FIVE REASONS WHY CHRISTMAS IS GOOD NEWS
Luke 2:1-14 (emphasis on 10.,11)
I started my own Christmas tradition when I was about six years old. Ever since I was six I have watched A Charlie Brown Christmas at least one time during the Christmas season. The part that always held my attention the most was when Linus would read the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2. When I was in the fourth grade as part of our Christmas program for PTA I got to read it myself.
I. BECAUSE IT BANISHES FEAR.
(v.10)
Fear is the most crippling human emotion. It paralyzes soldiers in the midst of battle. It stops a young boy from asking a young lady to dance. It keeps Christians from sharing the lifesaving message of the Bible.
This week fear crippled the second largest school district in the country by shutting down schools for over 700,000 students all because of a bogus e-mail threat.
It also caused a stir when ONE person complained because the passage of scripture I read this morning was going to be read in a Christmas play and the school superintendant did not want a lawsuit.
Over three hundred times in the Bible you find the words Fear Not.
Jesus was walking on the water and the disciple were afraid – what was the first thing he said. Don’t be afraid. FEAR NOT!
Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
II Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
God wants fear out of your life. In fact I John 4:18 says, There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:
The angel brought good news – we don’t need to fear.
II. BECAUSE IT BRINGS GREAT JOY.
(v.10)
Notice the Bible doesn’t say great happiness – it says JOY. MY HAPPINESS COMES AND GOES – BUT MY JOY ENDURES FOREVER. When Elizabeth saw Mary the Bible says John the Baptist, who was still in his mother’s womb, leaped for joy.
One part of the fruit of the Spirit is Joy. Love, joy, peace.
III. BECAUSE IT IS FOR EVERYBODY.
(v.10)
It is good news for everyone; red yellow black or white. Everyone regardless of age, gender, height or shortness, educational level, the whosoever wills and the whosoever won’ts.
This is good news it’s for everyone.
IV. BECAUSE IT IS FOR ME.
(v.11)
This is about God’s Christmas present to ME.
Do you know what – God so loved me that he sent his son – that if I believe in him I will not perish – but I’ll have eternal life.
If I had been the only person on earth that needed saved, he still would have died.
You know for a long time I believed that Jesus died for us, all mankind.
But it was not until I realized that Jesus died for me – that I became saved. Salvation comes to individuals. It come to our own door.
Rev. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
V. BECAUSE IT IS ABOUT A SAVIOR.
(v.11)
Folks if I was having a plumbing problem I would need a plumber. If I was a car problem I would need a mechanic. If I was having an electrical problem I would need an electrician.
But I have a sin problem – I need a savior – and guess what – that is what God sent. He sent Jesus who is the Christ.
That’s why I think it’s good news!
