THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
Luke 2:1-22 1-4 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
how did christmas start?
When Pope Julius I authorized December 25 to be CELEBRATED AS THE BIRTHDAY OF JESUS IN A.D. 353, who would have ever thought that it would become what it is today.
When Professor Charles Follen LIT CANDLES on the FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE IN AMERICA IN 1832, who would have ever thought that the DECORATIONS WOULD BECOME AS ELABORATEas they are today.
It is a LONG TIMEsince 1832, longer still from 353, longer still from that dark night brightened by a special star in which Jesus the king was born. Yet, as we approach December 25 again, it gives us yet another OPPORTUNITY TO PAUSE, and in the midst of all the excitement and elaborate decorations and expensive commercialization which surround Christmas today, to consider again the event of “THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.”
I. IT’S THE SEASON OF A GIFT FROM HEAVEN.
Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
In the Scriptures we find described:
(A). THE PLACE THE GIFT IS GIVEN.
Mic 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(B). THE PURPOSE THE GIFT IS GIVEN.
Isa 53:5-6 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED. All we like sheep have gone ASTRAY; we have TURNED EVERY ONE TO HIS OWN WAY; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
II. IT’S THE SEASON OF HIS GRACE TO HUMANITY.
Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
John 1:14-16 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.
Acts 15:11 But we believe that through the GRACE of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall BE SAVED, even as they.
The GRACE of God is AMAZING. We did not deserve to go to heaven we should have gone to Hell, we broke the laws of God, but in His GRACE he gave us new hope.
A STORY TOLD BY BILLY GRAHAM. (Ill: Grace)
When Billy Graham was driving through a small southern town, he was stopped by a policeman and charged with speeding. Graham admitted his quilt, but was told by the officer that he would have to appear in court.
THE JUDGE ASKED, “Guilty, or not guilty?” When Graham pleaded guilty, the judge replied, “That’ll be ten dollars — a dollar for every mile you went over the limit.”
Suddenly the judge recognized the famous minister. “You have violated the law,” he said. “The fine must be paid—but I am going to pay it for you.” He took A TEN DOLLAR BILL FROM HIS OWN WALLET, attached it to the ticket, and then took Graham out and bought him a steak dinner! “That,” said Billy Graham, “is how God treats repentant sinners!”
WHEN PAUL HAD PRAYED FOR HEALING JESUS SAID TO HIM “2 Cor 12:9.... “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
The Apostle Paul Could Say: Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Eph 2:5-9 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For BY GRACEare ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the GIFT OF GOD: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Charles Spurgeon and Joseph Parker pastored churches in London in the 19th century at the same time. On one occasion, Parker commented on the poor condition of children admitted to Spurgeon’s orphanage. Parker had criticized the orphanage itself, Spurgeon blasted Parker the next week from the pulpit. It was recorded in the News Paper. The next Sunday everyone came to Parker’s church to see what he would say, to the surprise of everyone Parker took an offering for the orphanage. The ushers had to empty the collections plates 3 times. Latter that week Spurgeon knocked at Prker’s study and said: “You know Parker, you have PRACTICED GRACE ON ME. You gave me NOT WHAT I DESERVED, you have GIVEN ME WHAT I NEEDED.”
III. IT’S THE SEASON FOR GOING BACK HOME.
Luke 2:21-22 1 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
(A). I stood in our vestibule two years ago, I thought every one was gone but my family, when one of our deacons Brother Clifford Wisdom came back into the church. He said, “Preacher what are you doing for dinner today” I replied to him, “Brother Clifford ..... I’m going back home for Christmas”. I pastored in Anderson, Indiana for fifteen years most of our children and family was thereand we were leaving after the morning services to go Home. It was the last words I ever spoke to one of the dearest friend I have had. I did not know it, neither did Clifford, that in just two days He would be in his new home in Heaven.
(B). Joseph and Mary returned to their home in Jerusalem, “to present Him (Jesus) to the Lord” For Mary and Joseph it was a time for going back home.
(C). I recall when I was a little boy “at home” I remember the first Christmas my mother told me there was not a Santa Claus, I was heart broken, but glad because she had told me the truth. It was years later that I learned what Christmas and Home was all about.
(D). Some in this service today need to go “home this Christmas!” You are like the Prodigal Son who wandered far from the Father’s house and lived in a far country. It’s time for you to come back home.
WHAT IS OUR GREATEST NEED FOR THIS CHRISTMAS DAY? “toys, gold, diamonds, cars, homes”
If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator;
If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist;
If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist;
If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer;
But our greatest needWAS FORGIVENESS, so GOD SENT US A SAVIOR.
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
In December 1903, after many attempts, the Wright brothers were successful in getting their “flying machine” off the ground. Thrilled, they telegraphed this message to their sister Katherine: “We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas.” Katherine hurried to the editor of the local newspaper and showed him the message. He glanced at it and said, “How nice. The boys will be home for Christmas.” He totally missed the big news—manhadflown!
Your greatest need is to come HOME TO JESUS. John 14:1-6 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whether I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.