Make Christmas Great Again

How do you view Christmas? When you hear Christmas what immediately comes to mind? What do you think about? Is it the Christmas trees, the ornaments, presents, Santa Claus, reindeers, family, toys, shopping or food? I'm afraid that many of us have failed to view the Christmas season from the proper perspective. We have made it more about the things than we have about the Who of the season.

We think more about what we are gonna get than what we already have.

Text: Luke 1:46-55

DT: When we experience the grace and power of God in our lives we must worship God.

Aim: We will celebrate Christmas worshipping God for His divine works towards us.

I. Make Christmas A Season of Worship of the Lord (v. 46)

Luke 1:46 ESV

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,

Christmas is the time when God must be worshipped. It is the time when God is the focus. Our emphasis must be placed on God. It is a worshipping moment. We must be intentional about Exalting God.

Explanation: the term magnifies,

mĕgalunō, meg-al-oo´-no; to make (or declare) great, i.e. increase or (fig.) extol:—enlarge,

Our goal should be to make God great!

i. Santa has nothing to do with Salvation

ii. Rudolph does not represent redemption

Illustration: When we look at our skin on the surface thats what we see. But when we place our skin under a microscope our skin is magnified so that we can see beyond the surface.

Transition: So it is when we magnify the Lord. We help others to see beyond the surface. He is not just a name He is the name above all names!

Application: This Christmas worship the Lord. Set aside time with your family to worship God expressing how great He is in your life. Come to church on Christmas Day!

II. Make Christmas A Season of Rejoicing in the Lord's Salvation towards Us (v. 47)Luke 1:47

Luke 1:47 ESV

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

a. Christ’s Birth is our purpose for celebrating

ILLUS: In Times Square several years ago there was a billboard, which read, “Christ is not necessary for Christmas”

Let me suggest that without Christ there is no Christmas. Allow me to further say that Christ was then and is now necessary.

b. We ought Be excited about His Birth but also His decision

a. He Came with sacrifice as a purpose

b. His Life is the Greatest Gift to receive

III. Make Christmas A Season of Celebrating the Many Wonders of God (v.48-55)

Celebrate His blessings Luke 1:48

Luke 1:48 ESV

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

Celebrate His Majesty Luke 1:49

Luke 1:49 ESV

for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

Celebrate His Mercy Luke 1:50

Luke 1:50 ESV

And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

Celebrate His Power Luke 1:51 -52

Luke 1:51–52 ESV

He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;

Celebrate His Deliverance Luke 1:53-55

Luke 1:53–55 ESV

he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”