WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-11
Text: Matthew 2:2
Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Introduction: Christmas is just around the corner. As a matter of fact, it is less than two weeks away.
We regularly hear the admonition, “Don’t forget the real meaning of Christmas!”
What is Christmas about?
Christmas is a national holiday.
Christmas is a topic of controversy, as liberals and God-haters do every thing that they can to remove the name of Christ from the public places of America.
What should the Christian’s attitude be toward Christmas? What is the Bible view on Christmas? What is Christmas REALLY all about?
I. CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT A MASS
John 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
Many people act like Christmas is found in the Bible.
Christmas = Christ + mass or mass of Christ
A. Christmas is a Roman Catholic tradition
B. Christmas was a Roman Catholic tool
1. For converting the heathen in great numbers
II. CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT A MIXTURE
Jeremiah 10:1-3 Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: 2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
A. It is a mixture of truth and error
B. It is a mixture of tradition and scripture
III. CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT MONEY
1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
A. Christmas is about generosity
B. Christmas is about greed
IV. CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT A MIRACLE
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Granted, even with all of the pagan traditions such as the Christmas tree, the yule log, Santa Claus, etc. the main theme of Christmas is the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, which was a MIRACLE.
A. The birth of Christ was a physical miracle
B. The birth of Christ was a prophetic miracle
V. CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT A MAN
Notice in the last verse of today’s scripture reading, they worshipped HIM.
Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
A. Jesus, the REAL man
B. Jesus, the rejected man
C. Jesus, the redeeming man
VI. CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT MERCY AND GRACE
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
A. The granting of mercy
B. The giving of a mansion!
VII. CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT A MEANS OF PREACHING THE GOSPEL
Philippians 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
A. It is our opportunity at this time of the year
B. It is our obligation to preach Christ and His salvation!
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Michael D. O’Neal (Proverbs 11:30), Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church |