Introduction
· This morning we celebrate the eve of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
· As we prepare to celebrate Christmas with our families and loved ones, we must take time to remember why we get together. His name is Jesus, our savior.
· God sent His only begotten Son for us, because we were in need.
· If our greatest need would have been information – God would have sent us an EDUCATOR…
· If our greatest need would have been technology – God would have sent us a SCIENTIST…
· If our greatest need would have been money – God would have sent us an ECONOMIST…
· If our greatest need would have been pleasure – God would have sent us an ENTERTAINER…
· BUT, our greatest need was forgiveness – So God sent us a SAVIOR!
· Let us look to the scriptures this morning and see what the Word says about the birth of our savior.
(NKJV) Luke 1 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
(NKJV) Isaiah 9 6For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
1)Jesus is Wonderful – His name brings love, life, peace, joy & forgiveness.
The Wonder of Love – (NKJV) John 3 16For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
The Wonder of Life – (NKJV) John 10 10The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
The Wonder of Peace – (NKJV) Romans 5 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
The Wonder of Joy – (NKJV) Luke 2 10Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
The Wonder of Forgiveness – (NKJV) Matthew 1 21And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
2)Jesus the counselor – there is wisdom in His name.
· As your counselor, He is always available. (He is never too busy to come to your aid)
· As your counselor, He gives you His undivided attention. (No one is more important than you are right now)
· As your counselor, He comforts you. (As a child seeks the comfort of a parent)
· As your counselor, He guides you in the right way. (A sound advisor)
· We were in need for a Savior and God sent Jesus.
3) Jesus our Mighty God – there is power & wealth in His name.
· Jesus came to give us power, authority and wealth through His Word and by His example.
· He came to give you eternal life and direction through the Holy Spirit.
· You are heir with God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.
(NLT) Psalms 24 1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.
(NKJV) Psalms 50 10For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. 11I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine.
(NKJV) Revelation 1 8"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
4) Jesus our Everlasting Father – there is provision in His name.
· If you know Jesus, you know the Father. “I and my Father are one.”
· The word father means, “Protector” He protects and guards us against those who would harm us.
· He sustains & feeds us and provides security & warmth.
· We were in need for a provider and God sent us Jesus the savior.
5) Jesus is the Prince of Peace- His name is inviting.
· The Name of Jesus is inviting to those who are lost.
· There is peace in the name of Jesus, to calm the storms of life.
· Jesus invites us with open arms to rest in His word and His ways.
(NKJV) Matthew 11 28Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Conclusion
· The birth of Jesus took place because God seen a people in need.
Jesus was….
· Not a mere baby… lying in a manger,
· Not a mere carpenter… with a religious message,
· Not a mere prophet… dying on a Roman cross,
· BUT A SOON COMING KING ABOUT TO RAPTURE HIS CHURCH!
· Jesus is the Reason for the Christmas Season. His birth into our world was the divine appointment for each one of us here today.
· Jesus came as our Savior to forgive our sins and get us on track to do His Kingdom business.
· His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This is why we Celebrate Christmas today.
Merry Christmas!
Let us pray!
SALVATION CALL / ALTAR CALL
