What is your personal reaction to Christ’s Birth today?
If you have been blessed, encouraged or inspired by this sermon then it’s your turn to be an encouragement too. You can do it by sending email to this contributor at spy2rb@yahoo.com or post comment on the discussion box below.
