Title: Glory to God, Peace on Earth
Contents Carols are flowing through the streets, department stores are decorated with large Christmas mysteries, and card stands are crowded, but they are pushed to a place where they cannot find where Jesus Christ, the main character of Christmas, is. People spend the night with their friends rather than spending time with their families and visiting lonely neighbors. Bars and hotels are full, and churches are enjoying the “only in the church” festival. Could it be that something has lost its essence?
Why is Christmas the happiest day of mankind?
It is because the light of hope came from the midst of despair. This is because the Messiah, the Savior, who leads people who are destined to die to eternal life, has come. Because it is the day when we received such a great gift from God.
The unprepared and the prepared
Some people who had been hoping for the Messiah like that for 400 years were preparing for Christmas incorrectly. King Herod was jealous, and the scribes had all the knowledge, but he did not have the heart to worship, and because the innkeeper was busy with his work, he could not receive Jesus who had come to his house. However, there were Mary and Joseph, who were surprised to be conceived as a virgin, but welcomed them dearly, the shepherds who heard the news in the middle of the night and came to visit, and there were also wise men from the East who saw the stars and crossed the water. The common denominator of those who came to worship the baby Jesus was faith. And there was a heart of obedience. Everyone had to make sacrifices.
So, how should you spend Christmas?
(1) It must be the season of listening.
Today's text 2:10-11 declares, “I bring you great good news.” We must hear the word of blessing. Today, we lose our minds because of loud noises, machines, clamors, temptations that stimulate the peripheral nerves, TV, radio, and these sounds, and we cannot hear the mournful voice of God calling us to come back. Take some quiet time to meditate on the word of the Lord and where is the will of the Lord? It should be a listening season.
(2) It must be the season to praise the baby Jesus.
In Text 2:13-14, “The angel of heaven sang praises to God, saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased.” The angel of heaven sang the birth of Jesus.
(3) It must be the season of worship.
Three wise men came to Jesus and worshiped him. The three wise men worshiped Jesus, the King of Kings, who was born in a humble manger with the most precious gold, myrrh, and sulfur. Jesus gave gold because he is the King of kings. Myrrh was offered to symbolize the death and resurrection of Jesus. Brimstone was offered to symbolize the purity and divinity of Jesus.
(4) It must be the season to share love in the name of Jesus Christ.
Christmas is the day when man received the gift of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
It is the day when the most precious and greatest gift was received without any merit and without condition. This is why we gladly give each other gifts. Since you have just received, I say give. I hope it will be a season of love to share the great love we have received from God in the name of Jesus.
(5) It must be the season to spread the good news.
When the shepherds heard the angel's joyful voice, they ran and announced the birth of the baby Jesus. We must testify that Jesus Christ has come to those who are lost in the world and to those who have no hope.
Let's close the word.
A 12-year-old boy named Bill played the role of the owner of an inn in Philadelphia's Church Christmas Childhood Sunday School preparatory play. His ambassador said to Mary and Joseph who were full, “There is no room. Go somewhere else!” That was all. But on the day of the real play, after hesitating for a long time, he said, “Come in, go into our room! I made a mistake in saying that. On this day, the play was a mess. However, it has given deep thoughts to the hearts of countless people.
Do you have a room to rest when the Lord visits your home today? If you come to our church today, is there a seat for you? Our church must be a church that welcomes the Lord.