Why The World Needs Christmas

Why the World Needs Christmas

Introduction

Christmas brings a lot of stress – emotional and financial Decorations, gifts, gatherings, travel. Sometimes we might be tempted to just skip it. John Grisham’s book Skipping Christmas was made into a movie called Christmas With the Kranks. The lesson learned was that Even if you were to try – you probably can’t skip Christmas. I don’t think we ought to. If there ever was a time when the world needs Christmas, it is now. Not the commercial trappings of the season- the reality and wonder of the truth of the season.

“I find this a great mystery and a great wonder. God has been here on this planet in person. What we are celebrating is not the feast of jolly old Father Christmas or good King Wenceslaus, or a beautiful fairy tale. We are celebrating the visit of God. How marvelous!” ~ J. B. Philips

There are many reasons why the world needs Christmas – the true meaning of Christmas. The world needs Christmas because the world needs to know that…

1. God Came Looking For Us.

John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Many world religious have a concept of God that is elusive – try really hard, follow the steps and perhaps one day you will find him. Even if you miss him in this life you can find him in the next life. Christianity presents a very different idea. God is looking for you. He revealed himself to us. He came before we could even look for him. He is not hiding – he wants to be known, found.

2. God Loves Us.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

If we ever wondered what the motive of God was in sending his son, here it is. He loves us. He wants to live with us forever. So many feel unloved and alone. I know life can be hard and leave us feeling empty. But always know that if Christmas teaches us anything, it lets us know that we are not alone, we are loved deeply. If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. - Max Lucado

3. God Understands Us.

Whatever we experience in this life is understood by God because he has been here … been one of us.

Hebrews 4:14-15 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

When we feel lonely, that others are not treating us right, that temptation is so strong, that we are struggling – Jesus can say, “I know what that’s like.” His very name … Immanuel – means “God With Us”

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

4. God Can Do Anything

Gabriel said to Mary, "And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:35-37)

Luke 1:37 NIV For no word from God will ever fail.

The story of the birth of John Baptist is an amazing miracle. Elizabeth was barren, yet Mary is told that Elizabeth is going to have a child. Her husband didn’t believe it and was unable to speak until John was born!

Also amazing is the virgin birth of Jesus. A virgin birth is physically, naturally impossible. This is one of the most significant signs that God ever gave his people.

Today in the church we are often burdened down with so many religious things that we forget to believe that God is at work among us. What is He doing? I don’t know. How is He going to see us through? I don’t know. Can God use us to accomplish His will? Our God can do anything !

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.