THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Luke 2:1–20

The Christmas story never grows old. It is fresh every year. It is not a holiday—it’s a holy day. Without Christ, there would be no Christmas. Christmas is the birthday of Jesus. It’s easy to be so busy we crowd Christ out of our Christmas.

I. THE SON—vv. 1–7

1. Situation—vv. 1–7. Mary and Joseph go to pay their taxes.

2. Son of God (see John 3:16). God gave us His best.

3. Son of Man (Phil. 2:6–11). See His character in Isaiah 9:6. Note five of His characteristics.

II. THE SHEPHERDS—vv. 8–10

1. The working—v. 8. They are busy keeping their sheep.

2. The wonder—v. 9. The glory of God comes down to these humble shepherds. They are fearful.

3. The word—v. 10

a) News—“Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy.

b) Nature—“Which shall be to all people.”

III. THE SAVIOR—v. 11.

1. Place—City of David, meaning the city of Bethlehem. ( Micah 5:2 )

2. Person—A Savior. The promised Messiah of the Old Testament is now born—the One the prophets had told of and to whose coming they had looked forward.

IV. THE SIGN—v. 12

Jesus is born in a stable among the animals.

1. Jesus was born in a humble place—in a manger, among the cows and donkeys.

2. Jesus lived humbly—He had no permanent home.

3. Jesus died a humble death—upon a cross.

4. Jesus was buried in a humble way—in a borrowed tomb.

V. THE SONG—vv. 13–14

1. The praising—v. 13. The angels sing praise to God. Do we give praise to God? The best way to thank God is to praise Him. Luke 1:46-56

2. The peace—v. 14. Peace on earth to all men. The promised Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6 now has come. Praising God will bring us peace. The world cannot have peace until they have Christ.

VI. THE SEEKING—vv. 15–17

1. The plan—v. 15. The shepherds want to go and see the Christ. Do you have a desire to be with Him?

2. The people—v. 16. They come and see Joseph and Mary and Jesus. We see Christ through faith, prayer, and the Bible.

3. The preaching—v. 17. They go out and tell others about Christ.

VII. THE SPREADING—vv. 18–20

1. The wonder—v. 18. People hear of the miracle and wonder.

2. The worship—v. 19. Mary worshiped the Lord.

3. The witness—v. 20. Shepherds praise God and tell others.

Christ has come! His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension bring joy to us all. If we want joy, we must have Christ. He came to give joy and peace to all people. If we have Christ, then we have joy. Without Christ we cannot have joy, peace, or satisfaction. Do you have Christ?