The Meaning of It All
Notes
Transcript
Advent 4: Peace
Advent 4: Peace
The fourth Sunday of Advent we meditate on the peace that Jesus brings our hearts and our world. Scripture is the place we can find the promises of God. Let us meditate on these truths and allow them to comfort our hearts this Advent season!
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
This week we focus our hearts on the “Lord of peace” who came down from heaven in the form of a baby. God knows that we are in a constant battle against fear! Fear wants to cripple us, to push us to react rather than carefully respond, and fear steals our joy. God has given us the gift of peace so we can live joy-filled lives!
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, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Isaiah 9:2–7 (NKJV)
The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian.
For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire.
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, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Prayer
Introduction
Introduction
Today I want to launch us into this message with a reading from one of the great minds of theology
Dr. Seuss . . . "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!"
A favorite Dr. Seuss book . . . I want to read a portion of it to you
“Every Who Down in Whoville, the tall and the small, was singing! Without any presents at all!
He hadn’t stopped Christmas from coming at all!
It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
It came without packages, boxes or bags!
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!
Maybe Christmas, He thought, doesn’t come from a store.
Maybe Christmas...Perhaps...means a little bit more!”
What is Christmas about? For many people Christmas is a depressing time of year
Tis the season to be morose, the season to divorce, the season of suicide
Christmas is marked by greater emotional stress
For others Christmas is frenzied, frazzled shopping
Buying more, spending more, getting more and having less . . .
So we run around trying to buy happiness, peace, joy and good will towards all men
The meaning of Christmas is slipping away from us
Have you notice HOW and WHAT the stores advertise at this time of year?
Stop by your local store . . . what do the cards say?
Season greetings – Happy Holidays – genetic winter celebration good wishes
Imagine you are someone who never heard about Christ
What message would you get from what you see?
TS:
RS: We have forgotten the MAIN THING! The most important thing of all is the baby! He is why we are here.
I. Setting the Stage (vv. 1-5):
I. Setting the Stage (vv. 1-5):
A. Roman Decree for Census (v. 1)
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
B. Joseph's Journey to Bethlehem (vv. 2-4)
This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
C. Mary's Pregnancy and Arrival (v. 5)
to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
Application: Just as Joseph and Mary responded faithfully to the unexpected journey, we are called to embrace life's unexpected turns with trust and obedience. Even amidst discomfort, God can orchestrate beautiful things.
We must trust God to work out the details
The prophet had foretold the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem
God used a pagan emperor and a decree for a census to get Joseph and Mary there.
God uses us in His purpose as well
He give meaning and purpose to our lives!
Ultimately, it is all for HIS glory.
Sometimes, the path is difficult, but the end is always for our good
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
II. Birth of Jesus in Humility (vv. 6-7):
II. Birth of Jesus in Humility (vv. 6-7):
A. Limited Space and Humble Setting (v. 6)
So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.
B. Birth of Jesus and Wrapping in Cloths (v. 7)
And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Application: Jesus' humble birth reminds us to value and embrace humility instead of seeking worldly prominence. True worth lies in character and service, not outward appearances.
Jesus had a profound impact on the world!
In just a few days, we will leave 2023 behind and move into 2024.
The terms anno Domini (AD) and before Christ (BC) are used when designating years in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. The term anno Domini is Medieval Latin and means "in the year of the Lord" but is often presented using "our Lord" instead of "the Lord", taken from the full original phrase "anno Domini nostri Jesu Christi", which translates to "in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ". The form "BC" is specific to English, and equivalent abbreviations are used in other languages: the Latin form, rarely used in English, is Ante Christum natum (ACN) or Ante Christum (AC).
In recent years they have moved from BC and AD to BCE and CE to remove reference to Our Lord, but the #’s are still there!
His impact on society is undeniable:
1. Women’s Rights
2. Human Rights
3. Humanitarian Aid
4. Changed Lives
17th century historian Philip Schaff said,
This Jesus of Nazareth,
without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mohammad, and Napoleon;
without science and learning, shed more light on things human and divine than all philosophers and scholars combined;
without the eloquence of schools, He spoke such words of life as were never spoken before or since and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of orator or poet;
without writing a single line, He set more pens in motion, and furnished themes for more sermons, works of art, and songs of praise than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times.
Though He entered the world humbly, He has the greatest impact of all
III. Angelic Announcement to Shepherds (vv. 8-14):
III. Angelic Announcement to Shepherds (vv. 8-14):
A. Shepherds Keeping Watch at Night (v. 8)
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
B. Angelic Appearance and Glory (v. 9)
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
C. Angel's Message: "Do Not Be Afraid" (v. 10)
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.
D. Good News of Savior's Birth (vv. 11-12)
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
E. Sign for Identification: Baby in Manger (v. 12)
And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
F. Heavenly Chorus Praises God (vv. 13-14)
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Application:
Fear often cripples us, but the angels' message reminds us that God's presence brings assurance and peace. We can overcome anxieties by placing our trust in His promises.
The good news wasn't reserved for the elite, but for the marginalized shepherds. This teaches us to share God's love and grace with everyone, regardless of their background or social standing.
IV. Shepherds' Response and Witness (vv. 15-20):
IV. Shepherds' Response and Witness (vv. 15-20):
A. Shepherds Discuss and Go See Jesus (v. 15)
So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
B. Finding Mary, Joseph, and Jesus (v. 16)
And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
C. Sharing the Angel's Message (v. 17)
Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
D. All Marvel at the Shepherds' Words (v. 18)
And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
E. Mary Treasures the Events in Her Heart (v. 19)
But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
F. Shepherds Return Glorifying God (v. 20)
Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Application:
Sharing the good news was the shepherds' natural response.
We are called to be joyful witnesses to God's work in our lives, sharing His love and grace with others.
New believers often cannot wait to spread the message!
They call, text, change their Facebook status even (lol)
We need that same enthusiasm!
As we reflect on the Christmas Story, my prayer is that we are once again filled with awe at the wonder of it all and that we regain our passion to proclaim the good news!
Mary's pondering these events highlights the importance of reflecting on God's work in our lives.
Just as Mary pondered the events in her heart, let's take time to reflect on God's work in our lives. This introspection helps us appreciate His faithfulness and grow closer to Him. Then, like the shepherds who returned home praising God, let our response be one of heartfelt gratitude and joyful worship.
The shepherds returned home "glorifying and praising God."
Our response to God's blessings should be one of heartfelt gratitude and joyful worship.
Conclusion
Conclusion
This Christmas, let's go beyond the decorations and festivities. Let's truly unwrap the gift of faith by embracing unexpected journeys, seeking humility, conquering fear, sharing the good news, finding God in everyday moments, and responding with gratitude and worship.
May this Christmas be a season of transformation, not just in our homes, but in our hearts. Let's carry the light of Christ throughout the year, sharing His love and making the world a brighter place.
Merry Christmas!
The greatest gift of all is Jesus
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.
That greatest gift is what we remember as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper this morning.
Just last week we examined Isa 53. That passage pointed out the significance of that gift.
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
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.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:26
For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.
Let us celebrate the first and greatest Christmas gift!
Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.
For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.
But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
Pray
Lord’s Supper