Christmas Eve 2023

We have waited…but now he is here.

Luke 2:1–21 NRSV

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Isaiah 9:6 ESV

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Who are you looking for this Christmas Eve?

The static answer is Jesus right?

That’s who the shepherds were looking for that night when they came strolling into Bethlehem.

—> But its more than that, Jesus is his name but he is so much more, we all are more than just a name—

—> for instance, I’m David but I’m also a Christian, a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a pastor, a preacher, a coworker, a supervisor, a golfer, you get it—

Jesus is no different but he just has some cooler names, names that we have been exploring this Advent season.

Isaiah says in chapter 9, he is the wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, and the prince of peace, the angels tell the shepherds that he isn’t just a baby but is the Savior, the Messiah.

So I ask you again, WHO ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Maybe you came in here tonight not looking for anyone or anything…

Maybe life is going great and you are just doing the Christmas Eve thing

That Christmas Eve thing that is spending time with family and friends

spending time in community

enjoying a night that is full of hope and wonder, anticipation and joy

God gave us Jesus because without him we are incomplete

there is no peace, love, joy, or hope without Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior