Morning Message
December 24, 2000
Central Church of Christ
John Dobbs
THE ENTRANCE
Luke 1 – 2
Introduction:
1. What we have read today is the account of THE ENTRANCE of deity in human form. Jesus Christ left behind the riches and royalty of heaven to be born in a most common fashion. In the course of a grand design to save the human race from itself, Christ was born into humble surroundings, lived without sin, died a criminal’s death, and arose in glorious resurrection.
The Entrance of God in human form is a part of a series of events that will be culminated with the resurrection of the dead on that last day. At this time of year, many people consider The Entrance of Christ into the human experience, and we thank God for that.
2. Each of the Gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus offer different perspectives … and some different details. Today we have spent our time in the book of Luke. The virgin birth of Jesus Christ was a miracle that proves his deity and demonstrates the awesome power of God. More than that, it reveals to us at least three truths about our Father that we want to identify this morning.
3. The Entrance of the Messiah teaches us that…
I. OUR GOD CAN DO ANYTHING (Luke 1:37)
A. Connected with the birth of Christ is the conception and birth of John the baptizer. John’s mother, Elizabeth had been barren, yet Mary is
told that Elizabeth is going to have a child. This was so unbelievable that Elizabeth’s husband, Zechariah, was unable to accept it…even though an
angel from God told him of it! Zechariah was unable to speak until the day that Elizabeth gave birth! When He did speak, he sang a song of great joy and faith!
B. Not only on Elizabeth’s count do we know that God can do anything, but also Mary’s. A virgin birth is physically, naturally impossible. This is one of the most significant signs that God ever gave his people.
C. Today in the church we are often burdened down with so many religious things that we forget to believe that God is at work among us. What is He doing? I don’t know. How is He going to see us through? I don’t know.Can God use us to accomplish His will? Our God can do anything – and more than you can imagine. Ephesians 3:20-21
D. The Entrance of Christ into human form teaches us that God can do anything…and also that…
II. OUR GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES (Luke 1:68-79)
A. The theme of Zechariah’s song was that God keeps his promises to save and be merciful to his people.
B. Even with our best intentions, humans are unreliable. I read about a 90-year-old grandmother who decided that it was easier to just write a check to her grandchildren for Christmas, rather than try to buy gifts. She wrote out checks for them to put in their Christmas cards. In each card she carefully wrote, "Buy your own present" and then sent them off. After the Christmas festivities were over, she found the checks under a pile of papers on her desk! Everyone on her gift list had received a beautiful Christmas card from her with "Buy your own present" written inside, but without the checks!
C. God’s promises to us are not empty Christmas cards! God’s salvation, mercy, grace, forgiveness, love, kindness are all present day realities for us.
Psalm 89:1-2 "I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself." The Entrance of Christ in human form teaches us that our God can do anything, and that Our God keeps his promises, …and…
III. OUR GOD WANTS TO SAVE US (Luke 2:10-14)
A. It was the angelic message that this wasn’t just any baby…but the Messiah. A "Savior" has been born. No doubt the human race is in need of saving.
B. It should be evident that God has gone to extravagant means – eternal planning – to save us. God isn’t looking for an opportunity to squash us – He
has had plenty of opportunity in each of our lives. God is looking for opportunities to save us – He wants us to live eternally with him.2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
C. In fact, you may just be here today because God is so in love with you, and he has arranged for you to have this opportunity … this reminder of his love … so that you can be saved. Luke 19:10 "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." Mark 16:15, 16 "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Would you believe God enough to simply do what He asks? After all…He has done so much to bring you to this moment.
Conclusion:
1. The Entrance of Christ into human flesh teaches us:
Our God Can Do Anything
Our God Keeps His Promises
Our God Wants To Save Us
2. A little boy named Nicholas was a part of the kindergarten Christmas program. For weeks, he memorized songs for his part in the program. The night of the program, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher. Each group rose to perform their song.Nicholas’ class rose to sing their song, "Christmas Love". Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row -- center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas", a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy", and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love". The performance was going smoothly, except for a small girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down --totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of kids snickered at this little one’s mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised. A hush came over the audience. In an instant, everyone understood. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: CHRIST WAS LOVE. He still is.
3. He loves you, he was born for you, he died for you, and he was raised for you. Would you turn him away today?
