Sermons on Bethlehem:

How The Grinch Almost Stole Christmas Series

Contributed by Rick Pendleton on Jan 5, 2015

Who could hate Christmas. A poor teenage bride her husband are forced to make a long trip. With no place to stay but a barn, the girl gives birth to a son. But there was a Grinch in Bethlehem who tried to steal the first Christmas.

How the Grinch (ALMOST) Stole Christmas Play clip from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” first few lines You hear that story and you think that must be make believe because who could hate Christmas. What is to hate? A sweet little poor teenage bride her husband are forced to make a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Birth Announcement

Contributed by Jeff Waibel on Sep 24, 2016

2,000 years ago everyone was watching the Roman empire, but the most important event happened in a stable in the little town of Bethlehem. A baby was born and the birth was so important the birth announcement was sent 700 years earlier.

So I am reading War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy right now. When you undertake some task as crazy as reading War and Peace, you have to work it into conversations as often as you can. Anyway, War and Peace is set during the Napoleonic wars from about 1803-1815. The book really makes the point that ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7, Isaiah 4:12-16

Denomination: *other

"Two Miracles, Two Expecting”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Dec 16, 2021

“Expecting” is the word we use when a woman is pregnant. Mary and Elizabeth are miraculously expecting a baby. God's plan for the salvation of humanity and the defeat of Satan's authority enter human history at Bethlehem. Includes a quote from Josh McDowell.

In Jesus Holy Name December 19, 2021 Text: Luke 1:39,56 Redeemer “Two Miracles, Two Expecting” Some of you had the good fortune of attending a baby shower last Sunday after church. Baby showers are joyous occasions. Everyone celebrates the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39

Denomination: Lutheran

Missing Christmas: The Innkeeper Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Nov 8, 2021

We’re doing this little three-part series entitled The Characters of Christmas in order to see the magic of Christmas in the faces of those who first experience its warmth and joy.

No one wants to miss Christmas. “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose” – who would want to miss such a magical experience? But how do you get the most out of Christmas – the full experience of Christmas? Yes, you’ll watch your favorite Christmas movies, and you’ll ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Over The River And Through The Wood Series

Contributed by Jeff Armbrester on Dec 22, 2004

The theme is final preparations. This worship experience will focus on the excitement and stress of the final week before the big event. Mary and Joseph had to make a long journey to Bethlehem. We have last-minute shopping and dinner plans to make. And in

The Crandles are not as bad as we thought. They have decided to have a Merry Christmas by putting forth the effort to get along and enjoy each other. What about you? How are your Christmas plans coming? Are you getting excited? Or, is worry and fear getting a grip on you? As you travel “Over the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Methodist

The Real Heart Of Christmas

Contributed by Warren Lamb on Nov 11, 2006

The real Christmas story begins long before the birth of that baby boy in Bethlehem; it begins in a place called Heaven, the home of God. Something took place in the mind and heart of God that made it all possible. That something is what was expressed by

It was Christmas Eve, 1910. General William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army in London, England was near the end of his life. His health was poor, and he was going to be unable to attend the Army’s annual convention. Booth had become an invalid, and his eyesight was failing him. No one knew ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:4-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Cradle That Rocked The World

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 8, 2014

Paul said this God-Man was “Preeminent,” which means UNRIVALED, UNEQUALED, MATCHLESS, & UNSURPASSED 4. That’s why when He was born in Bethlehem, His was the “Cradle that Rocked the World.”

THE CRADLE THAT ROCKED THE WORLD Colossians 1:15-21 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: THE UNSELFISH REQUEST 1. The Santa Claus at the shopping mall was very surprised when a Emily, young lady aged about 20 years old walked up and sat on his lap. 2. Now, we all know that Santa doesn't usually take requests ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-21

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Everyday Prophets - Amos Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Jan 21, 2021

Amos was a shepherd who lived outside of Bethlehem. He also was a “dresser of sycamore trees” which no one knows the meaning. This was a prosperous time in Israel’s history, but they were morally bankrupt, worshipping the gods of weather, sex and war.

Everyday Prophets – Amos January 24, 2021 Amos was a shepherd who lived outside of Bethlehem. He also was a “dresser of sycamore trees” which no one knows the meaning. ? This was a prosperous time in Israel’s history, but they were morally bankrupt, worshipping the gods of weather, sex and ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:12-15, Amos 5:21-24, Acts 16:25-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Preparing To Meet The Master Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Aug 6, 2020

Much had changed since Naomi and Ruth left Moab for Bethlehem. Ruth had found favor in the eyes of Boaz, but yet she lacked security for the future. She made preparations for a meeting that would change her future.

Preparing to Meet the Master Ruth 3:1-6 We can’t begin to imagine the excitement Ruth and Naomi must’ve felt at this time. Moab had dealt very bitterly with them, leaving little hope for the future. Upon returning to Bethlehem, God had shown Himself mighty in their situation and was ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Good News.... Peace For Your Soul

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Dec 15, 2017

The sermon is about the "Peace" offered by faith in Jesus verses the fear that comes into our daily lives. What is the "peace" the angels offered the shepherds at Bethlehem? (some quotes from Max Lucado in "Fearless" Includes a story about "Noel"

In Jesus Holy Name December 17, 2017 Advent III Text: Luke 2:10, 14 Redeemer “Good News…Peace For Your Soul” Today is our Children’s Christmas Program. The program this year is based on ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Advent Iii "Surprises From God, Remove The Impossible”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Dec 17, 2024

Mary and Elizabeth had a surprise from God. Both became expectant mothers. It was part of God's ultimate plan to reclaim His creation from the grasp of Satan, after the failure in Eden. At Bethlehem God launched a mighty counteroffensive that started with a tiny baby boy named Jesus.

In Jesus Holy Name December 22, 2024 Text: Luke 1:35-37 Redeemer “Surprises From God, Remove the Impossible” Luke chapter 1 tells us the story of two expectant mothers, Elizabeth and Mary. Both of their pregnancies were a surprise. Both are ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:35-45, John 1:14

Denomination: Lutheran

Jesus Is The Prince Of Peace

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Jan 12, 2022

Isaiah 59:8 states, The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. (NIV) These words could be said about Bethlehem in the time of Jesus. And about our world today. Yet into this world has come the One described in Isaiah 9:6, the Prince of Peace.

Alba 1-2-2022 PRINCE OF PEACE Isaiah 9:6 We live in a world that is unable to stay at peace. We hope for it every new year. But every year disappoints, fulfilling our Lord's words that there will always be wars and rumors of war. Yet, there was in history a moment when the promise of peace ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don’t Keep Christ In Christmas

Contributed by David Roth on Jan 25, 2015

Advent 1 (B) Christ is more than a baby born in Bethlehem, He is King of all. We should not confine worship of Christ to the holiday only, nor failure to recognize Him as more than just a baby, but as God and Lord who will return as Judge.

“Don’t keep Christ in Christmas” J. J. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. Thanksgiving is over, and Advent is here. But our Gospel reading today presents us with Mark’s ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

The Testimony Of The Shepherds Series

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Dec 17, 2022

A few miles outside of Bethlehem some shepherds had gathered their sheep together for the night. Luke tells us that just when everyone was settling down and getting warm around their fires the skies suddenly opened up. Suddenly, it was no longer a silent night.

Alba 12-18-2022 THE TESTIMONY OF THE SHEPHERDS Luke 2:8-20 Two young boys were spending the night at their grandparents' house the week before Christmas. At bedtime, the two boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers. The younger one began praying at the top of his lungs: "I PRAY ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Are You Looking For In The Newborn King?

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Dec 17, 2004

From the first declaration of a coming deliverer to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15 the hearts of men looked longingly for the Promised One. Each looked for something different in the Messiah. When Christ was born in Bethlehem Israel did not receive what the

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN THE NEWBORN KING? MATTHEW 2:1-2, 11 INTRODUCTION: With the proclamation of the wise men, “Where is he that is born the king of the Jews?”, all the prophecies of the coming Messiah were brought to mind in the nation of Israel. From the first declaration of a coming ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist