Luke 1:26-38, 2:8-20, Matthew 1:1-11 The true spirit of Christmas - Worship

What is the true spirit of Christmas? Some would say, “The sites and sounds of the season. The ringing bells, and colorful lights.” Some would say, “The sparkle in kids eyes as they rush to the tree.” Some would say, “Family closeness.” Some would say, “Festive celebration and family dinners.” Some would say, “A quiet heart.” Some would say, “Giving to others.” Some would say, “Good will toward men (and women).” Some would say, “Hoping for world peace.”

If we return to the first Christmas we find another answer. Each of those people had one thing of common. They all worshipped Christ.

I. Mary’s worship: Worship by yielding to God’s plan

A. Though an unlikely vessel Luke 1:26-27

(ESV) Luke 1 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothedto a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.

B. Given a great opportunity Luke 1:28-33

(ESV) Luke 1 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

C. Committed to God’s plan Luke 1:34-38

(ESV) Luke 1 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” … 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

II. The angels’ worship: Worship by proclaiming God’s message

A. Ministers for God Luke 2:8

(ESV) Luke 2 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.

B. Shared God’s message Luke 2:10-12

(ESV) Luke 2 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 dayin 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.”

1. Gave the news originally to Mary and told her His name

2. Now to the shepherds – the good news of Christ on Earth

C. Worshiped publicly Luke 2:13-14

(ESV) Luke 2 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. Unashamed

2. Continual

3. It was just who they are and what they do

4. Spontaneous outbursts of praise

5. Reflected His glory – knew they had been with Him

III. The Shepherd’s worship: Worship by seeking Him

A. Heard / responded to the truth Luke 2:15

(ESV) Luke 2 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

1. – and did something with it

B. Sought Him personally Luke 2:16

(ESV) Luke 2 16 And they went with hasteand found Mary and Joseph, and the babylying in a manger.

1. – need to decide to move to Jesus – trust Him

C. Shared with others Luke 2:17

(ESV) Luke 2 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wonderedat what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

D. Were transformed by Him Luke 2:20

(ESV) Luke 2 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

IV. The Wise men’s worship: Worship by priority living

A. Gave Him their lives Matthew 2:1-2

(ESV) Matthew 2 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

1. – Time / energy / effort / Focus / priority

B. Honored Him with their possessions Matthew 2:9-11

(ESV) Matthew 2 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincenseand myrrh.

1. Gave Him the most precious things they possessed / and they worshipped Him