CHRISTMAS EVE-THE IMPACT OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST UPON THE FAMILY.
I love Christmas Eve! All of the hustle and bustle is over, all the scurrying around for last minute things. All the scheduled events of the Christmas season have already happened, and it is time to come to church and celebrate Christ’ Birth and enjoy family.
Christmas is such a family time. We get together, we eat, we exchange gifts, and tonight we worship the Lord together. Some as biological families, all of us who are recipients of the greatest gift ever given as God’s redeemed family. Christmas Eve is my most favorite night of the year.
We read familiar scriptures about that very special little family seeking shelter and a place to give birth to baby Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Luke 2:1-7 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
THERE WAS ALL KINDS OF ACTIVITY THAT SPECIAL NIGHT
1. A mother was in labor , giving birth to her first born.
2. Shepherds were receiving an important message from the Angel of the Lord
a. Luke 2:8-12 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
3. Angels were rejoicing
a. Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
THAT LITTLE FAMILY OF MARY AND JOSEPH WERE IMPACTED THAT NIGHT
THE CHILD DELIVERED BY MARY THAT NIGHT HASN’T STOPPED IMPACTING THE WORLD EVER SINCE THAT NIGHT..
Matthew 1:21-25 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
The Name Jesus means savior.
The Savior brought the Gospel
G-God loves you John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
O-Only begotten Son of God
S-Sin is why He had to come in the first place. He didn’t come to give us a holiday, He came to give us hope. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
P-Precious Blood, His precious blood had to be shed for the forgiveness of our sins Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
E-Everliving-Jesus came as the sinless, virgin born Son of God, lived a perfectly sinless life, died as our substitutional offering for our sins, and rose from death and the grave.
L-Let Him In
Jesus made hope and heaven possible.
Don’t let this beautiful, meaningful time of the year pass you by. Jesus wants to come into your life and give you the greatest gift of all.
The scriptures say 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
What a wonderful night
What a wonderful savior
What a wonderful gift
What a wonderful opportunity
