Sermons on First Christmas:

"Expect The Unexpected This Christmas”

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Jan 2, 2023

As some of said, “If we expect to hear the Christmas gospel without the Advent call to repentance, we will find ourselves surprised by John and unprepared for Jesus.” So, we ask the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to the message and ministry of both John and Jesus.

“It wasn’t what I expected.” Whether you are young or old, a man or woman, a girl or a boy, you have probably experienced something that caused you to have that reaction. Perhaps it was connected to some food that you tried. You were feeling a little adventurous and you ordered something at a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Kingdom Building 101: First Things First

Contributed by Joe Harding on Mar 6, 2004

WHEN THE KINGDOM IS FIRST IN OUR LIVES WORRY IS LAST IN OUR LIVES.

KINGDOM BUILDING 101: FIRST THINGS FIRST MATTHEW 6: 25-34 FEBRUARY 22, 2004 INTRODUCTION: A parable is told of a community of ducks waddling off to duck church one Sunday to hear their duck preacher. After they waddled into the duck sanctuary, the service began and the duck preacher spoke ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Baptist

Keeping First Things First: Resisting Rules Series

Contributed by David Flowers on May 15, 2006

Using Colossians 2:11-17 as a basis, Dave looks into the second of three spiritual dangers, this one being religious legalism.

Keeping First Things First: Resisting Rules Jesus, Post-Resurrection part 4 Colossians 2:11-17 Wildwind Community Church May 14, 2006 In the first 10 verses of Colossians Paul confronts a danger that would keep believers from standing firm in their faith – that danger is what Paul called empty ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:11-17

Denomination: Free Methodist

First Things First: Know Your Identity Series

Contributed by John Knight on Jul 22, 2003

A look at the life of Daniel and knowing who we are to be identified with.

Series: When Cultures Collide Topic: First Things First: Know Your Identity June 2, 2002 Daniel 1 Introduction: Are you a thermostat or a thermometer? [Are you one who impacts your world, or merely an indicator of what the climate is?] In today’s ever changing culture we as ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-21

Denomination: Holiness

The First Shall Be Last, And The Last Shall Be First

Contributed by Craig Condon on Apr 22, 2015

Jesus says that it isn’t the religious folk who are first in the kingdom of heaven. It is those who are most open to turning their lives around who are first in line, those who take action when Jesus says, “follow me”.

It’s painful to have someone you trust tell you that they are going to do something for you---and they don’t. Many of us can tell stories about people who have let us down by making promises and then not following up on them. For example, there is a story of a young widow whose husband ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:23-32

Denomination: Anglican

The First Angel In Luke Series

Contributed by John Bright on Feb 24, 2021

Working through the Gospel of Luke using consecutive expository preaching. Luke 1:8-14 This sermon fell on the First Sunday of Advent

Sermon: “First Angel in Luke” Luke 1:8-14 A sermon for November 29, 2020 Pastor John Bright Harmony & Swansonville UMC Luke 1 “8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:8-14, Matthew 15:19, 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Peter 3:3-4

Denomination: Methodist

The Sign Of Immanuel

Contributed by David Ward on Dec 10, 2004

The first message in a Christmas/Advent series from Isaiah

“The Sign of Immanuel” Isaiah 7:1-16 INTRODUCTION: Remember the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?" Three convicts on the lam have holed up in a barn to spend the night, only to awake to find the barn surrounded by police, with guns drawn, demanding their surrender. One of the three helpfully ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Mystery Man With No Room Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 14, 2004

Today we move to an unnamed mystery man. We established that the first verses in Matthew’s gospel are perhaps the most neglected in the New Testament; and this morning we’re going to look at one of the most widely known sections of Scripture.

Three years ago I began a message with a Christmas Quiz. I recently came across some additional questions to test our knowledge of the Nativity. 1. Jesus was born in what town? a. Jerusalem b. Nazareth c. Bethlehem d. Milwaukee 2. Why didn’t Joseph and Mary stay at the inn? a. It was too ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Home (Christmas Eve 2002)

Contributed by Matthew Rogers on Nov 17, 2003

Christmas Eve message. Jesus left His home to remind us, we’re not home yet.

Christmas Eve 2002 HOME **(Thanks goes to Robert Lowery from Lincoln Christian seminary for some conceptual ideas in this message)** It’s amazing all the images a simple 4-letter word can conjure up. I’m referring to the word “home.” In our vocabulary we have expressions like “home life,” ...read more

Scripture: John 14:2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Hope Of Christmas In The Psalms Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Nov 28, 2008

No matter what circumstances you are going through in life, there is hope.

This morning we looked at the hope of Christmas. Living on this side of the cross, we have the benefit of the New Testament to give us the details of the hope we have in Christ. But I want to take a step back tonight and see our hope displayed in the prophetic pages of the Old Testament. Before ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 80:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Eternal Gifts Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Dec 12, 2005

There are eternal gifts for those who grasp the truths of Christmas with their hearts. Understanding those gifts and walking in the free grace by which these gifts come will completely change a person’s attitude toward the season which we now celebrate.

Title: Eternal Gifts of Christmas Theme: What Will You Find at Christmas Series: Grasping the Truths of Christmas Introduction: There are eternal gifts for those who grasp the truths of Christmas with their hearts. Understanding those gifts and walking in the free grace by which these gifts come ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Christmas Is About The Story Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Dec 6, 2015

When Linus answered Charlie Brown's question: Doesn't anyone know what Christmas is all about? He point his friend to Luke 2:8-14. But is Christmas all about that one portion of scripture?

For millions of people over the past fifty years the only exposure they have had to the bible happened each Christmas as Linus read Luke chapter 2 verses 8 to 14 from the King James version in response to Charlie Brown’s questions: Doesn’t anyone know what Christmas is all about. And ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

Denomination: Wesleyan

A Fresh Look At Christmas

Contributed by Eric Snyder on Jan 28, 2003

a sermon I got off of sermon central and reworked

A fresh look at Christmas Eric A. Snyder, Minister, Farwell Church of Christ December 8,2002 I have one of those grandfathers who has a great sense of humor at least I think he has a great sense of humor. He has a habit of saying things that will most likely get him into trouble. I remember the ...read more

Scripture: John 15:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

No Fear

Contributed by Pat Cook on Aug 30, 2005

A Christmas devotional about not fearing what will happen.

Luke 1:5-17; 1:26-38; 2:8-15 - No Fear Fear is a common response to threatening or intimidating situations today. Some go to great lengths to beat or run away from their fears. And some brace themselves to be strong - it was no different on that first Christmas. Four times people were told not ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

When You Think Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Dec 11, 2001

Four lessons about the birth of Christ to deepen our thinking about Christmas.

CHRISTMAS IS LOVE TUGGING HUMANITY BACK TO GOD WITH THE POWERFUL GRASP FROM A TINY HAND REACHING OUT FROM A BED OF STRAW IN A MANGER. WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORD "CHRISTMAS" WHAT COMES TO YOUR MIND FIRST? SHOPPING MALLS AND GIFTS TO BE PURCHASED? DECORATING THE HOUSE, AND GETTING THE ALL THE CARDS IN ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10

Denomination: Free Methodist