Christmas celebrates the culmination of the three most important events in history—the birth of Jesus, His crucifixion, and His resurrection—without which our sins would make us unacceptable to God. Let's keep this living history at the forefront of the holiday.
Sermon Outline
There’s joy to be had at Christmastime—giving gifts, blessing others, and spending time with friends and family. But as Christians, we have a reason for infinitely greater joy. This week, Dr. Stanley discusses the incredible gift Jesus brought: the opportunity for reconciliation with God.
Key Passage: Matthew 1:18-23
Supporting Passages: Isaiah 59:1-2; John 3:16; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:10-11; Ephesians 1:13-14; Colossians 1:19-22; Colossians 2:9
It can sometimes seem that Christmas is all about gift-giving. But if we understand its true purpose, we’ll have a different experience on Christmas morning.
► “Christmas is one of those significant, matchless times in the history of humanity.”
Christmas is the celebration of one of the three most important events in human history:
The birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ for our sins.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ—our promise of eternal life and heaven as our home.
► “This is what Christmas is all about: Sin separates us from God, but Jesus has made it possible for us to be forgiven and accepted.”
Jesus …
Was the child of a virgin by the Holy Spirit (v. 18).
Was the Savior provided by God (v. 21).
Fulfilled God’s prophecy (vv. 22-23).
Is “God with us” (v. 23).
Was the presence of God on earth (v. 23).
Is indwelt by all the fullness of God (Col. 2:9).
Is needed by everyone (Rom. 3:23; Isa. 59:1-2).
Reconciled us to the Father (Rom. 5:10-11; Col. 1:19-20).
Is the means by which God sees us as blameless (Col. 1:22).
Reconciliation …
Restores our broken relationship with God through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Starts with the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin.
Requires that we understand what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Means we become aware of God’s love for us and His willingness to forgive and cleanse us.
Is eternal (Eph. 1:13-14).
Christmas celebrates …
The birth of the only One who could pay the price to redeem us by taking our sins upon Himself.
The Savior, through whom we have the gift of eternal life (John 3:16).
► “Jesus, You’ve given me the gift of eternal life. When I think about that, I could shout.”
Keep Christ in Christmas by …
Keeping an open Bible under the Christmas tree.
Sharing your testimony on Christmas morning.
Praising the Lord for all He’s done for you this year.
After Watching
Confession and repentance are important for believers. Spend some time in prayer this week, asking God to forgive you for missing the mark and to help you address the choices, desires, or temptations that keep holding you back.
The next time you see a Christmas tree, lights, or other reminders of the season, take a moment to pause and reflect on Jesus’s Advents—the one we mark each December 25th and the one to come when He will return in glory (Matt. 24:30)
