Text: Luke 1:46-55
Title: What makes for a real Christmas Spirit?
Introduction
Earlier this week one of our local radio stations had people call in with their nomination for “Worst Christmas Song ever.” Nominations so far include “The Chipmunks Christmas song”, “I saw Santa kissing mommy”, “Grandma got run over by a reindeer.”…
This event got me thinking about Christmas, Christmas songs and the Christmas spirit.
I thought that we might turn to the bible for the answer. So let’s turn to Luke 1:46-55 for some biblical guidelines on what makes for a real Christmas spirit.
1. A real Christmas spirit glorifies God. (V46-47)
“And Mary said:”My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”
A.How can we glorify God in Christmas? By keeping Christ in Christmas! Whenever Christmas is called something other than Christmas it no longer glorifies the Lord.
B.Notice Mary glorified God as her savior.
Christmas is just as much about saving us as Easter. On May 8 1945 Germany surrendered to the Allies and the war in Europe ended. However the decisive turning point that doomed Germany was June 6 1944 when the invasion of Normandy began. The cross of Christ defeated Satan and Sin but the day that doomed Satan was Christmas Day when God invaded earth.
C.God is glorified when my soul and my spirit both participate.My soul is the seat of my desires, affections and appetites. The real Christmas spirit is one which I am totally engaged.
2. A real Christmas spirit conveys to us the mind of God. (V48)
“for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.”
A. A real Christmas spirit conveys what God was thinking.
B.God was thinking about the humble state of his servants
C. What God was thinking could be summarized in John 3:16
3. A real Christmas spirit blesses all generations. (v48)
“From now on all generations will call me blessed.”
A.Christmas is for everyone.
B.If we are not blessed or being a blessing to others it is because we have forgotten the true Christmas spirit. This point is best illustrated in the movie “A Christmas Carol.”
4.A real Christmas spirit recalls how great and holy God is. (v49)
“for the Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is his name.
A.Christmas is a sacred event. It is all about the greatness and holiness of God.
5. A real Christmas spirit extends to us the mercy of God. (v50)
“His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.”
A. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. None of us deserve Christmas!
6. A real Christmas spirit lifts us up spiritually (V52)
“He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.”
A.Christmas is a spiritually uplifting time if we remain humble and open to God
7. A real Christmas spirit fills us with good things. (v53)
“He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.”
A.The Bible is a catalogue of all the spiritual blessings.
B. God does not want to leave us empty at Christmas time. He wants to fill us with good things.
