Opening Video Illustration: Christmas gifts
Series: Simply Christmas
Our goal in this series is to challenge all of us to simplify Christmas and get back to what makes Christmas a matter of the heart – which simply is experiencing Jesus the one born in a stable, laid in a manger, and wrapped in swaddling clothes. This baby came to fulfill a divine mission from God to Love this world, to die for this world and in the end to save those who believe. You cannot experience the heart of Christmas without Jesus.
Thesis: We are going to simplify Christmas this year, which, means we want to encourage you to make it simpler or easier for you to do and experience! We desire you to cherish every moment of this season with your church family, your own family and with friends and even strangers. We also want to help you refocus and understand Christmas’ true meaning so you enjoy the season with peace and joy.
Thought: Simplify means to simplify our lives so we can enjoy the season of Christmas with joy and peace – it means make it simple – less complicated and to make sure we cherish every precious moment of it with others and especially with Jesus spirit.
Scripture: Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Thought: The heart of Christmas is rooted in love – in Jesus – in those cherished moments which happen today, tomorrow and up to Christmas day --- the challenge is to simply cherish every one of these moments in life while we still have them.
Sermon 2: Simply Christmas: Almost There
Thesis: We are almost there - to experiencing the heart of Christmas – to experiencing a miracle laying in a manger, to being touched by the Spirit of Christmas so don’t give up, don’t try to speed it up the miracle, instead cherish the moments that lead up to this life changing day.
Illustration: How well are you at waiting for the big day – Kathy was always impatient especially toward the end of her pregnancy and trying to speed up the birth of our children. I recall one older person told her to take castor oil because it will make the baby come faster --- so she took it for all three of our children - the stuff tasted gross but it worked 2 out of 3 times the baby came within 24 hours.
By the way I am not sanctioning this method for early baby arrivals!
Introduction:
I believe anticipation can be a good thing, it’s the act of looking forward to something special. Learning to cherish every moment up to it.
Video Illustration: Classic Heinz Ketchup commercial with song anticipation.
I love to see the anticipation, the longing from my grandkids for Christmas – the twins were asking for certain Christmas presents in July, even making their list – checking it twice - they talked about it, planned for it, asked for certain specific gifts and it seemed to drive them forward to experience Christmas in July, it seemed to energize them with great anticipation for Christmas which was still many months away – would you agree with the thought that anticipation makes you more excited about an event?
Some adults have been experiencing the anticipation for Christmas for many weeks – right?
Illustration from staff Christmas party —- Share story of kids opening presents early in secret in the Beadle home and others saying they did it as kids. By the way I never did!
In our Christmas Story (the real story not the one on Fox) there is great anticipation revealed through our main characters to finally meet Jesus Savior of the world face to face:
I am sure Mary wanted Jesus born sooner than later - What do you think?
Joseph had great anticipation about Jesus being born as I could imagine.
The Shepherds once the Angels appeared to them in the fields had an anticipation to go meet the Savior of the World.
The wise men had an anticipation to follow the star to behold the King of Kings and traveled for a long time and a long way by camel to experience this baby Savior.
Simeon and Anna had anticipation to meet the Savior of the World – God in the flesh and spent years in the temple waiting for that special day.
How is your anticipation level – is it nothing – stirring somewhat – rising more each day – is it steaming – is there great excitement to meet the heart of Christmas?
T.S. - Let’s look at a few Scripture narratives today about the Christmas Story and see the anticipation and maybe get some excitement ourselves for this Christmas.
Scripture Text:
Luke 2:1-20:
The Birth of Jesus
1About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. 2This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. 4So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. 5He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. 6While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn. An Event for Everyone 8There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. 9Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. 10The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: 11A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. 12This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” 13At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: 14Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. 15As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” 16They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. 18All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. 19Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. 20The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!
Matthew 2:1-12:
Scholars from the East
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory—this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. 2They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”
3When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. 4Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” 5They told him, “Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly:
6It’s you, Bethlehem, in Judah’s land, no longer bringing up the rear. From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel.” 7Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared. 8Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, “Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I’ll join you at once in your worship.” 9Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. 10They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time! 11They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh. 12In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So, they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.
T.S. Let's Look at the Christmas story through the song and video "Almost There!"
Video Illustration of our song today from the Nativity “Almost There.”
Did you sense the anticipation in this video or from the stories we read about experiencing the heart of Christmas?
Let’s look at the words from the song we just heard!
Song for this message: by Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant
"Almost There"
Mary, full of innocence
Carrying the Holy prince
You're almost there, you're almost there
Mother of the Living Word
Trusting in the voice you heard
You're almost there, you're almost there
You're almost where the angels see
Redemption's plan unfolding
All hope is in the Son you'll bear
You're almost there
A lonely road, a willing heart
Pray for strength to do your part
You're almost there, you're almost there
Trust the Father to provide
Bread of heaven prophesied
You're almost there, you're almost there
You're almost where the waiting ends
Delivering the life within
The answered prayer, Emmanuel
You're almost there
You're almost where the journey ends
Where death will die and life begins
The answered prayer, Emmanuel
You're almost, almost there
Our song focuses on Mary a central figure in our Christmas Story – we learn through the Christmas story - her story, her journey to a miracle, her part of this miracle and the sacrifice she had to make to behold this baby miracle. We see her anticipation of this miracle event. But I will leave Mary’s story and her anticipation to last point today as I would like to highlight other main characters from the Christmas Story who also had an anticipation of meeting Jesus face to face – the one who is called God with us – the Savior baby!
T.S. – Let’s first look at Joseph.
I. Joseph’s anticipation!
a. Joseph had to be encouraged by the Holy Spirit to hang in there with Mary so he too could experience the heart of Christmas – He too was almost there to the fulfillment of the vision and dream he had. I am sure he had a great anticipation of this day.
b. God had sent to him a dream – with a message from His throne to him found in (Matthew 1:18-25)
i. Joseph thought “I have to divorce Mary because she will ruin my reputation” – so he decides to do it discreetly but God stops him with a divine message and a dream.
ii. The dream comes – the message from God comes! The angel speaks: “Do not be afraid!” He see and believes. Key to experiencing the heart of Christmas! Believe!
1. Illustration: Show Believe figure from staff Christmas party.
a. The divine message is clear, “The baby in Mary was and is conceived by the Holy Spirit – supernaturally.”
b. This baby will be a boy and he is to name him “Jesus” because he will be God in the flesh – the heart of Christmas.
c. Yes, this baby miracle in Mary will save his people from their sins!
d. Yes, this baby Jesus will change the world!
e. Joseph is given a divine purpose – help Mary be a part of the miracle of Christmas.
f. Joseph believes and does his part.
iii. 9 months later he would look into the face of Jesus His Savior born as a baby in the stable and he would be a part of the greatest miracle of all time. I am sure he contemplated this thought many times and their was an anticipation to experience this baby.
1. I wonder how many times the Holy Spirit had to encourage him with the words “Joseph you are almost there - hang in there – stay true to the mission!”
a. “Don’t quit – don’t give up – my strength will get you through the hard journey to the miracle.”
b. Maybe he heard “Cherish the journey the day will come sooner than you think!”
T.S. – The next characters from the Christmas Story are the shepherds.
II. The Shepherds anticipation!
a. The Shepherds are just doing their job which they did every night and they are interrupted with a divine moment.
i. So here are regular ordinary people doing their job and then all of a sudden – The Angel of the Lord appears – the glory of God lights the place up – it seemed like it would be an ordinary day and then the Lord shows up! (Luke 2:8-20):
1. The angels says, “Don’t be afraid!” Why? “I bring “Good News!”
2. The Savior has been born – the one who will save you from your sins is here “Now!”
3. Here is the sign of your Savior, “You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
a. This message I am sure set a great anticipation loose in their minds, their hearts and in their spirits.
b. But there is more to this message of the Savior!
c. Then a great company of heavenly hosts appeared with the angel praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
d. Then the angels depart and return to Heaven!
ii. The Shepherds are awestruck – maybe they are saying “Wow!” Did you see and hear that!
1. Anticipation is rising up in them to go see this miracle of Christmas – the heart of Christmas – the Savior of the world!
2. The Shepherds upon witnessing and hearing the angels message and singing got a great anticipation or longing to go see this miracle baby in Bethlehem (Luke 2:8-20)
3. So they hurry off – they don’t walk – they run to Bethlehem together in wonder and awe of the miracle – anticipating a life changing moment when they see this baby in the manger.
4. They come they find Mary and Joseph and Jesus – the baby – they sense the presence of God – they see the miracle child – it changed them because they immediately went out and spread the word and all who heard it were amazed and – I think a hunger for the Lord and anticipation was released among the people as to what this supernatural child would one day do!
a. Is you anticipation rising!
5. The heart of Christmas had come – the Savior of the World was there – right there – they were looking at Him – right there in the manger among the animals He came to change the world and they believed!
6. I find it interesting in this narrative of the first Christmas it says in Luke 2:19: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
a. Her anticipation of Jesus was rising again but now it changed to what this baby would do!
7. The Shepherd’s expectations were meet – they meet the miracle Child – the Savior of the world in the flesh – they looked into the eyes of God – God had come to save them through this child – the heart of Christmas caused them to glorify God, to praise Him and it changed them too.
8. It gave them an anticipation for the future – hope for a new day and new era!
9. The Savior was here from Heaven.
10. Is your anticipation rising up?
T.S. – Let’s look at the next main characters in the Christmas Story the wise men – the magi.
III. The Wise men – the Magi’s anticipation!
a. They see the star – their hearts are stirred to go follow this amazing star to meet the Savior of the world – there hearts swell with anticipation.
i. They pack and set out on a long journey - no planes or trains – a camel trip – a long one.
b. The Magi I am sure heard the words from the Holy Spirit - “Don’t turn back, press forward on your journey – Your almost there!” (Matthew 2:1-12)
i. They heard the HS voice --- I think many times: “You are almost there oh wise men to see the miracle baby – the King of Kings – The priest of priest – the great sacrifice for the world – the Savior of the World – God in the flesh – don’t stop press through the heat of the day and the cold of the night.”
1. "It will be worth it the journey!"
2. “Press through those storms and the driving rain it will be worth it in the end to see this miracle child – He will change the world.”
3. “Believe!”
a. Are you hearing His voice – “You are also most there – Believe!”
b. "Press on in the journey to see this miracle child – Jesus!"
c. “You are almost there – you will one day be able to worship the Great I am in person – in His presence – you will be able to give Him your gifts —- presents to this little miracle child – God in the flesh – you will experience the heart of Christmas when you meet this little miracle.”
c. When they come to Mary and Joseph’s house they bow down to this mighty king and give him the gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.
i. Time frame about 2 years later.
d. Jesus is around 2 years old now – but these men came a long way encouraged on by the Holy Spirit to experience the miracle of Christmas – the greatest gift given to anyone ever – Jesus.
e. They saw Him in his mother’s arms and their was great joy in their hearts.
i. There was another anticipation set forth in their gifts and that would center on what this messiah would do for the world.
ii. It even amazed Mary and Joseph!
iii. Do you believe – is your anticipation rising more and more?
T.S. – Let’s look at some other main characters in our Christmas Story Simeon and Anna.
IV. Simeon and Anna also had an anticipation of seeing the heart of Christmas see Luke 2:25-33:
a. 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30For my eyes have seen your salvation,31which you have prepared in the sight of all people,32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
i. Simeon had a promise from the Holy Spirt as did Mary, Joseph, the Magi, and the Shepherds – the promise of this baby, to see Him - the Lord’s Christ – to see the Messiah face to face – he looked at Jesus and into his eyes and God’s spirit came on him and he said, “My eyes have seen your salvation.”
1. He believed!
2. Have you seen your salvation through this season?
3. Do you really believe?
ii. His anticipation was fulfilled and met in that precious miracle moment of holding Jesus in his arms – he looked into the heart of Christmas – the one who gives joy – peace and love to all who believe.
iii. How is your anticipation level of seeing Jesus face to face - you are almost there.
b. Anna too had been in the temple praying and interceding for the heart of Christmas to come and she too got to witness the miracle baby of Christmas.
i. 36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a widow until she was eighty–four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
ii. She saw him and believed and experienced the heart of Christmas and prophesied about it.
1. She believed!
c. Has the Holy Spirit placed a holy anticipation in your heart to experience Jesus – to behold the Spirit and heart of Christmas?
i. Is there a longing in your heart to encounter Him today – to take Him in your arms – to hug Him and to look into His loving eyes?
ii. Are you longing for that day?
iii. Can I say to you “You are almost there!”
iv. Do you believe!
v. Are you anticipating that moment?
T.S. – Let’s now look at the 2nd most important character of the Christmas Story baby miracle - Mary.
V. Mary’s anticipation!
a. Mary had to be encouraged by the Holy Spirit to hang in there because she was almost there!
b. Mary had to embrace the plan of God to send Jesus through her to this world and she had to know that the pain and the trouble would be worth the journey and be worth the waiting time (Luke 2:26-38).
i. Her heart and anticipation for the heart of Christmas was implanted in her when she heard the message from God through Gabriel. This miracle event which would take place would change the world, this baby was a gift from Heaven for her and all mankind and she was a major part of it!
1. To be apart of the birth of the heart of Christmas meant she had to believe!
ii. She heard the divine words over and over, “Do not be afraid!”
1. I am sure fear tried raising its ugly head many times during her pregnancy.
a. But the message was there: “Your almost there!”
2. But I believe she heard you are almost there when people whispered about her! When she was riding on the donkey on the long journey. She heard “Stick with it to the end” – “You have found favor with God.”
3. “Just Believe - trust God!”
4. “Your almost there!”
c. Mary had to endure the whispers from others about her pregnancy. The looks – the rejection – the look of Joseph when she told him.
i. The Holy Spirit said press forward “You are almost there oh highly favored one.”
ii. The Holy Spirit said “Don’t give up Mary this will be hard but the Lord is with you.”
iii. The Holy Spirit would encourage her on the long ride to Bethlehem “You are almost there!” You will we the miracle - you will see God!
1. Mom’s could you imagine what she went through carrying Jesus while riding on a donkey all those miles and arriving in town just in time to have your baby in a cave - a stable? You thought your delivery was tough!
2. But she believed – she had a great anticipation of this miracle day. She knew it was God!
3. She believed -do you?
4. Is your anticipation rising to meet Jesus face to face?
T.S. -Throughout the Christmas Story the Holy Spirit had to encourage people to press for the heart of Christmas – to not quit – but to push forward so they could experience the miracle of Christmas – which is Jesus face to face – a miracle baby yes - but more important the Messiah – the great “I Am.” They had to believe – they had to know that there anticipation of this event would exceed their expectations – it would be life changing – all there hopes and dreams would be meet – they would see Him and experience peace and joy and His presence would warm their hearts.
How is your anticipation level – do you believe!
Conclusion:
So, our main character’s in our Christmas miracle story had a great anticipation in their hearts to meet the heart of Christmas – which is Jesus – to experience Him in person – to see Him face to face!
Question: “Do you have that same anticipation as they did today – this Christmas season?”
Maybe you are here today – and you need the Holy Spirit to say to you:
• “Your almost there – Julie and Mary and Kim – don’t quit!” You are about to receive the miracle you have been longing for! Praying for – you know the one that you asked God for this week!
• “Your almost there – John and E-vet don’t give up!” You are about to hear the voice of God clearly about what to do!
• “Your almost there – Ron and Marsha – continue to press forward to experience the miracle and the great gift of Christmas Jesus.” You are just around the corner from your prayer of new life being answered!
• Listen to the Holy Spirit do you hear him? “Your almost there to meet Him – your Savior – the heart of Christmas face to face!”
• Listen everyone to the message believe --- “Your almost there!” Get ready for the miracle – the answered prayer – the word of the Lord for you – the healing – the deliverance – the salvation of the one you love – Your almost there!
• Your almost there Heaven is around the corner – the place that you have longed for - believing will open the gates for the day you meet Him face to face - to hold Him in your arms – to look into His loving eyes -Your almost there! Do you believe you are almost there?
Beth plays song “Almost There.”
Ministry time, then the move into Christmas offering moment.
I think the Holy Spirit is saying to us today “Your almost there – stay faithful – persevere to the end – finish strong – don’t quit, don’t give up on your miracle – embrace the heart of Christmas – yes, the baby in the manger has come to save you from your sins and give you eternal life in Heaven. He’s almost here – the time is near – the day is coming. Get ready!”
The greatest gift was placed in the Manger 2017 years ago – have you experienced Him this season – have you heard His voice – His cry – His calling to you. Have you looked into His eyes and held Him in your arms – are you anticipating meeting Him one day face to face – are you longing for that day – Are you looking anticipating meeting the heart of Christmas? Do you believe! Are you willing to give Him a gift this morning and are you willing to come forward and place it in the manager – to thank Him. Remember Your almost there!”
