The First Christmas

“THE FIRST CHRISTMAS” Luke 1:76-2:18

1. The PURPOSE of God REVEALED to Mary-Luke 1:31-33

• Think of how intimately personal was this Relationship

2. The PROBLEM for God RAISED by Mary-Luke 1:34

• How shall this be, seeing I Know not a man?

3. The PRAYER to God RECORDED of Mary-Luke 1:38

• Her submission to the Plan and Purpose of God

I. THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS-Luke 1:76-80

A. THE BEGINNING OF MAN’S PARDON (VS 76-78)

• This Day would be without meaning unless we relate it to Calvary—He was born to die

B. THE BRINGING OF MAN’S PEACE (VS 79-80) (CH. 2:27-32)

II. THE MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS-Luke 2:1-7

A. THEY MYSTERY OF HIS POWER (VS1-6)

1. The Power of Prophecy (vs 1-5)—Bethlehem

2. The Power of Protection (vs 6)-Long Journey

B. THEY MYSTERY OF HIS PERSON (VS 7)

• God was in Christ—II Corinthians 5:19; I Timothy 3:16

III. THE MESSAGE OF CHRISTMAS-Luke 2:8-11

A. A MESSAGE OF COMFORT (VS 8-10) “FEAR NOT”

1. For Good Tidings-Same as Gospel

2. For Great Joy-For all people

B. A MESSAGE OF CHEER

1. About God’s Saviour

2. About God’s Salvation

IV. THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS “A Sign”-Luke 2:12

A. A CLAIM-VIRGIN BORN

• vs 11 His Humanity

B. A CONTRAST-GRACE AND TRUTH

• VS 12 HIS HUMILITY

1. Grace Points to the Star

2. Truth Points to the Cross

V. THE MERCY OF CHRISTMAS “Mercy’s Birthday”-Lk 2:13-18

A. IT IS TO BE ACCEPTED (VS 15-16)

B. IT IS TO BE ANNOUNCED (VS 17-18)