Keeping Christmas Christian

KEEPING CHRISTMAS CHRISTIAN

Text: Luke 2:11

Read: vv. 1–14

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

INTRODUCTION: Once the apostle Paul used an inconsistent inscription, UNTO THE UNKNOWN GOD, as a text and transformed it into profound truth. He rescued God’s name and purpose from ignorant worshipers by bringing it into focus of divine truth (Acts 17:22–34).

The birth of Christ was held in the highest esteem by both prophets and apostles, and was doubtless commemorated by them in some manner. However, the celebration of this event as we experience it today needs to be “rescued” from ignorance and fantasy, and restored to greater Christian truth and spiritual meaning.

CHRISTIAN TRUTH IN CHRISTMAS INVOLVES SEEING THAT—

1. The festive spirit does not quench the Holy Spirit.

2. We need a “stable faith,” not faith in a stable.

3. We need a saving Lord, not a festive Christ.

4. We need “wise men” in the church, not from the East.

5. We need angelic choirs in the church, not in heaven.

6. Now, we need to hail His second coming most. Do we?

7. We need more than “goose-pimple” religion! Matt. 13:20.

CHRISTMAS MAY BE A SPIRITUALLY STIMULATING OCCASION BY—

1. Remembering Christ is the One to be honored, Luke 2:11.

Luke 2:11 KJV 1900

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

2. Making Christmas a soul-searching season, Mal. 3:2.

Malachi 3:2 KJV 1900

2 But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:

3. Pondering God’s wonderful works of love, Luke 2:19.

Luke 2:19 KJV 1900

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

An American Dictionary of the English Language PONDERED

PON´DERED, pp. Weighed in the mind; considered; examined by intellectual operation.

WE CAN TRANSFORM CHRISTMASTIME INTO SPIRITUAL VALUE BY SEEING—

1. Gifts as the gift of God to us-

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gifts as the gift of ourselves to God-

2 Corinthians 8:5 KJV 1900

5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

2. Lights as attractive lives for Christ, Matt. 5:16.

Matthew 5:16 KJV 1900

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

3. Trees as symbols of God-empowered lives, Ps. 1:3.

Psalm 1:3 KJV 1900

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4. Spending—a reminder of our stewardship-

Luke 6:38 KJV 1900

38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

5. Joy as heaven’s joy over one saved, Luke 15:7.

Luke 15:7 KJV 1900

7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

6. Ornaments as “the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price,” 1 Peter 3:4.

1 Peter 3:4 KJV 1900

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.