It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...or Is It?

Luke 2:11 NLT

11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

The announcement that changed the world forever. Think about the announcements you have heard: political winners, player introductions, introductions to future spouses, etc. Expound on these thoughts.

We need to recognize the true meaning of Christmas

Intro: The malls and shops are full, the trees are trimmed and houses decorated, and plans of family gatherings have been made. All the things that go along with Christmas. The decorations are hung through town, church dinners and parties are going on....Everywhere you go it looks like Christmas. I mean it looks like what the world has made Christmas out to be. The decorations you see are snow men, reindeer, Santa Clause. You see fewer and fewer manger scenes in the front yards. You see nothing, or very little around, displaying what Christmas is all about.

To the child of God Christmas is about the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Good News Of Great Joy

Luke 2:10 NLT

10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.

Do We See Much Good News That Brings Great Joy in 2021?

The news of Great Joy the angels are talking about in this scripture is Jesus. Our Lord and Savior is about to be born. Today the news that seems to bring joy is the day before Christmas there is a half price sale at the mall. The joy of Christmas is not in the gifts that we receive, or the sales that we can find. The true joy is in the fact that we have a savior, and his name is Jesus.

Do we see joy this time of year? True Joy? business, stress, planning, shopping. Do any of these bring real joy? Which brings a greater joy- seeing your child unwrap the perceived perfect present or watching them receive into their hearts the perfect gift that was Jesus.

Glory To God

Luke 2:13–14 NLT

13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

The angels gave glory to God for the savior that was being born. Today we give glory to Wal-mart for running the big screen tv on sale. The world is missing it. The focus is in the wrong place. Don’t believe me. Look at our parking lot versus Walmart or a mall right now.

Will you give Him glory this Christmas?

Peace on Earth

We need to realize the true peace comes from the one that was born in a manger on Christmas Day. Jesus brings peace on earth. He is the ONLY one that can give us this true peace.

Jesus said it himself in John 14:27

John 14:27 NLT

27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Good Will Towards Man

Good will towards man... What is that? Watch the news, we don’t see that. Turmoil in our leadership leading to turmoil in society. Not to mention the horrible shooting in Michigan and the parade incident in Wisconsin. . Society has it all wrong, it’s all about me, what I can get, and now I will do whatever it takes for me to get it.

Matthew 7:12 NLT

12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

Funny how this is just about the only time of year that you see more people trying to do more for someone else. The thing is...We are supposed to have this good will towards others all year long.

Conclusion:

We look around and everywhere we see signs of the world’s idea of Christmas. Let’s not forget what Christmas really is. Let’s teach our children about the birth of Jesus, and let them know that Christmas isn’t just about presents, and Santa Clause, it’s about the greatest gift ever. The birth of the one that died for our sins so that we can have everlasting life, and His Presence.