What is Christmas all about?

Limavady Independent Methodist Church

Sunday 22 November 2020

Luke 2 verses 1 - 7

In recent days we have been told that there will be another lock-down.  The church doors will have to close for a further 2 weeks.  Many are saying Christmas will not be the same.  I want to turn you to what Christmas really means.  It is not about the footfall in the streets although we do recognise the seriousness and importance of the economy.  I am not thinking of the Christmas trees, whether we put one up or don't.  It is not about the presents or the hustle and bustle.  Christmas is about the birth of the Lord Jesus, the Saviour who came into the world.  I want to turn your attention to it.  Maybe you are overwhelmed about why we need Christmas at all.  I am aware of the arguments about it being a pagan festival and the change in calendar dates.  In the midst of the doom and gloom just what is Christmas all about?  The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.  

We need to reflect on the plan that is unveiled.  Notice what it says in verse 7 "and she brought forth her firstborn son."  Speaking of Mary and the birth of the Lord.  The great plan for this lost world.  The great plan of salvation for you and I.  God took of the very best he had, his own dear son and sent him into the world.  An introduction to that plan is given in Genesis 3 verse 15.  Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden and told they could eat of everything freely but of one tree they could not eat because they would die.  They were separated from God.  God came into the Garden and Adam and Eve hid.  Adam said "I was fearful for I was naked."  God promised Satan "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel."  That is the very first mention of the gospel of saving grace, a Saviour that would come.  It was devised in eternity past, destined and prepared in eternity past.  Peter speaks of our salvation - "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last last times for you."  A plan veiled in the Old Testament scriptures unveiled when Mary came to Bethlehem that night.  Whenever Philip found the Lord in John 1 he went and found Nathaniel and said "we have found him  of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth the son of Joseph."  Isaiah the prophet said "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel."  Micah the prophet also foretold that Jesus would  be born in Bethlehem 500 years before he was.  These prophecies were given to them.  Philip told Nathaniel "we have found him" unveiled in the New Testament.  Genesis 3 man's disobedience and fall didn't take God by surprise.  God knew the events that would happen.  He didn't plan for man to fall into sin but he knew he would disobey.  God made a plan for your salvation and mine in sending his son Jesus Christ.  A plan unveiled.

A purpose that is virtually unthinkable.  Am I going to be disappointed that I cannot get out to the shops or attend the parties?  My mind is not set on these things.  Romans chapter 8 verse 32 "He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things."  Paul writting to the Roman church spoke of God in heaven and the great love he had for each and everyone of us.  God loved you and he gave his only son that you and I might be saved.  You don't have to understand the full degree of God's salvation and the cross of God, just believe.  When I see Mary and Joseph coming to Bethlehem coming to a shut door and having to go to an outhouse and bringing forth her firstborn son, it is virtually unthinkable.  Have we pondered the message of the cross?  We need to recognise once more the Christmas message.

A passion that is unequalled.  When I read the words of John 3 verse 16 and take them word for word - "for God so loved the world".  God looking down into this sin cursed world saw you and I.  We were helpless and hopeless, going out into a lost Christless hell for all eternity.  He loved us.  From that great heart of love he sent his only son.  That night in Bethlehem the great plan of God was being unveiled to a fallen world as Mary and Joseph made their way through the streets.  Will you take God's unequalled love for each of us?  Is Christmas ruined?  Not at all.  Because behind it all is God's great plan for you and me. We were thinking a few weeks ago of those who fought in the wars.  They went away and never came back, to give us our freedom which we have today.  Think of God sending his son.  It wasn't a chance that he came into this world and died on the old rugged cross.  His purpose was to seek and to save that which was lost.  He was born to die.  In the Garden of Gethsemanw he lifted up his voice and said "not my will but thy will be done."  A love in his heart for man that is unequalled.  "Greater love hath no man than a man lay down his life."  Think of Barrabas who was set free while Jesus was crucified - what thoughts did he not have after that day?  This man loved me and gave himself for me.  Can you say this morning as you look on the hill of Golgotha that he is there where you should be?  The soul that sinneth shall die.  Jesus never sinned and could never sin.  He took on himself your sin and my sin.  See the great passion he had for me.  "I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2 verse 20)

A people in unbelief.  When Mary brought forth her son the world was going on.  One young woman giving birth to a child.  There was no room for them in the inn.  A people in unbelief.  He came unto his own and his own believed him not.  To them who believed he gave the power to become sons of God.  The circumstances will be different this Christmas - will that spoil Christmas for you this year?  Look further than the high street and look away to God's great plan.

A plan that was unveiled in Bethlehem

A purpose that was unthinkable

A passion that was unequal

for a people in unbelief.

Are you going to continue in your own way today or allow the Lord to come into your heart today?