Christmas Eve Sermon 2021

This message was part of the Christmas eve service at our little church. We had communion, hymns, the Christmas Story and a Silent Night Candle light observance. We had five speakers. My part was limited to the following message:

The coming of Christ was foretold 150 years before the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians and 650 years before Judea was ruled by the Romans. The words of Isiah described the circumstances of His birth over 700 years before their savior was bornin a stable in Bethlehem. The people of Israel were knowledgeable of the prophesy and every generation hoped it would see the Messiah. From the words of Isiah:

Isiah 7:14 “Therefore the LORD himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

Isiah 9:6-7 “” For to us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”

You will recognize this passage from Isiah as the inspiration for the Halleluiah Chorus. The beautiful hymn that describes the birth of the Messiah. The last line, however, is significant as it gives us faith that God is and always will be in the details. “He will reign on David’s throne…from that time on and forever. The …Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” The Lord will make it happen! God will take care of the details.

Of all the child bearing females in the world, He chose Mary. Mary was devout in her faith. God knew she would accept the word of the Angel Gabriel. God knew she would not panic. She would accept God’s will. “Let it be done according to what you have said.”

God’s choice of Joseph was perfect. Joseph also had a strong faith in God. Joseph was also in love. This wasn’t always the case in ancient Israel. Marriages were arranged to further the best interests of the family. The attraction, or lack thereof, between the future bride and groom were not a consideration. It just simply was not important. But Joseph loved her. He did not want her to be shamed. When God appeared to him in a dream, Joseph was receptive. He believed.

God gave the newlyweds an excuse to get out of town for the birth. Rather than experience the tongue wagging of aunts, uncles, and neighbors they left Nazareth because Caesar decreed a census. They had travel to the City of

David and sign up to pay their taxes. Have you ever wondered why other of Joseph’s family who were also of the house of David didn’t need to go to Bethlehem for the census? God didn’t want them to be the subject of hurtful gossip either.

After the Child was born in the back room of a stable, God chose the perfect group to spread the word of the birth of the Messiah. Shepherd families normally assigned the youngest kinsmen to watch over the flocks at night. By the time they reached maturity, Shepperd boys had paid their dues and were replaced on the night watch by the younger generation. So, the heavenly host appeared to a group of boys, boys who were bored and welcomed a bit of excitement. They went to see this miracle and told everyone they met. It was perfect. Have you ever seen a young child with just busting with news? They couldn’t wait to spread the word.

I was talking to some good Christian folks the other day and described the series of messages I was writing on the Apostle’s Creed. I told them my goal was to strengthen our belief in scripture. One of them added “Is it also to overcome disbelief?” I wasn’t quick enough at the time but I thought about it later. It is seldom we preach to those who disbelieve. Our audience, my audience is a congregation of believers. The best we can hope for is that our messages can strengthen belief, and our congregation can reach those who disbelieve.

Christmas is more than the birthday of Jesus. It is a special season of joy to the world and love our fellow man. In order to spread that joyful excitement, we must start with Jesus’s birthday. The anniversary of the arrival of our savior.

Pray with me. Thank you, God. Thank you for sending your son to walk among us. Thank you for the special feelings of joy, and love. Thank you for the excitement on the faces of our children as they open presents. Thank you for giving us the means to have a feast in honor of Christ. Thank you, God. Amen