Messiah in the Psalms series Notes

Here’s a suggested 7-part Christmas sermon series from the book of Psalms, focusing on themes that connect to the birth of Christ, the hope of the Messiah, and the worshipful response of God’s people:

Series Title: “The Psalms of Christmas: Songs of the Savior”

1. The Promise of the Messiah

Text: Psalm 2:7-12

Theme: The anointed King, foretold and promised.

Key Message: Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to establish His Son as the eternal King. Celebrate the joy and security we have under His reign.

Application: Trust in Christ as the King who brings peace and justice.

2. The Glory of the Incarnation

Text: Psalm 8:3-9

Theme: The majesty of God visiting His creation.

Key Message: “What is man, that You are mindful of him?” The incarnation reveals God’s care for humanity. Jesus came down to be “God with us.”

Application: Reflect on the humility of Christ and God’s love in sending His Son to us.

3. A Light in the Darkness

Text: Psalm 27:1-6

Psalm 27:1–6 KJV 1900

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, They stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: In the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

Theme: God as is depicted as our light and salvation.

Key Message: Jesus is the Light of the World, born to dispel the darkness of sin and bring hope to all people.

Application: Walk in the light of Christ this Christmas and share that light with others.

4. The Shepherd Who Came to Save

Text: Psalm 23:1-4

Theme: The Lord as our Shepherd.

Key Message: Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came to lead us, care for us, and lay down His life for His sheep.

Application: Find comfort in the Shepherd’s care and follow Him with trust and obedience.

5. The Joy of Salvation

Text: Psalm 96:1-4

Theme: A song of joy to the Lord for His salvation.

Key Message: The birth of Christ is cause for worldwide celebration, as God brings salvation to all nations.

Application: Join the song of praise this Christmas, rejoicing in the gift of salvation through Jesus.

6. The Peace of the Savior

Text: Psalm 46:1-11

Theme: God as our refuge and strength.

Key Message: Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings stillness and security in the midst of chaos.

Application: Rest in the peace that Christ offers, knowing that God is with us.

7. The Forever King

Text: Psalm 72:1-7, 17-19

Theme: The righteous reign of the King.

Key Message: Jesus is the King whose reign will never end, bringing righteousness, justice, and eternal blessings.

Application: Celebrate the hope of Christ’s eternal kingdom and live in anticipation of His return.

Each message ties the themes of the Psalms to the coming of Christ, pointing your congregation to the beauty and power of the Christmas story through Scripture that shows God’s eternal plan.

Here’s a 7-part Christmas sermon series based on the Book of Psalms, focusing on themes of hope, prophecy, and worship tied to the birth of Christ:

Series Title: “Christmas in the Psalms: Songs of the Savior”

1. The Promise of the Messiah

Text: Psalm 2

Key Theme: The King who reigns.

Summary: This psalm emphasizes the sovereignty of God’s Anointed One. Connect this to the promise of Jesus as the King who would bring hope and salvation to a broken world.

Christmas Tie-In: Jesus’ birth fulfills God’s promise to send His King to rule and redeem.

Application: Trust in God’s perfect timing and plan to send His Son into the world.

2. The Shepherd of Peace

Text: Psalm 23

Key Theme: Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

Summary: Reflect on the comforting imagery of the Shepherd, linking it to Jesus’ role as the One who brings peace to a troubled world, starting with His humble birth.

Christmas Tie-In: The announcement to the shepherds underscores this role of Jesus.

Application: Rest in the peace and provision Jesus offers.

3. The Light of the World

Text: Psalm 27:1-6

Key Theme: The Lord is our light and salvation.

Summary: Highlight how Jesus’ birth brought light into the darkness of sin, fulfilling the psalmist’s declaration of God as light.

Christmas Tie-In: The star over Bethlehem and Jesus being the “light of the world” (John 8:12).

Application: Walk in the light of Christ and reflect it to others during the Christmas season.

4. The Gift of God’s Presence

Text: Psalm 46

Key Theme: God is with us.

Summary: Emphasize the comforting truth of “Immanuel”—God with us. The psalm’s refrain, “God is in the midst of her,” ties to Jesus coming to dwell among His people.

Christmas Tie-In: Jesus’ birth brings the ultimate fulfillment of God’s presence with His people.

Application: Be still and know the nearness of God this Christmas.

5. The Joy of Salvation

Text: Psalm 51:10-12

Key Theme: Restoration and joy in the Savior.

Summary: The psalmist’s plea for a clean heart and restored joy is ultimately answered in Jesus, the Savior born to redeem.

Christmas Tie-In: The angel’s announcement of “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10).

Application: Rejoice in the salvation Jesus provides and share it with others.

6. The King of Glory

Text: Psalm 24

Key Theme: The arrival of the King.

Summary: This psalm anticipates the coming of the King of glory, tying beautifully to the nativity scene and the Magi’s worship of Jesus as King.

Christmas Tie-In: Jesus, born in a manger, is the King of glory.

Application: Open your heart to receive the King and worship Him with all you have.

7. The Song of a Savior

Text: Psalm 98

Key Theme: Joy to the world!

Summary: The psalm’s call to sing a new song celebrates the salvation of God, pointing forward to Jesus’ birth and mission.

Christmas Tie-In: This psalm inspired Isaac Watts’ hymn, Joy to the World, a fitting culmination of the series.

Application: Worship Jesus with fresh joy this Christmas, proclaiming His salvation to all.

Each sermon highlights a psalm that celebrates an aspect of Christ’s coming and ties it to the Christmas story. Let me know if you’d like expanded outlines or key illustrations for any of these!