This is the manuscript of the third in a sermon series that will continue through the New Year's Day 2025.
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 53:1-12 NIV [1] Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? [2] He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. [3] He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. [4] Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. [6] We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. [8] By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished. [9] He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. [10] Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. [11] After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. [12] Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Text:
Isaiah 9:6 NIV [6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The title of the sermon today is a question “Why the Christ Child?”
Introduction
Today is Advent Sunday, the beginning of the Advent season. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and ends on Christmas Eve December 24th.
Advent is a season observed as a time of waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Jesus' birth at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. Advent is a time of reflection, prayer, and spiritual preparation. It is a season to focus on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.
For Christians the Christmas season typically starts on Advent Sunday, However, many, maybe most people start celebrating the Christmas season with the Thanksgiving holiday or even earlier with Halloween.
Every year after Halloween, I notice that people automatically say it is the start of Christmas. Christmas music starts playing in many stores and some people already begin their Christmas shopping in early November. While I'm all for being prepared ahead of time, what might it look like if we slowed down and truly enjoyed the Christmas season? Instead of rushing it, why don't we take our time and truly embrace the beautiful season of Christmas?
Amidst the twinkling lights, festive music, and bustling crowds, it's easy to lose sight of the true reason for the season, which is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
It is easy to be detailed by all of the hustle and bustle of Christmas that we forget who Christmas is actually all about: Jesus. Jesus is truly the meaning of the season, yet there are people across the world who still do not know Him. They view Christmas as a materialistic holiday where we spend too much money. What might unbelievers think if we actually started sharing the Gospel once it was the Christmas season?
The birth of Jesus Christ, a seemingly ordinary event in a small, obscure town, carries profound significance that reverberates through the ages.
Luke 2:1-7 NIV [1] In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. [2] (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) [3] And everyone went to their own town to register. [4] So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. [5] He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. [6] While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, [7] and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Today, we will delve into the heart of Christmas, exploring the profound, far reaching, meaningful, reasons why the birth of the Christ child is a cause for tremendous celebration.
I. First of all the birth of Christ is the Fulfillment of God’s Promise
The birth of Jesus was not a sudden event, but the fulfillment of prophecy that had echoed through the centuries starting in Genesis.
Genesis 3:14-15 NKJV [14] So the Lord God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. [15] And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”
This passage is often referred to as the Protoevangelium" or "First Gospel" because it offers a glimpse of hope and redemption in the face of sin. It promises a Redeemer who will ultimately triumph over evil. The Messianic understanding of this passage offers a powerful and enduring message of hope and redemption.
Then there’s
Genesis 49:10 NIV[10] The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.
This prophecy points to the tribe of Judah as the one from which the Messiah would come. This prophecy is part of the blessing that Jacob gave to his son Judah just before he died in Egypt.
Then
Isaiah 11:1-3 NIV [1] A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. [2] The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— [3] and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;
This prophecy points to the Messiah's lineage through the royal line of David.
Then
Micah 5:2 NIV [2] “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
This prophecy points to the Messiah's birthplace in Bethlehem.
We read in Luke 2:1-7 that Jesus was born in Bethlehem because his earthly parents were descendants of David who was a descendant of Judah.
Isaiah 7:14 NIV says [14] Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
This was a prophecy of the virgin birth of the Messiah. It’s fulfillment is recorded in
Matthew 1:18-23 NIV [18] This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. [19] Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. [20] But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. [21] She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” [22] All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: [23] “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
This long awaited promise, found its ultimate fulfillment in the birth of Jesus Christ.
John 1:14 NIV The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
II. The Birth of Christ is God Providing the Evidence of His Immense Love for Mankind
John 3:16-17 NIV[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Incarnation is the concept of a divine or spiritual being assuming a physical, human form. In this instance the incarnation of God, was the eternal Son taking on human flesh. This is the ultimate expression of God's love for humanity. It demonstrates the depths of God's love, His willingness to enter our world, to experience our joys and sorrows, to suffer and die for our sins.
Romans 5:6-8 NIV [6] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. [7] Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
1 Peter 3:18 NIV For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
Christ's suffering and death were not merely punitive, but redemptive. They were intended to reconcile us to God, to bridge the gap between the holy and the sinful. This act of reconciliation is a tangible expression of God's desire for a relationship with humanity.
The sacrifice of Christ is the ultimate expression of love. It surpasses any human concept of love, as it involves the sacrifice of the divine. This act demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to humanity's salvation. It is a powerful reminder of the lengths to which God will go to redeem and restore His creation.
III. The Birth of Christ is Hope for the World
In a world often marked by darkness, sin, and suffering, the birth of Jesus brings a beacon of hope. He is the light that dispels the darkness, the hope that overcomes despair.
Here are some things that the Apostle John wrote
John 1:4-5 NIV [4] In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 8:12 NIV [12] When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 9:4-5 NIV [4] As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. [5] While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Here is another one of Isaiah’s prophecies that found fulfillment with the birth of Christ.
Isaiah 9:2 NIV [2] The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
The promise of a "great light" signifies God's plan to redeem humanity. It suggests that God would send a deliverer to rescue people from the bondage of sin and death.
This prophecy speaks of a time when God would bring light and hope to a world that was spiritually and morally bankrupt. It contrasts the darkness of sin and despair with the light of God's grace and the hope of redemption offered by the Messiah.
2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV [6] For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
God’s plan for humanity includes deliverance from darkness and the promise of eternal life. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, has brought light into the world and offers hope and salvation to all who believe.
Romans 10:9-10 NIV says [9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
Even in the darkest times, God's light can shine and bring about transformation. As we trust in God's promises, we can experience the light of His love and grace.
Conclusion
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas season, let’s not become distracted by the commercialism and materialism that often surround this holiday. Instead, let’s focus on the love, hope, and peace that Jesus brings into the world. Let’s embrace the true spirit of Christmas and share the good news of Christ with others.
Spend time meditating on God's love for you, as demonstrated in the birth of Jesus.
Share the story of Jesus’ birth with others, and invite them to experience the love and hope that He offers.
Let the love of Christ motivate you to live a life of love and service to others.
Let’s allow the joy and peace of Christmas to fill our hearts and homes this holiday season and throughout the year.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we celebrate His birth, later this month, we're reminded of Your unconditional love and mercy.
Help us to share this love with others, that they may know the joy and peace that comes from knowing You.
We pray for those who don't know You, that they may hear the message of salvation and receive You as their Lord and Savior.
Bless our church and community, that we may be a reflection of Your love and light. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."
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