Pomp and Circumstances
Theme: To show that this was a BIG DEAL about Christ coming. When we take communion it is also a BIG DEAL of Pomp and Circumstance.
Introduction
As I have been pondering over the Christmas story I am amazed by how much went into the preparation for the coming of Jesus this babe in a manger. I have looked over the events and see what went into this event. You can quickly tell that this is not just another miracle that God is working to set things in order or deliver His people. This is bigger than this.
There are what I consider five stories that lead up to the coming of Jesus. Zacharias, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds and the wise men.
Similarities of Events:
- An angel appears “don’t be afraid”
- A miraculous sign (silence for 9 months, virgin pregnant, babe in swaddling clothing, the star)
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I have titled this Pomp and Circumstance because it remained me of the majestic and glorious way in which Christ was came. Pomp and Circumstance is a military term that actually came from Shake sphere. It was made in reference to the parading of the military whether it was of spoils or just showing off the military might.
Pomp and Circumstance defined: The “pomp” in “pomp and circumstance” is familiar to most of us, and means “a display of magnificence and splendor.” The root of “pomp” is the Latin “pompa,” meaning “procession,” based on a Greek root meaning “to send.” “Pomp” can be used in a negative sense as well, meaning “an ostentatious display of wealth or ceremony,” which gave us the useful adjective “pompous,” which originally meant simply “characterized by pomp” but now means “self-important or arrogant.”
The puzzle in “pomp and circumstance” is “circumstance.” We use “circumstance” today, usually in the plural form “circumstances,” to mean the context or conditions surrounding something, the place, time, causes and effects, etc., of an action or state of being. That makes perfect sense, since the Latin root of the word, “circumstare,” meant literally “to stand around.” But a dull noun like “circumstance” seems a weird companion for glamorous “pomp.” However, beginning in the 14th century, “circumstance” was also used to mean specifically “the ceremony or fuss made about an important event,” in the sense that such things happened “around” the event. This sense is now considered archaic, although, thanks to Shakespeare, we still have “pomp and circumstance.” Quoted from: http://www.word-detective.com/2010/11/pomp-and-circumstance/
This is the reason for name I this here. I believe that as a measure of celebration God set up the coming of the Messiah with miraculous events. This is not just a miracle but many miracles and attention getters. In these events as noted there are five stories which the Lord used to introduce Jesus the savior of the world. Let us look at these and see what we learn.
I. Zacharias and the Angel
Luk 1:17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ’to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ [2] and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
Here the Lord is using this barren couple to work and miracle and give them a son John. As you know Zacharias was doubtful and was deaf and mute for nine months. Yet the angel of the Lord proclaimed that this was not any ordinary miracle but this John would be special. He would be the forerunner to Jesus the Messiah.
John the Baptist led the Pomp and Circumstance and he preached the coming of the Lord. The Messiah. The anointed one, set apart for God’s purpose.
II. Mary the Virgin
Luk 1:31-33 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. (32) He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. (33) And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."
Here the second miracle we see a young woman of great virtue and purity would birth Jesus. Not just any woman but a virgin. One who had known no man. She would bring forth a son and call him Jesus.
This man would reign again on the throne of David. This was a restoration of the kingdom, God’s kingdom, a renewal of the promise.
III. Joseph a man of character
Mat 1:21-23 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." (22) So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: (23) "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," [4] which is translated, "God with us."
Here the angel introduces himself to Joseph. Joseph was afraid of what had happened to Mary. She was a virgin (as far as he knew) yet she was pregnant. How? By the Holy Spirit.
Joseph was a man of character and sincerity of heart. Yet this was not an ordinary pregnancy but she was bringing forth the “son of God” Immanuel – God with us. Wow! God had come down to be with men.
IV. The Shepherds – Heavenly Hosts
Luk 2:11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
This is the introduction of the savior to the shepherds. It took not only one angel but an angelic host to proclaim the savior is born. Again Pomp and Circumstance. This is a big deal. God was parading his son across the stage and letting people know Jesus had come.
V. The Wise men
Mat 2:1-2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, (2) saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
The final display of this miraculous birth to the world is the wise men. Also known as kings and rulers. He introduced Jesus by creating a star that was like no other. This star would direct them to a savior. A babe but a king.
Other miracles
- Avoiding of the death of children by Herod
Conclusion
All this to not only bring us to a point to accept a child but also to introduce a savior of the world.
Communion
1Co 11:23-29 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; (24) and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." (25) In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." (26) For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. (27) Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood] of the Lord. (28) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. (29) For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s [37] body.
How does this relate. Well when it comes to communion this is a “BIG DEAL”. This is not any supper this is communion with the Lord. This is a ceremony that has been celebrated for centuries. It was observed by Jesus and the disciples. Why? To remind us of his death and resurrection.
Notice what he says, “don’t take it unworthily”. This is a big deal. Don’t miss this point. You can’t just do this to do this. This is not religious this is communion with God. Jesus the savior of the world.
So let us prepare our hearts and celebrate the forgiveness of sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus our Lord.
