THROUGH THE EYES...
John 1:1-4
INTRODUCTION:
A. There was nothing more exciting than Christmas when I was a kid
1. After searching the Sears and JCPenneys Christmas catalogs I had put in my order of things I wanted, but it was always a surprise as to what we would actually find under the tree.
a. The rule was that we were not allowed to open or play with any presents until everyone was awake.
b. Then we would take turns opening presents
c. We always opened clothes first–socks and underwear were always among the first few packages
d. But it was always tough waiting to open the final packages because we always knew that they were the fun stuff
Things likes the Creepy Crawler set
A stereo
Or the deluxe chemistry set with 7 sections, 40 chemicals, a Bunsen burner, and more than 900 experiments
B. However, as you grow older your perspective changes
1. As you deal with life’s experiences, your perspective changes
a. Sometimes I think we need to look at Christmas through a different set of eyes
b. We need to see Christmas from a different perspective
2. I suppose that my perspective about Christmas really changed during the Christmas of 1983.
a. My grandmother acquired a cold about a week before Christmas–with a few days the cold turned into pneumonia which eventually sent her to the hospital.
b. When we got up Christmas morning we went to the Intensive Care unit where we spent Christmas day, taking turns to go and see Grandma during the allotted times.
c. Finally, at 11:30 that night, Grandma passed away
d. The next day our families gathered together to unwrap the packages that Grandma had already bought
It was a tough thing to do, but even in that dark moment joy was experienced as we shared stories about the gifts received, and past Christmas’, and how grandma had to make sure that she never spent a penny more on one of us than she did on the other
C. So I began to wonder what Christmas might be for others
1. What about the Zebedee Togarepi and his wife Rhatidzo, missionaries we support, working in Zimbabwe and Mozambique
a. I doubt that X-box, or Playstation 2 is on the Christmas list of those children
b. Yet, God is making a tremendous difference in the lives of the African people
D. Through the Eyes of those who work to enforce our laws and protects our homes and streets
LETTER> Russ Rigney
As I was growing up, Christmas was always a very special time. I now realize that I was naive, but it seemed that this was the time of year that everyone was supposed to get along; everyone was joyous in the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, and if we could only spread out this special celebration to be an all year round event, everything would be right in the world. Then I became a cop.
What I have seen in my career at Christmas time showed me another side to life. Christmas has negative emotional baggage also. Whether it is a result of the commercialization of the holiday or just simply the year round coveting of another’s property, there are the thefts of packages from vehicles at shopping centers, and the loss of Christmas presents in burglaries, leaving people without the presents that they had intended for their family and friends and no money to replace what they have lost.
In addition to the thefts, and burglaries, and probably to a greater extent are the domestic disputes that seem to occur more frequently this time of year. People yelling and screaming at one another, parents walking out on their families, and increased acts of domestic violence. Emotions are stronger with the stress of the season. Money issues; crowded stores; traffic problems; worries about who to and who not to buy for; finding time to do all the things that need to be done; anguishing about just the right presents, and not to forget the increased use in alcohol as this is a holiday another reason to drink.
Lastly, and possibly the most sad, are the folks that are suffering from depression brought on by the holidays and being without a special person in their life. A lot of us take the joyous time of the year for granted while there are countless people who are going through the holidays alone. Maybe they have lost their partner in life, or a parent, or a child, or a brother or sister, and this time of year brings back a flood of memories, and the renewed sense of loss during this special time. Sometimes the depression leads to a lot of drinking or fighting...sometimes it leads to suicide.
While I want to remember the reason for the season, and the birth of Christ is an event to be rejoiced, our problems continue, and for many these problems detract from the holiday and quite often overshadow it. The enemy is still hard at work.
Merry Christmas!
E. Through the Eyes of a missionary away from home
LETTER> Brent Linn
This Christmas things are quite different for us. It’s not just that we’re spending Christmas in Venezuela again and not in the USA, but because of the political struggles this December has been unique. There has been a nationwide strike since the beginning of December, that has shut down almost all the major shopping centers, all the industries, and threatens to leave us without gasoline as well. Instead of Christmas cheer we talk about Christmas fear. Will we wake up in a democracy or a dictatorship? Will a Civil war start? Will the stores be open?
Yet I was reminded Sunday while reading the Bible with the kids, that when Jesus saw the crowds he saw them as sheep without a shepherd. I guess that’s what I need to see in Venezuela right now. Millions of shepherdless sheep searching for answers and hope and protection, but not knowing where to turn.
Please keep praying that we can show them the way home!!
Love you all, Brent
F. Those separated from family, sometimes due to their own actions, as they serve time for wrong decisions
ILL> (Here I had a man tell what Christmas was like from inside a prison.)
I> GOD KNOWS YOU
ILL> Kids recognize me from Monday School, but I don’t know them.
A. God knows us
1. Matthew 10:30
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
ILL> My mom has been talking with one of my classmates from high school about some financial issues. His picture was on his business card and when I looked at it the first thing I did was laugh. His always had a nice head of hair and now he is bald.
a. God knows us with a lot of hair, little hair, or no hair whatever the case may be
b. Not only that, but he knows how many hairs there are and how many less there will be tomorrow.
II> GOD KNOWS YOUR SITUATION
A. While you may not have some of the same struggles as Christian families in Zimbabwe or the people of Venezuela, there may be some things that you are struggling with
1. Problems between husband and wife
a. Parent and child
b. Health issues
c. Financial difficulties
2. God knows your situation
a. Not only that, but can provide whatever it is you need
b. Philip. 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
III> YOU ARE VALUABLE
A. No matter how insignificant you may feel at times, you are valuable to God
1. All throughout Scripture we see God honoring and using people and things that the world often overlooks or ignores
a. When Jesus saw the adulterous woman, He had compassion
b. When Jesus saw little Zacchaeus He was sympathetic an said, "I need to eat at your house today."
c. His disciples were considered to be unlearned and uneducated
d. Five thousand men plus women and children gathered on a hillside to listen to Jesus.
There was no food, but Jesus used a small lad who had 2 fish and 5 small loaves to feed the entire crowd.
2. 1 Cor. 1:26-28
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. [27] But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
IV> GOD WANT TO SPEND ETERNITY WITH YOU
A. A lot of times we will talk about all the benefits that we will receive as part of God’s family
1. Eternal life
a. Place without tears, crying, and pain
2. But, I want you to look at it a little differently
a. God wants to spend eternity with YOU
V> CONCLUSION:
ILL> Hallmark Cards - "When you care enough to send the very best."
ILL> There was a fellow that was just having an awful time getting ready for the Christmas season. He was frustrated by the hustle and bustle, the traffic, and the long lines. Finally, he could hold it in no longer and said out loud, "They ought to find the man responsible for all of this and put him to death."
A lady standing close by overheard the man and gently replied, "They did."
A. No matter what brings darkness into your world, remember that Jesus Christ is the light–and He wants to be the light of Your World.
1. John 1:1-4
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning.
[3] Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. [4] In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
2. John 12:46
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
3. Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
