Sermon Tone Analysis

It was D-day, June 6, 1944.

The Allied Forces were about to land on the beaches of Normandy.

An armada of 5000 Allied ships and over 150,000 personnel were poised ready to storm ashore across 60 miles of beach.

Why?

To penetrate and drive the German forces back into retreat and ultimately liberate the world from the evil forces that had them paralyzed!

Over 2000 years ago, the Son of God stood on the portals of Heaven, poised ready to storm the darkness of this sin filled world.

Why?

To push the forces of evil back.

But who would have thought that through the unwitting actions of a godless king, and the confusion of a young couple whose dreams were interrupted by an unplanned pregnancy that heaven would invade the realm of darkness this way!

The Bible makes it very clear that Jesus had to come – it was imperative and of the utmost necessity.

So why did Jesus leave Heaven and come to earth?

When we look at the Christmas story and the NT, we find 3 clear reasons.

Matthew 1:21-22 tells us…

1. HE CAME TO MAKE A PAYMENT. (Matthew 1:21-22)

A. The Bible makes it clear why Jesus left Heaven and came to earth.

1.

To make a payment for sin.

2. The angel announced this to Joseph in his dream recorded here in Matthew.

3. At the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, John the Baptist proclaimed...“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)

B. Jesus entered the world of flesh and blood in order to one day die for the sins of the world.

1.

The OT predicted that His death would be a “suffering kind of death.”

- The death He died was one of the cruelest kinds devised by mankind – on a cross.

- A suffering kind of death was necessary in order to show mankind how horrible and terrible sin is!

2. His death was also a “voluntary kind of death.”

- No one forced Jesus to go to the cross.

- He did so out of His great love for you and me.

3. His death was also a “powerful kind of death.”

- On the cross, Jesus not only absorbed the full power of God’s wrath against sin.

- He also paid the price for forgiveness for everyone who will receive Him into their life.

TS – Hebrews 2:9-10 tells us secondly…

2. HE CAME TO BLAZE A NEW PATH TO GOD.

(Hebrews 2:9-10 )

A. For centuries man had been trying to find the path to God.

1.

The many “religions” of the ancient world give witness to this.

2. But the “religions” of man have fallen short.

3.

This shows that man has been trying since the creation of the world to “find” God, to fill the empty God-shaped void that is in the heart of man and woman.

4. The problem is that man hasn’t looked in the right place – to the One and only True God.

B. In Hebrews 2:10 the author describes Jesus Christ as “...the author of their salvation...”

1.

From this word we get the term “pioneer.”

2. A pioneer is described as a “trail blazer.”

3. Illustr: We remember in our U.S. history that we have had many “trail blazers”who helped to push the settlement of our nation westward.

Men like Daniel Boone who blazed a trail through the Cumberland Forest.

In accomplishing this task, Daniel Boone made it possible for others to come behind him and safely travel to a new way of life.

4. Jesus Christ came over 2000 years ago in His glorious advent = blazing a trail for people to be able to come to God for salvation – to be able to live a whole new way of life – to be able to have peace – to be forgiven for their sins – to be reconciled unto God – have assurance of a home in Heaven – to have and experience an abundant life with God!

5.

As Acts 4:12 tells us “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.”

C. Illustr: One early morning during WWII, an American prisoner of war was awakened with the news that “the Scotsman” wants to see you.

He ran to the barbed wire fence which separated the captured British and American soldiers.

The Scotsman was in touch with the BBC by underground radio.

He whispered three simple words in the American’s ear: “THEY HAVE COME!”

The reaction was incredible.

As that message spread among the allied prisoners, they began to jump up and down, shouting, laughing and rolling on the ground in joy.

The German soldiers thought they were crazy.

After all, they were still prisoners and nothing outwardly had changed.

But inwardly, everything was now different for they had received the news of the D-Day invasion.

Freedom was imminent.

D. We rejoice this Christmas for our Deliverer has come and blazed a trail for us which has liberated us from our sins and bondage!

TS – Hebrews 2:14 tells us thirdly…

3. HE CAME TO CRUSH THE ENEMY.

(Hebrews 2:14 )

A. In this life 3 things are certain: taxes, death, and the fact that we have a great enemy!

1.

This enemy has many weapons which he employs against us with the purpose of destroying us and robbing us of our joy and hope!

B. But the wonderful joy of the Christmas message is...

1.

What the angel proclaimed to the shepherds keeping watch over their flock that night long ago: “Do not be afraid; for behold I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

2. What the angel proclaimed to Mary in his announcement of the Father’s plan: “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His Kingdom will have no end.”

C. Jesus’ coming was to deal a death blow to satan and his evil work.

1. Heb 2:14 tells us that through Jesus’ death He rendered powerless he who had the power of death.

2. Jesus’ coming crushed the enemy and made life possible for all who will receive Him and place their faith and trust in Him!

Conclusion

We are wont to sing of shepherds

And the heavenly glory bright,

Of angels and their message

On that peaceful, holy night.

But so oft we end the story

When 'tis only just begun,

For we fail to give the message

That this Child is God the Son--

Here to give Himself a ransom,

Crucified on Calvary's tree,

Through His blood providing pardon,

Perfect cleansing, full and free.

And the tomb, thank God, is empty;

Jesus sits at God's right hand

Now a loving, mighty Savior;

Spread the news to every land!