The Miracle of Christmas
Start with Bluefish TV clip – The Greatest Story Ever Told, I almost wished I could put this video at the end…the many languages bring home the impact of Christmas around the world, it’s simply wonderful Luke 2: 1-14
1. The Miracle of Christmas almost didn’t happen
a. Let’s back up 9 months
i. Teenager asked to give birth
ii. Found pregnant and not married, should have been stoned
iii. Joseph to break the engagement
iv. A man was asked to believe
v. They showed great faith and courage
b. many months pregnant
c. 70 miles, 4, 5, 6 days or more
d. No room at the inn
e. But Gabriel said, “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
2. The Miracle of Christmas signaled a new beginning
a. God started speaking after being silent for 400+ years
b. From Malachi until Gabriel spoke with Zechariah, nothing written about God
c. Israelites took great pride in documenting the Lord’s presence
3. The Miracle of Christmas was real
v.8 That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village guarding their flocks of sheep. V.9 Suddenly, (without warning, quickly) an angel of the Lord appeared among them and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened v.10 but the angel reassured them, don’t be afraid I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!
a. Can you imagine what went through their minds?
b. Ever been frightened? Oklahoma storm, blew the telephone pole over
4. The Miracle of Christmas brought salvation
a. 11 The Savior -- yes, the Messiah, the Lord -- has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!"
b. No more sacrifices
5. The Miracle of Christmas was a time for great rejoicing
a. v13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others -- the armies of heaven -- praising God: 14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors. " 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Come on, let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.
6. The Miracle of Christmas was for everyone
a. God announced Jesus birth to Sheppard’s
b. Christ was born in humble surroundings
c. God choose Mary and Joseph, just a girl and a carpenter
