The Day The King Was Born

"The Day The King was Born!”

Thesis: Christmas time is a very special time when we should be focused in on day The King was born. His name is not Elvis or Santa Claus but Jesus Christ!

Illustration:

The Mysterious Visitor

’Twas just before Christmas. A pastor sat in his study meditating upon the words, "The knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." Looking out the window, he saw people scurrying hither, thither and yon, like ants disturbed on an anthill. He asked himself, "What knowledge of Christ do these hurrying people have? What knowledge of Him do the people to whom I preach have? What are their innermost attitudes toward Him?" As he pondered these searching questions, he seemed to see in vision a caller who asked, "Shall I tell you what Christ means to your people?" The caller spoke calmly and quietly, "Can you?" asked the pastor; "and how did you know what I was thinking about?"

The caller began "Some of your people think of Christ as they would think of a generous rich uncle. Ceaselessly they ask Him for things. Others think of Him as a great teacher. They are stimulated intellectually to hear learned discourses about Him. Some think of Him as an errand boy whom they flippantly order to help them."

"Oh, mysterious caller, is this an accurate picture of my people?" asked the minister.

"Yes," said the caller sadly but firmly. Then he concluded, "But to some He is an ever-present, never-failing friend and confident! To some, He is the fairest among ten thousands and the altogether lovely One!" As the caller said this, he receded and vanished, disappearing as mysteriously as he had appeared.

"Was I asleep?" asked the startled pastor, "Or has an angel visited me, or has Christ Himself been here?"

n W.B.K.

Reference to “Touched by an Angel.”

Introduction: The question is addressed to you today, "Is Christ the center of your attention at this Christmas season?"

Do you know what Christmas stands for? It means Christ, simple enough, and mas means, in us. So Christmas means Christ in us!

I have watched over the last ten years how Christmas is becoming more and more commercialized and it is disheartening to me. It is shocking to see how people who even confess Christianity view this holy season. Christmas is not something that can be considered as a casual event in the world’s history. It is the birth of our Messiah, Jesus Christ, it is the celebration of His birthday. The day the King of Kings was born so that you and me could be set free.

I believe that we should address this season with reverence and awe for Christ our Savior. But instead, I see among our communities, disrespect and ignorance toward Christ, "The King of Kings and Lord of Lords."

I see many putting an X over Christ name in Christmas. They are trying to x him out of the season and the day. Christ should be our focus at this time. We should not focus in on gifts but on the Supreme Gift Giver. We should not focus in on fairy tales but reality. We should not become wrapped up in wrapping paper but become wrapped up in Christ’s arms. We need to focus in on Christ our Redeemer, our Rose of Sharon, our Lilly of the Valley, our Wonderful Counselor. Remember Christmas is about the birth of The King.

I want to challenge you to search your heart and ask yourself, "How do I view this Christmas Season? Then ask yourself, “ Am I aware that the King was born so that he could give me the greatest gift of all." That gift being “Eternal life!’

I. CHRIST IS TO BE OUR CENTRAL FOCUS THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON.

A. Christ is to be number one in our lives at this time. (Matt. 6:33; Rev. 2:1-7)

1. Matt. 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

a. Do not let the things come first these being the presents, the cards, the lights, the TV shows, the myths, the glitter, the trees, the you fill in the blank. They are not to over run God if they do, then you have forsaken your first love.

b. Have you heard of the song grandma got run over by a reindeer? I believe Jesus has gotten run over by many reindeer this season.

2. Rev.2:1-7

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ` These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 "and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 "Nevertheless I have [this] against you, that you have left your first love. 5 "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent. 6 "But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." ’