Stand Alone Sermon: Christmas
At some point during the preparations for our celebration of “Christmas” we are confronted with the question, “Whose birthday is it?!” The simple answer is that it is the birthday of Jesus. Millions will celebrate Christmas without thinking about Jesus, and millions more will celebrate Christmas by thinking only of a baby in a manger or a man who lived long ago. To many, Jesus is a character in a book called, “The Holy Bible.” Songs are sung about His birth and people consider the “silent night, holy night” on Christmas Eve for a few moments. Something happened that continues to capture the imagination of young and old during this time of the year … but what? Who IS this child? How can the birth of one child, even a miraculous birth, hold any meaning for us as we live in the age of technology and seemingly endless possibilities for the ongoing avalanche of knowledge? Only when you know the identity of this child can you begin to comprehend the significance of His coming. Only then will you understand how HIS life affects YOUR life, not only today, in this life, but forever, in the life to come. As the eternal Son of God, Jesus Christ was and is Lord, ruling over all things for the glory of God and the sure and certain hope of all who confess Him as Savior and Lord! “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), therefore, the celebration of His birth, His life, His death, resurrection and ascension, all point to the promise of His return! As you celebrate His birth, remember who He IS and why He came. Rejoice in His reign over all things TODAY and look expectantly for His return to establish His kingdom. Because HE lives, all who believe in Him will live … forever!!