Sermons from Good News: Think Christmas and be blessed

Church 12/9/2023

Offertory scripture:

God is concerned, willing, and able to supply your needs.

Philippians 4:19

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

The Philippians were givers and they gave to support Paul’s ministry.

Give but do it by faith.

Sermon message:

Thesis: Think Christmas and be blessed.

Think Christmas—i.e. the very first Christmas, when Jesus was born.

As a man thinks in his heart, so he is.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Paul is saying: this is how I did it.

Think on good things and true things.

Fix your eyes on Jesus.

When Satan tries to discourage you, think on the cross (Jesus’s sacrifice for your sins) and the tomb (Jesus’s victory over death is victory for all believers).

Romans 8:32

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

If God didn’t spare His only Son, how will He not give you all things?

Point #1: Bethlehem says that Jesus is the bread of life.

In the book of Micah it prophecies that Jesus the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. God had this planned out well in advance.

Luke 2:1-5

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

Bethlehem means “house of bread”.

Luke 2:6-7

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

John 6:35 Jesus says He is the bread of life.

John 14:6 Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

John 10:10. Jesus came to give you life abundantly.

Point #2: Gabriel says that with God nothing is impossible.

Luke 1:37

For with God nothing will be impossible.”

We may not know how God will do it, but if He wills it, it will happen.

Point #3: Elizabeth says that those who believe are blessed.

Gabriel told something similar to Zechariah but Zechariah didn’t believe. So Gabriel made it that Zechariah couldn’t talk, not until Mary arrived pregnant with Jesus.

Luke 1:45

Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Remember Abraham when God first told him he would be the father of many nations. When Abraham believed he was blessed.

Point #4: Shepherds say that you are invited to Jesus.

In the ladder of society shepherds were at the bottom.

No matter how low you are, Jesus invites you to Him.

Luke 2:15-17

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.

Point #5: The Christmas story brings blessing.

When you are troubled, lonely, hurting, or wondering if God still loves you—think of the Christmas story.

Matthew 11:28

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Think of the first Christmas.