Introduction: Christmas will soon be upon us. “Peace on earth; good will toward men,” is the message. To some, it is just a symbolism of an annual festivity. Others will ponder the mystery of divine love which Christmas really is.
1. Yet, there is the striking contrast between “Peace on earth, good will toward men” and the present state of this world and our country. – It is filled with strife – ill will – international suspicions and cooked politicians.
– There is friction and factions – fears, unrest and war.
– the irony is this: The cure for all the worlds ills and this nation’s ills, lies wrapped up in swaddling clothes.
-The babe in the manger of Bethlehem came to seek and to save that which was lost.
2. The nations of the world need to stop and listen to the angels of Bethlehem. Millions of people with broken hearts – broken homes – living in war torn areas of this world need to go to Bethlehem.
3. If the great Christian religions of this world, had kept true to the word of God, true to the Jesus Christ of the Bible, how different would our country and this world be today. This is not a pathetic appeal but the tragic truth.
The problem we have is that the people of this world and the leaders of this world, have, rejected the babe in the manger – the Christ of the Bible – the King of Kings – the Lord of Lords. In Matthew 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Here, this great Christmas story teaches us – the babe in the manger came to save our souls
– Save us from our sins. What a wonderful gift to receive this Christmas the Gift of God’s love – forgiveness and salvation.
4. Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” There will never be peace on earth until there is first “Glory to God in the highest.”
5. The application is a direct one to all of us: Each of us should try to bring “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Bring it into our social lives – our work – our families – our friends and neighbors.
6. Luke 2:15 (read) shepherds “let us go NOW) = they came to Jesus VS 16 with haste (They didn’t wait or procrastinate). If you are a Christian – will you come to Jesus and ask His help? Believe in Him as your pray and ask? Will you live for Jesus and share Him with others?
When will you come to Jesus? He waits for you, even now. To come with haste and to receive His wonderful gift – to have your sins forgiven – to have salvation – to find peace in your heart and rest for your soul. The shepherds came with haste – they came as soon as they found out – how about you?
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FAITH - HOPE - FORGIVENESS by Growing Older 