Introduction:
- Theme: Christmas is the celebration of God’s ultimate gift—Jesus Christ.
- Opening Thought: When God intervenes in history, He often starts with a child:
- Baby Moses: Sent to smash the chains of slavery in Egypt.
- Baby Samuel: Sent to expose sin and serve the Lord faithfully.
- Jesus Christ: Sent to crush Satan’s empire and bring salvation to all who believe.
- Christ’s Birth Was Not About Earthly Celebration
- Setting:
- Born in a barn, laid in a manger—no luxury, no doctors, no epidural.
- No crowds waiting with gifts.
- Yet, His wonders were at work from the beginning.
- Purpose of His Coming:
- To crush Satan's head (Genesis 3:15).
- To break the chains of sin and death.
- To fulfill God’s eternal promise to mankind.
Application: Christmas is not about materialism; it’s about the victory of Christ over sin and death.
- The Child Must Be Received
- Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 – "For unto us a child is born."
- “Us” refers only to those who receive Him as Savior.
- Illustration: A gift offered must be received to belong to you.
- Truth:
- Church attendance does not make you a Christian.
- Singing songs or giving gifts does not bring salvation.
- Challenge: Have you personally received the gift of Jesus Christ?
- Without Him, there is no salvation, joy, peace, or eternal life.
- Christ: Fully Human, Fully Divine
- His Humanity:
- Born under humble circumstances during a government tax decree.
- Hebrews 4: “He was tempted in every way, yet without sin.”
- He Felt What We Feel:
- Pain, betrayal, rejection, and shame.
- Scandal surrounded His birth.
- Yet, He remained loyal to His Father and obedient to the cross.
- His Deity:
- Isaiah 9:6 – "Unto us, a Son is given."
- Jesus preexisted creation—He was given, not created.
- Present at creation, the Red Sea, the fiery furnace, and in our darkest moments.
Application: Jesus understands your struggles and walks with you in your trials because He is both God and man.
- Christ’s Kingdom and Final Victory
- Prophecy Fulfilled: Daniel 2:44 – “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed.”
- The Future of Christ’s Kingdom:
- Christ will reign from Jerusalem.
- Every knee will bow, and every tongue confess Him as Lord.
- Peace, healing, and righteousness will replace war, sickness, and sin.
Vision of the Future:
- Jails empty, hospitals vacant, lions lie with lambs, and swords turned into plowshares.
- Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords—He alone will rule!
- His Name Is Full of Wonder
- Wonderful: His birth, life, and works inspire awe and worship.
- Counselor: Jesus is the answer to life’s greatest questions.
- John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
- Precious Savior:
- At Calvary, He conquered sin and death.
- He has adopted us into His family—making us sons and daughters of God.
- The Saving Name of Jesus
- Scripture: Matthew 1:21 – “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
- The Exclusive Savior:
- Education, religion, or worldly systems cannot save.
- Only Jesus can save your soul.
Warning: A form of godliness without true faith leaves you lost.
Call to Action:
- Have you received the gift of Jesus?
- Are you ready for His return?
Conclusion: A Final Call
- The trumpet will sound.
- Christ will return, and His eternal kingdom will reign.
- The question remains:
- Have you received the gift of Jesus Christ?
- Without Him, there is no merry Christmas—now or ever.
Closing Words:
- "Merry Christmas! The King is coming!"
Key Scripture References
- Isaiah 9:6 – "Unto us, a child is born... a Son is given."
- Genesis 3:15 – The seed of the woman will crush the serpent’s head.
- Daniel 2:44 – God’s kingdom will stand forever.
- Matthew 1:21 – Jesus will save His people from their sins.
- Hebrews 4:15 – Christ was tempted as we are, yet without sin.
- John 14:6 – Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.