'Tis the Season: The Proclamation of Christmas

Over the next four Sundays, the 4th being Christmas, we will be in a mini-series called ‘Tis the Season”. The four messages are “The Promise of Christmas”, “The Purpose of Christmas”, “The Proclamation of Christmas” and on Christmas morning, “The Christmas Presents”.

Luke 2:1–20 (NASB)

1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” 15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

The Proclamation of Christmas:

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NASB)

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

John 3:16–17 (NASB)

16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

The Good News is you.

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

The Good News is the them.

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

We can be saved from our sins.

11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Matthew 1:21 (NASB)

21 “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Past, Present and Future Sins.

The penalty of sin.

Peace with God!

14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Romans 6:23 (NASB)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The presence of sin.

Galatians 5:24 (NASB)

24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

The problem of sin.

Peace of God!

14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Revelation 21:4 (NASB)

4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

14 “...on earth peace ....”

We can be saved from our stress.

10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news...

What are stressors? Fear. Anxiety. Worry. Doubt. Frustration. Anger. Pressure. All these things are forms of stress.

Fear was the manifestation of the stress for the Shepherds.

We can be saved from our sorrow.

10 But the angel said to them ...I bring you good news of great joy ...

Revelation 21:4 (NASB)

4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

We are saved to share!

17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.

How are you going to respond today?

15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.

19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen...

Memory Verse of the Week:

John 3:16–17 (NASB)

16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

Bible Study Questions:

What does this Scripture teach us about God?

What does this Scripture teach us about ourselves?

What does this Scripture teach us about the world?

Do you see any commands to obey or principles to apply?

Do you see any promises to claim or blessings to enjoy?

Do you see any truths to meditate on or Gospel messages to share?

Did anything else in the passage stick out to you?