Christmas Eve/Morning 2022

Advent Theme: LOVE

INTRODUCTION:

When we think of words that carry a lot of meaning in the Bible, one of them is the word Love.

There are 4 different words in Greek. Remember that it is one thing to say that you love someone but it is another thing to actually show it. This evening we are going to look at the fact that the Lord not only said that He loved his creation but also showed it. We see that as early on as when God clothed Adam and Eve once they sinned against God.

We see Jesus in every book of the Bible, which means we see God’s love throughout the pages of the Bible ….

Read J.D. Greear article.

This morning I want to look at 2 non-traditional Christmas passages in hopes that we will cherish the Christmas Story more than before.

TEXT:

Matthew 1. John 3. 1 John 4:19.

We see the Love of God not just in the songs that we have sung this morning. What are we holding onto that hinders us from experiencing the powerful, unending, always chasing, crazy, amazing and sometimes it seems reckless. We see the Love of God because he is constantly faithful and keeps His promised even after the constant rebellion by Israel. We see the love of Mary through her desire in the midst of the cultural, family, and social destruction and probable separation. We see the love of Jospeh in not desiring to make a fool and mockery of Mary. We see the love of Joseph in how He loved his family. Too often our response to God’s Word is based on whether or not we think it sounds true or reasonable. Instead of seeing ourselves as servants, we put ourselves in the place of a judge. RC Sproul stated, “Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God.” When we love God because we feel we should love Him, instead of genuinely loving out of our true selves, we have forgotten who God really is. To put it bluntly, when you get your own own universe, you can make your own standards. Gary Chapman talks about the 5 love languages and they are gifts, words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch, and quality time. Love in our hearts?

God demonstrated His love towards in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

APPLICATION:

What is the greatest news someone has ever shared with you? What did you want to do in response? How can we be like the shepherds? How can we be like the woman in the well? Go into all the world (horrible quote).

If we were not intended to GO and make disciples, then there was no need for Christ to come.

Psalm 24:1-10

Isaiah 7:10-14

Luke 2:8-20

John 1:14

John 3:16

1 John 4:10

Fifth Sunday (Christmas Eve): Adoration

John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

Alternate readings: Psalm 96; Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-40; Titus 2:11-14

"For the Lord will not reject [us] forever. Even if He causes suffering, He will show compassion according to His abundant, faithful love. For He does not enjoy bringing affliction or suffering on mankind."

Lamentations 3:31-33

Jesus in Every Book of the Bible

These do not tell everything, but they point to main themes. The Books of Moses

In Genesis Jesus is the Creator and promised Deliverer. In Exodus Jesus is the Deliverer, Law Giver, and promised Prophet. In Leviticus Jesus is the Great High Priest and the Lamb of God. In Numbers Jesus is lifted up to save those who look to Him. (21:6-9) In Deuteronomy Jesus is the Preacher. (1)

The Books of History

In Joshua Jesus takes His people into the Promised Land. (1) In Judges Jesus is the Judge who delivers from oppression. (2) In Ruth Jesus is the Kinsman Redeemer. (4) In 1 & 2 Samuel Jesus is the Overlooked but Anointed King (1 Sam. 16) In 1 & 2 Kings Jesus is the wise Reigning King. (1 Kings 3:1-28) In 1 & 2 Chronicles Jesus is the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant. (1 Chron. 17) In Ezra Jesus is the faithful Scribe who teaches God’s Statutes. (7:10) In Nehemiah Jesus is our fearless Leader willing to give up His life. (6:11) In Esther Jesus is our Intercessor willing to give up His life. (4:14-16)

The Books of Poetry and Wisdom

In Job Jesus is the Man who suffers unjustly, but prevails. In Psalms Jesus is to be kissed or else, and is the Object of Worship. (2:12, 96:9) In Proverbs Jesus is the Wisdom of God and the wise Son. (23:24) In Ecclesiastes Jesus is the Preacher who overcame and warns of the vanity of the world. (1:1-3) In Song of Solomon Jesus is the Prince who loves His bride.

The Books of Prophecy

In Isaiah Jesus is Holy, Holy, Holy; and the Suffering Servant. (6, 53) In Jeremiah Jesus is the True Prophet who condemns false prophets. In Lamentations Jesus weeps for Jerusalem. In Ezekiel Jesus is the Son of Man who shepherds exiles in a foreign land. (34:2) In Daniel Jesus is the Rock who demolishes all earthly kingdoms. (2) In Hosea Jesus is the Groom who takes an unfaithful bride. (1) In Joel Jesus is the Judge of the nations and the Restorer of His People. (2:28-32) In Amos Jesus offers salvation to all and baptizes His people with the Holy Spirit. (9) In Obadiah Jesus is the Judge of the nations and the Savior of His people. In Jonah Jesus is buried and rises the third day to save Gentiles. (1:17-2:10) In Micah Jesus bears our judgment so that we can experience God’s mercy. (7) In Nahum Jesus is a patient but righteous Judge. (1) In Habakkuk Jesus uses evil for His purposes, then judges evil. (1-2) In Zephaniah Jesus is “The Sacrifice” prepared by God, who hides us from the wrath of God. (1:8) In Haggai Jesus is the “desire of all nations” who reveals the glory of the Lord. (2:7) In Zechariah Jesus is the High Priest who was pierced. (12:10) In Malachi Jesus is the Messenger of the covenant, in whom God delights. (3:1-3)

The Gospels

In Matthew Jesus is the King. In Mark Jesus is the Servant. In Luke Jesus is the Son of Man. In John Jesus is the Son of God. In Acts Jesus is the Lord of the Church.

The Letters of Paul

In Romans Jesus is the Righteous Justifier. (3:26) In 1 & 2 Corinthians Jesus is the one who must be loved. (1 Cor. 16:22) In Galatians Jesus gave Himself for our sins. (1:4) In Ephesians Jesus is the Head over all things. (1:22) In Philippians Jesus is our life. (1:21) In Colossians Jesus is the image of the invisible God. (1:15) In 1 & 2 Thessalonians Jesus is Lord of Peace. (3:16) In 1 & 2 Timothy Jesus is one Mediator between God and men. (1 Tim. 2:5) In Titus Jesus is the Blessed Hope. (2:13) In Philemon Jesus is an Advocate for a repentant slave. (v.18)

The General Letters

In Hebrews Jesus is the once for all, never to be repeated Sacrifice. (10) In James Jesus is God’s Wisdom and the One in whom we trust. (2:14-26) In 1 & 2 Peter Jesus The Chief Shepherd. (1 Peter 5:4) In 1, 2 & 3 John Jesus is Love. (1 Jn. 1:4) In Jude Jesus is the only wise God and Savior. (v.24-25) In Revelation Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. (19:11-16)