An Advent Christmas

Luke 2:1–20 (KJV) 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 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, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

As far as I know, what we are doing this morning is historic for our church. Although Advent has been a celebration of the Christian Church for nearly 1500 years, this is the first time as a church we have formally celebrated the Advent observance.

Let me remind you once again that the word “advent” means coming. Because Christ has come we have received hope, peace, joy and love. Christ’s first advent was like a light shinning in the darkness.

Jesus’ birth is first of all, the advent of hope. To a lost and dying world, Christ’s coming brings hope.

I. THE ADVENT OF HOPE, 2:7

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

On the first Christmas morning, Jesus was born into a world of darkness. Born into a dark, damp and dingy manger stall where animals were kept and feed. Born into a tiny village filled with darkness called Bethlehem. Born into a country of darkness, in Judea, where there was little hope left alive. Born into a world of no hope.

The Advent of Hope reminds us to recall the faith of the Patriachs, Abraham, the Old Testament Ancestors of Jesus.

The Advent of Hope reminds us of the hope we have in Christ. God told Abraham that through him all the nations of the world would be blessed, because he trusted and put his hope in God. The Old Testament spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a Saviour

would be born, a king in the line of King David. He would rule the world wisely and bless all the nations. We too believe in God's promise to send Jesus again to this world to establish his kingdom upon the earth.

The Advent of Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. Because of He came once, we have hope that He is coming again.

Next,

II. THE ADVENT OF PEACE, Luke 2:12-14

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 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, good will toward men.

The second advent in Christmas is Peace.

As the patriarchs, reminded us of our hope in Christ so the prophets, tell us of a time of peace on earth yet to come.

We remember the prophets who spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a Savior would be born, a king in the line of King David. The Prophet Isaiah called Christ "the Prince of Peace". They told us how he would rule the world wisely and bless all the nations.

When Jesus came he taught people the importance of being peace-makers. He said that those who make peace shall be called the children of God. When Christ comes to us He brings us peace and He will bring everlasting peace when He comes again.

Peace is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the peace we find in Jesus Christ.

III. THE ADVENT OF JOY, 2:8-11

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

The third Sunday of Advent reminds us to celebrate the reality that Christ brings true and everlasting joy.

Third Candle - The Candle of Joy (Pink or Rose color candle)

Mary the Mother of Jesus

The Third Candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. When the angel Gabriel told Mary that a special child would be born to her she was filled with joy. She sang a song that began with the words: "My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” Luke 1:46-47

Just as the birth of Jesus gave great joy to his mother, so His presence in the world gave joy to those who had none before. He healed them and gave them hope and peace when they believed in him. From hope, peace, and love grows joy.

So the third Sunday of Advent reminds us that when Jesus is born in us we have joy and that through Hm there will be everlasting joy on earth.

Joy is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the joy we find in Jesus Christ.

IV. THE ADVENT OF LOVE, 2:16

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

This is a picture of love. Joseph, Mary and the infant child Jesus, God’s gift of love. When God chose to give us His most precious gift, He placed him in the loving arms of a mother, and under the steady guidance of a father. Jesus was born into a loving family.

The fourth Sunday of Advent is love, God’s love for His creation, for mankind.

Another family that reveals God’s love was the family of John the Baptist.

Remember how in their old age God gave to Zechariah and Elizabeth a son called John. John spoke to the people bravely in the desert denying his own comforts and prepared to die for what he believed. John taught that we should share what we have with others, treat each other kindly and show Gods love. He did this because he cared for people and wanted them to repent and find God's forgiveness.

Love is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the love we have in Christ.

Conclusion:

First Candle-Speaks of hope, as the patriarchs demonstrated that God keeps his promises to us.

Second Candle-Reminds us of the peace Jesus offers. Just as the prophets proclaimed. Jesus is the ‘Prince of Peace’ and he calls his children to work for peace in his name.

Third Candle-Is the candle of joy - because the Holy Spirit fills our hearts and minds with the presence the God, we have joy.

Fourth Candle-Reminds us to share His love. Because Jesus gave everything for us and led us to know the forgiveness of God.

Prayer: Lord, you came to us as a tiny, fragile baby; yet we know that you are God and you are with us. May the flame of this candle remind us that you are the light of the world and that if we follow you, we will never walk in darkness, but will have the true light of life. We look forward to that day when you will come again and we will behold you face to face with all the company of heaven'.

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