A name that means Salvation from God - Jesus!

Now we probably all know about the X-Factor; but who’s aware of the Nativity factor? It’s a competition run by ITV to retell the Nativity in no more than 3 minutes in the most creative way possible. A bit like the X factor finals the Nativity Factor entries have ranged from very good to very average; but one or two are excellent; and amongst the judges are Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child, and Julie Etchingham from ITV News. A Vicar friend of mine, Rev. Gavin Tyte has made it through to the last 10 and although I’m biased I think his Nativity Factor video is the best; but more about that in a minute.

Christians believe God created the universe; and as we all know the universe is big; very big. The universe is so big that God decided he wouldn’t make himself any bigger in order to impress us. No, God became very small, in order to attract us. In the birth of Jesus, the baby, God attracts us to him; and as he grew up Jesus the man showed us what God is really like.

Jesus is the best that there has ever been and I want to learn from him and to live like him. He came to earth for many reasons; to save us (John 3:16), to forgive us (1 John 1:9), to heal us (Isaiah 53:5), to live life the way God had always intended, and to show us properly what God is really like (Colossians 1:15).

Some of my Vicar friends have some fantastic hidden talents. One used to be a professional Break-dancer; and one is a YouTube grand-master of Human Beat-boxing; that’s my friend Rev. Gavin Tyte.

In my opinion, when it comes to teaching the art of Human Beat-boxing, my friend Gavin is the best. I would not want to learn from anyone else; and when it comes to learning about God, I wouldn’t want to learn from anyone else other than Jesus – the God-man.

My Beat-boxing skills have not progressed very far yet; but I have dedicated my life to following Jesus the baby who became Jesus the man; Jesus the Christ.

My friend Gavin can’t be with us in person this afternoon but if he was here he would not only let rip with his beat-boxing skills, he would also tell us about the gift of Jesus to the world; and why he’s the most important gift the world has ever been given.

Gavin can’t be with us but here comes his video: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheChristmasChannel#p/c/35181BAC0C7F1786/2/CyuzSzdpE38

A name that means ‘salvation from God’ – Jesus (Luke 2:11 and Luke 2:21); I realise that some of us have difficult things to deal with. Perhaps illness, a recent bereavement, Mum or Dad worried about their job or worried about money. I’ve experienced those worries; and in my experience I’ve found that trusting in the name that means salvation from God has brought me peace of mind and peace in my heart. Jesus is God’s gift, God’s special Christmas gift to each one of us; and I pray that you’ll know his peace this Christmas and always.

Amen.
(Note to the reader - since preaching this sermon Gavin won the competition and his video has had 100,000 YouTube hits over 3 weeks)