Sermon on 20 December 2020 by Ps Justin
Introduction
What is the message for Christmas? It is a message of good news. It is a message of great joy. It is a message of grand love.
In Luke 2:10-14, the angel of the Lord appeared to some shepherds. The glory of the Lord shone upon them and they were afraid. The angel told them not to be afraid, that the angel was there to give good tiding and to look for a sign.
And this will be the sign to you: You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. – Luke 2:12
The shepherds were familiar with separating lambs and those without spots would be brought to Jerusalem to be sold, to be sacrificed for the atonement of sin.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” – John 1:29
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16
When you proclaim Jesus Christ as your Lord, you will have everlasting life.
Message
For the sages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23
Christmas is always about good tiding, great joy, and grand love.
Micah accurately pointed out the place where Jesus would be born. The prophet Isaiah also prophesized the birth of Jesus 700 years before the birth.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to me the one to be ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from old, from everlasting.” – Micah 5:2
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6
The greatest gift we can receive on earth is Jesus Christ, who gives us eternal life. Christ not only provides unconditional love but also unending hope. The gift is Jesus, the babe in the manger, the saviour of the world.
John 1:12 tells us that whoever believes and receives Jesus Christ, God will give us the right to become children of God.
The book of Genesis tells us that we were created in God’s image and likeness. But when man fell, we broke away from God. Sin entered into this world. God told Adam he would surely die. Death here means physical and spiritual death – separation from God. But when we believe, we are saved by grace.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! – 2 Corinthians 9:15
This gift is freely given to us (Romans 6:23). In God’s economy, everything that you earn is called wages. The only thing you earn is death – the wages of sin is death. Because of Adam’s offence, judgment came upon humans. We sin and we die. But because of Jesus’ righteous act, we are saved from death. If we going through difficulties, remember it is temporary because it is a shadow. Psalm 23 tells us we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. What we want is the presence of God with us. It comforts us and lifts us up.
We are all sinners. We all fall short of the glory of God.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, - Romans 3:23
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. – Isaiah 53:6
1. Jesus reflects the Father who gave him
The gift reflects the giver. Jesus reflects the Father’s love. Hebrews 1:3 and Colossians 1:15 tell us that Jesus Christ is the image of Him.
In John 14:9, Jesus told us that when we see Him, we see the Father.
2. God gave Him knowing our needs
The gift reflects the recipient’s needs. God gave Jesus Christ, reflecting our needs. God knows exactly what we need. We are in need of redemption. God sent the perfect gift (Romans 5:8).
3. The gift of Jesus Christ holds its value for all eternity
God’s love for us remains consistent and continually available. God knew what we needed, and He sent the perfect gift. It remains with us. Rev 3:20 tells us that when we open the door of our hearts, He will come in and dine with us.
Closing
Christmas stands for the presence of God with us. Jesus is always the centre of Christmas. Immanuel – God with us, the greatest Christmas present ever! The true spirit of Christmas is Christ-spirit taking its birth within our heart.
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