Sermon Notes: 11 Dec 2022
The holiday season is, for many people, one of the most depressing times of the year.
In fact, the suicide rate is higher between Thanksgiving and New Years than at any other time of year. Add to that the struggles we all have faced over the last couple years.
It is easy to get so caught up in the preparations and the festivities, and even the pain we may feel in our hearts, that we forget the real meaning of the season.
Gallup poll to Americans about their most important criteria for judging personal success.
- Good health – 58%
- Enjoyable job – 49%
- A happy family – 45%
- A good education – 39%.
- Peace of mind – 34%
- Good friends – 25%
Material items like unlimited money, a luxury car, or an expensive home brought up the rear. I found it interesting that one of the top five qualities of a “successful life” was peace of mind.
Luke 2:1-14 (kjv)
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
This can be “The Best Christmas Ever” when we receive the message the Heavenly choir proclaimed a…
1. Soothing Message of Peace
Luke 2:10a (KJV) And the angel said unto them, Fear not:
Luke 2:10a (NKJV) Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid…”
All through the Scripture we are told to “not be afraid!”
Luke 1:13 (NKJV) But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
Luke 1:30 (NKJV) Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Matthew 28:5 (NKJV) But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Matthew 28:10 (NKJV) Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
God doesn’t want you to be afraid.
Ephesians 3:12 (NLT) Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldy and confidently (fearlessly – Living Bible) into God’s presence, assured of his glad welcome.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
This can be “The Best Christmas Ever” when we receive the message the Heavenly choir proclaimed a…
2. Salvation Message
Luke 2:10b-11 (NKJV) Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Threefold title given to Jesus:
- Savior – Deliverer;
- Pictures Him as the sacrifice. (Ill. The cross)
- Christ – The Anointed One, the Son of God.
- Pictures Him as the fulfilment of all the promises and prophecies beginning at Eden, Gen. 3:15. (Ill. The ribbon of blood!)
- Lord – Sovereign God!
- The One to be served, worshiped and adored!
Isaiah 9:6-7 (nlt)
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
John 14:27 (nlt)
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
