Scripture Passage
Worship Video
Worship Audio
Sermon Script
A Special Christmas
It is wonderful to celebrate Christmas together. It is special to have Christmas on Sunday. Every 7 years or so, Christmas falls on Sunday.
Christmas is a special day for many people. Christmas brightens up December. It brings joy to all of us. May God’s peace and joy fill you all. Your presence here brightens up this Christmas.
Christmas is not a celebration of the few privileged. Christmas is a celebration of everybody regardless of who you are. Jesus Christ was born for all of us, especially for those who cannot help themselves.
The First to Hear
God revealed the message of Christmas to the shepherds. When we think about shepherds, we have this romantic image. But in reality, the shepherds were not necessarily romantic people who lived a romantic life.
They lived a nomadic life, but not necessarily a romantic life. They were not considered as highly respected people in Jesus’ time. They often attacked the lonely travelers. Many of them were robbers. They were disqualified from being legal witnesses.
But they were the first ones who heard the message of Christmas.
The message of Christmas was this:
I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10, 11)
God used those who are disqualified from being legal witnesses to be the witnesses of the birth of Jesus Christ. It was totally unexpected. The shepherds did not expect any of this. They thought it would be another boring night. But all of a sudden, the dark field was brightened up by the light of the glory of God. They heard the beautiful praise.
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours! (Luke 2:14)
The glory filled the field. The glory filled the heart of those shepherds. They experienced the glory of God. Their life was not the same any more.
People who experience the glory of God – Their life changes forever.
The shepherds didn’t do anything. It was all God’s doing.
His Power in Our Lives
Last week, we reflected on Joseph and we realized that our best is not God’s best. Life is not all about what we do. Life is very much about what God does. We see that very clearly in today’s passage.
Shepherds were just there, doing what they had been doing all their lives. Nothing special they did on that day. And God brought glory to them. It was God who brought glory to them. That was how God brought his glory to the world. Our life has to be filled with God’s glory.
What is God’s glory? God’s glory is GOD’S POWER MANIFESTING ITSELF IN OUR LIVES.
So, God’s glory brings us victory. That’s what God’s glory is. This power becomes light and the light brings victory over darkness. This power becomes justice and God’s justice brings victory over injustice. This power becomes joy and the joy brings victory over sadness.
The light will shine on you and defeat the darkness. Isaiah saw that.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has
shined. (Isaiah 9:2)
John saw that in Jesus.
In him (Jesus) was life, and the life was the light of all people. (John 1:4)
Be Filled with God’s Glory
On this Christmas Day, the glory of God may fill all of you and your family. The power of God may manifest itself to you and to your family. May the light of God chase away all darkness, all sadness, and all conflicts. May God’s peace and joy fill all your homes.
That’s what Christmas is. I said this year, Christmas falls on Sunday. Usually, on Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now today, we celebrate both the birth and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ birth brought glory to us and this power of God’s glory defeated the power of death. God’s glory will never depart you. God’s glory will always go along with you. With God’s glory, everything will be all right. There is nothing for you to worry about. God’s glory will raise you from the death. Now God’s glory wraps you around and you are surrounded by God’s glory.
John saw Christmas in this way.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory… (John 1:14)
Life is full of glory. That’s why life is full of surprises. Be witnesses to God’s glory as shepherds were witnesses.
They were the ones who told Mary and Joseph about what they saw. Mary kept that in her heart.
But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)
Without God’s glory, life is too harsh, too dark, too bland, and too sad. Now with God’s glory, our life is filled with joy, peace, hope, and love. Jesus made that possible.
May the Christmas glory bless all of you.
Glory, glory, Hallelujah!
Glory, glory, Hallelujah!
Glory, glory, Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.
Merry Christmas!
Leave a Reply