Introduction

Greetings, beloved family of faith. As we gather here today in our sacred sanctuary, we find ourselves in the midst of a season that is filled with a flurry of activities, a cascade of colors, and a symphony of sounds. Yes, we are in the heart of the Christmas season. This is a season that is often marked by the hustle and bustle of shopping, the twinkling lights of decorations, the sweet melodies of carols, and the tantalizing aroma of holiday treats. Yet, amidst all these, we must not lose sight of the true essence of this season.

Christmas, dear friends, is not merely about the external trappings that often accompany it. Rather, it is about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is about the divine becoming human, the infinite becoming finite, and the eternal stepping into time. It is about God's profound love for us, a love so deep that He sent His only Son into the world to redeem us.

As we gather here today, let us remember the words of the respected Christian author, J.I. Packer, who once said, "The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity–hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory–because at the Father's will Jesus became poor, and was born in a stable so that thirty years later He might hang on a cross."

Indeed, the Christmas story is not just a story of a baby born in a manger. It is the story of God's redemption plan for humanity. It is the story of hope, love, and salvation.

Now, let us read the biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ in Luke 2:1-20 [read text].

Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father, as we gather here today to celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray that You would help us to truly understand the significance of this event. Help us to see beyond the commercialization of this season, and to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. May we be filled with a sense of awe and wonder as we reflect on Your love for us, a love so great that You sent Your only Son into the world to save us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

As we proceed with our sermon today, we will be breaking down the biblical account, battling the commercialization of Christmas, and bringing back the true meaning of this season. Let us open our hearts and minds to the Word of God as we do so.

Breaking Down the Biblical Account

The account of the birth of Jesus Christ is a story that has been told and retold countless times, yet it never loses its power or its relevance. It's a story that speaks to us of God's love, His grace, and His plan for the redemption of humanity.

The setting of the story is the town of Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant place. Yet, it was in this humble town that the Savior of the world was to be born. This reminds us that God often works in ways that are contrary to our human expectations. He chose a small town, not a grand city, as the birthplace of His Son. He chose a humble manger, not a royal palace, as His Son's first resting place. This shows us that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts.

The main characters in the story are Mary and Joseph, a young couple who were pledged to be married. Mary was expecting a child, a child conceived not by natural means, but by the Holy Spirit. This was a miraculous event, a divine intervention into the natural order of things. It shows us that with God, nothing is impossible. He can bring forth life where there is no life, and He can bring forth hope where there is no hope.

The story also tells us of the shepherds who were living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. These were simple, ordinary men, yet they were the first to receive the good news of Jesus' birth. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them, saying, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." This shows us that God reveals Himself to those who are humble and receptive, not to those who are proud and self-sufficient.

The climax of the story is the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world. He was born in a manger, wrapped in cloths, and visited by shepherds. There was no fanfare, no grand celebration, no royal procession. Yet, this humble birth marked the beginning of a new era, a new covenant, a new hope for humanity. This shows us that God's salvation is not dependent on human power or prestige, but on His grace and mercy.

Application/Transition. The story of Jesus' birth is a story that challenges our human expectations, confronts our human limitations, and comforts our human hearts. It tells us of a God who loves us, a God who is with us, and a God who has come to save us. As we reflect on this story, let us be filled with a sense of awe and wonder, gratitude and joy, hope and faith. For unto us, a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.