God is so good
We have talked for several weeks during Advent on “perfect gifts”.
How people disparately need Jesus Christ in their lives.
Making room for Jesus in our lives.
Making sure that “no room at the Inn” is not a catchy way of saying no room in my heart for Jesus.
Most will open presents tonight or tomorrow. You will be expressing your love for others by giving a gift.
Most have a little less money at this time of the year
unless your Hallmark, or department stores
How are showing your love for Jesus? Is Jesus planned and intended to be a part of Christmas day?
Some illustrations
There was Wally- the big 7 year old kid in a church skit that was supposed to tell Mary and Joseph that there was no room in the Inn but on the day of the skit, he couldn’t tell Mary and Joseph that there was no room at the Inn.(He messed everything up)
The little boy who took baby Jesus from the outside church Nativity scene. Everyone was so upset with him and when they asked him why he did it- “Because he promised Jesus that if he got a new red wagon for Christmas, that Jesus would be the first to get a ride in it.
Every year, the baby Jesus comes up missing from Nativity scenes outside.
Every year over 70,000 people flood airports to go to Bethlehem see the birth place of Christ. Wanting just a glimpse of where Almighty God became Savior by coming to this earth.
Luke 2:1-15 Read from Bible
Luke was a doctor and a story teller but it is not just a nice story to be read.
Jesus tells us to share our testimony and story but it cannot just be a story-
While Mary and Joseph were in a stable giving birth to the Christ child- fulfilling the prophecy of the savior birth.
Over in a field the shepherds hear the proclamation of His birth.
The angel announces the Good News-Today in the town of Bethlehem, a savior has been born
The heavenly choir shouts with joy that brings down the glory of Almighty God- you will find him in a manger.
Here’s the profound words for us today- Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
From the word of God spoken into our hearts- We have to go see!
We have to investigate the truth told to us.
“So they hurried out and found Mary and Joseph”
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child.
When you meet Him, you want to be with Him.
When you meet Him, He will direct and guide your life.
When you meet Him your life will never be the same again
There has to be something with this Jesus!
Just like the song by Faith Hill - A Baby changes everything
Teen age girl, much too young
un-prepared for what’s to come
A baby changes everything
Not a ring on her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything
The man she loves, she never touched
How will she keep his trust
A baby changes everything.
Last verse
My whole life has turned around
I was lost but now I am found
A baby changes everything.
Those that have children, you know that your life totally changed.
It is no more about you anymore. It is about rising that child, or children.
For those that know Christ as Lord. That Baby who became Savior changed our lives forever. It is no longer about us, it is all about Him.
That baby- who is no longer a baby came to this world for several reasons.
Let us know what God is like.
To inform us of God’s plan
Heal our hurts
Transform us
How do you see Jesus?
Indifference- One day I’ll take Him more serious.
Rejection- No Thanks Jesus- I don’t want you to interfere with my life. It’s not good, but it is all I have and you will mess it up.
Worship/Praise- Words cannot express my love and joy for the blessings you have given me. I am thankful for your bridging that gap so that I may have a relationship with you.
Illustration-
Dear God, I have a problem! It’s me! Dear child, I have a solution!
Don’t you get it ! God desires to be a part of your life.
Make it personal, your life.
He did not come to steal your fun.
“I have come that you may have life- and have it to the full” John 10:10
“I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
I am the only way- I can change everything!
God wants you to be still so He can untangle the knot in your life.
We got our lives so messed up!
Tangled, confused, like a rubic cube. It is possible, but highly unlikely you will get it right by yourself.
We need a savior!
“For unto you is born a savior”
He came to give life- not religion.
Most people just exist, not much more than surviving.
This Christmas He wants to transform us!
All the power of heaven at His disposal. He wants to change things.
This baby changes everything !
You can read books, how to shape your life. The problem is they don’t give you the power to do it. Jesus Christ frees us from habits, hurts, hang ups.
He gives us victory over hopelessness, worry, doubt, and yes even guilt.
Jesus is hope- my hope is built on nothing less.
Illustration-
Mark Lowry, a Christian singer, comedian, talks about Mary, the mother of Jesus.
“I wonder if she realized that those were the same fingers that scooped out the oceans and formed the seas. If she realized they were the same feet that walked on streets of gold and had been worshiped by angels. That when Mary kissed her little baby, she was kissing the face of God.
He wasn’t just a great prophet.
He wasn’t just a great preacher.
He wasn’t just a teacher.
He was the Son of God. He was our Savior.
The baby she delivered on that first Christmas, was going to the cross to deliver her...and us.
Illustration-(Sermon Central)
The announcement went first to the shepherds. They didn’t ask God if he was sure he knew what he was doing. Had the angel asked the Theologians, they would have to first check their commentaries. Had he went to the elite, they would have looked to see who was watching. Had they went to the successful, they would have to check their calendars. So they went to the shepherds. Men who didn’t have a reputation to protect or an ax to grind or a ladder to climb. Men who didn’t know enough to tell God that angels don’t sing to sheep in a feed trough.
Max Lucado says that we have to stoop. You can see the world standing tall, but to witness the savior, you have to get on your knees. So... while the theologians were sleeping, and the elites were dreaming, and the successful were snoring, the meek were kneeling. They were kneeling before the one and only and in front of Jesus.
Imagine a Christmas tree without lights-
Jesus Christ is the light ! Not a light...He is the light !
We celebrate Christmas because the light of the world came into this dying world to bring light.
The wisemen had to look up to follow the star, We have to look up and allow the Lord to lead and guide our lives and those that are dear to us.
He is not a little helpless baby in a dirty manger anymore.
Society will not always be allowed to disrespect Him and dismiss Him
We will not always have a choice wither we will follow Him and accept Him
He is the Son of God!
He is the ultimate gift for mankind!
There is no better gift.
You no longer need to be in the dark!
You no longer have to wonder what eternity holds for you.
What better time than when we celebrate the birth of Christ to accept Him as the ultimate gift.
Ask Him tonight to transform you to change you! I guarantee it won’t be the same. I did not say easy... it won’t be the same.
Altar Call
