The Gifts of Christmas Part 4: Peaceful Purpose
The Gifts of Christmas • Sermon • Submitted
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· 8 viewsThe Birth of Jesus is full of wonderful themes such as hope and joy. One of the greatest themes is peace second only to love. This message explores what it means that the Christ brings peace.
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INTRO
INTRO
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!”
1) “...Good News of Great Joy...for All People” (vs. 10)
1) “...Good News of Great Joy...for All People” (vs. 10)
What the angels are delivering is for all people, everywhere, in all time.
I bring you Gospel of great joy (gladness)…for all people
The news of Jesus’ birth should inspire gladness for all people in all places at all times.
Do not lose the importance of Christmas due to commercialized messages.
Christmas is not about gladness and joy from toys, children opening gifts, gifts given or received, nor even time spent with family.
As great as these things are and as glad as they make us, the joy of Christmas is even greater…more divine!
2) “Unto You is Born…a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord” (vs. 11)
2) “Unto You is Born…a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord” (vs. 11)
The Divine and Supernatural has come to the natural…
His purpose is to be our Savior..
He is Christ (Messiah, annointed or established one) the Lord (One of highest authority)
He is an all sufficient Savior
What has He come to save us from?
Sin
Enmity between God and His rebellious and fallen creation.
Brokenness, restlessness, and strife
3) “Glory to God in the Highest, and On Earth Peace...” (vs. 14)
3) “Glory to God in the Highest, and On Earth Peace...” (vs. 14)
For those who would turn to Him, we are given peace.
Peace = Wholeness / Completeness
No more having to strive in vain.
Restored Purpose through Redemption and Reconciliation with God.
Peace with Men displays God’s Splendor and Honor, by recognizing His Supremacy.
Not even sin and rebellion is man’s heart can thwart God’s purpose for His Creation.
God is honored and glorified through peace with people who are reconciled to Him.
During this time, His glory is on display through redemption and restoration.
In the future, His glory will be on display through rightful and just condemnation of those who have rejected His peace.
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
George Wilson, 1833 convicted and sentenced to death for robbing the US Mail and endangering the life of the carrier in Pennsylvania.
Was issued a presidential pardon by President Andrew Jackson in 1836.
Wilson refused the pardon resulting in a conflict within the law that went all the way to the Supreme Court for a decision.
Chief Justice John Marshall in the majority opinion wrote, “"A pardon is a deed, to the validity of which delivery is essential, and delivery is not complete without acceptance. It may then be rejected by the person to whom it is tendered; and if it is rejected, we have discovered no power in this court to force it upon him."
The birth of Jesus is a declaration of a peaceful purpose to pardon you from your sin, through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of God’s Only Begotten Son! Whether that pardon goes into effect is based upon your decision of what to do with Jesus.
CLOSING
CLOSING
Have you come to faith in Jesus Christ? Are you experiencing His peaceful purpose for your life? His message of great joy is for you if you will accept it!