The following is the manuscript of the sermon delivered at Christ Church, Los Angeles, CA on Sunday December 22, 2019.
Christmas means many things—giving, sharing, loving, singing, and fellowship—but Christmas also means listening to Jesus Christ to hear what he has to say about God. The big question is, “How do you listen when God speaks through Jesus Christ?”
Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
To hear the audio recording of the sermon check out the YouTube link at the end of the manuscript
Christmas means many things—giving, sharing, loving, singing, and fellowship—but Christmas also means listening to Jesus Christ to hear what he has to say about God. The big question is, “How do you listen when God speaks through Jesus Christ?”
Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
To hear the audio recording of the sermon check out the YouTube link at the end of the manuscript
Scripture Reading:
Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Text:
Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
Introduction
Christmas means many things—giving, sharing, loving, singing, and fellowship—but Christmas also means listening to Jesus Christ to hear what he has to say about God. The big question is, “How do you listen when God speaks through Jesus Christ?”
The faith of both the Old and New Testaments is that the God we worship also communicates with us. In fact the Bible is a record of events in which he was communicating with people.
One way in He communicates is through His creation.
Psalms 19:1-4 ESV The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
The creation is also evidence that He loves us. Just think about the beauty and majesty of the creation; and He put man in charge of it.
Psalms 8:5-9 ESV Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord , our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Another way God communicates is through what we call our consciences.
Romans 2:12-16 ESV For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
And the writer of Hebrews declares that “in many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets”
Hebrews 1:1 ESV Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
God spoke through holy men moved by the Holy Spirit.
Through Moses, God gave the Ten Commandments, ten great principles by which an ordered and stable society can be regulated, maintained, and perpetuated.
Through Elijah, God called the nation of Israel away from idolatry and urged them to worship the one true God.
1 Kings 18:21 NKJV And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word.
Have you listened to the challenge of God through the prophet Elijah? Are you worshiping the one true God with all of your heart?
Through Isaiah, God spoke concerning his sovereign holiness. Isaiah went into the temple to pray at a time when his mind was filled with thoughts of an empty throne because of the death of the king, King Uzziah.
Isaiah 6:1-3 ESV In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!"
As Isaiah bowed in reverent worship, God let him see the eternal King sitting sovereign and supreme, majestic.
God revealed to this frightened young man that even though Uzziah was dead, Israel’s God was still on the throne. The God whom Isaiah saw was a holy God who could not tolerate sin.
Isaiah acknowledged his own sinfulness and unworthiness, and immediately one of the seraphim came and purged away the filth of his soul by means of a hot coal taken off the altar.
Isaiah 6:5-7 ESV And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for."
With cleansing there came a call to God’s service, and Isaiah volunteered.
Isaiah 6:8 ESV And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am! Send me."
Through the shepherd-prophet, Amos, God spoke to northern Israel concerning His (God’s) own moral character and of the absolute necessity of his people being committed to righteousness and justice.
I encourage you to read the Old Testament book of Amos who declared that a moral God places moral demands on his people, that a God of integrity requires integrity on the part of his people.
Hosea is the prophet through whom God revealed that there is hope in God’s grace when all hope seemingly has disappeared.
In Hosea’s domestic tragedy, God revealed his compassionate love for the wayward nation of Israel, in the person of Gomer, the prophet’s adulteress wife.
Read the book of Hosea and you will see how God compares Hosea's love for adulteress wife with the love that God has for people who have abandoned Him and worshiped idols.
How do you listen when God speaks? Have you heard what God was saying through these and the other prophets of the Old Testament?
These are ways that God has and does communicate with us but the message of Christmas declares that in these last days God has spoken through his Son, who was born of a virgin in Bethlehem.
Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
Christmas means that we should listen to Jesus Christ because it is in Jesus Christ that God has made Himself known.
Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Text:
Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
Introduction
Christmas means many things—giving, sharing, loving, singing, and fellowship—but Christmas also means listening to Jesus Christ to hear what he has to say about God. The big question is, “How do you listen when God speaks through Jesus Christ?”
The faith of both the Old and New Testaments is that the God we worship also communicates with us. In fact the Bible is a record of events in which he was communicating with people.
One way in He communicates is through His creation.
Psalms 19:1-4 ESV The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
The creation is also evidence that He loves us. Just think about the beauty and majesty of the creation; and He put man in charge of it.
Psalms 8:5-9 ESV Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord , our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Another way God communicates is through what we call our consciences.
Romans 2:12-16 ESV For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
And the writer of Hebrews declares that “in many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets”
Hebrews 1:1 ESV Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
God spoke through holy men moved by the Holy Spirit.
Through Moses, God gave the Ten Commandments, ten great principles by which an ordered and stable society can be regulated, maintained, and perpetuated.
Through Elijah, God called the nation of Israel away from idolatry and urged them to worship the one true God.
1 Kings 18:21 NKJV And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word.
Have you listened to the challenge of God through the prophet Elijah? Are you worshiping the one true God with all of your heart?
Through Isaiah, God spoke concerning his sovereign holiness. Isaiah went into the temple to pray at a time when his mind was filled with thoughts of an empty throne because of the death of the king, King Uzziah.
Isaiah 6:1-3 ESV In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!"
As Isaiah bowed in reverent worship, God let him see the eternal King sitting sovereign and supreme, majestic.
God revealed to this frightened young man that even though Uzziah was dead, Israel’s God was still on the throne. The God whom Isaiah saw was a holy God who could not tolerate sin.
Isaiah acknowledged his own sinfulness and unworthiness, and immediately one of the seraphim came and purged away the filth of his soul by means of a hot coal taken off the altar.
Isaiah 6:5-7 ESV And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for."
With cleansing there came a call to God’s service, and Isaiah volunteered.
Isaiah 6:8 ESV And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am! Send me."
Through the shepherd-prophet, Amos, God spoke to northern Israel concerning His (God’s) own moral character and of the absolute necessity of his people being committed to righteousness and justice.
I encourage you to read the Old Testament book of Amos who declared that a moral God places moral demands on his people, that a God of integrity requires integrity on the part of his people.
Hosea is the prophet through whom God revealed that there is hope in God’s grace when all hope seemingly has disappeared.
In Hosea’s domestic tragedy, God revealed his compassionate love for the wayward nation of Israel, in the person of Gomer, the prophet’s adulteress wife.
Read the book of Hosea and you will see how God compares Hosea's love for adulteress wife with the love that God has for people who have abandoned Him and worshiped idols.
How do you listen when God speaks? Have you heard what God was saying through these and the other prophets of the Old Testament?
These are ways that God has and does communicate with us but the message of Christmas declares that in these last days God has spoken through his Son, who was born of a virgin in Bethlehem.
Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
Christmas means that we should listen to Jesus Christ because it is in Jesus Christ that God has made Himself known.
I. God has appointed Jesus Christ “the heir of all things”
Hebrews 1:2 ESV but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
In other words the kingdom belongs to Jesus Christ.
Revelation 11:15 ESV Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever."
Philippians 2:5-11 ESV Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus Christ has fought and won the decisive battle of history through his coming in the flesh, assuming the form of a servant, taking on himself our guilt, and dying as a sacrifice for our sins on the cross.
Colossians 2:13-14 ESV And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
God exalted him by raising him from the dead and has lifted him to the position of supreme authority in this world and in the world to come. It is through this Christ who is “the heir of all things” that God speaks.
II. It is through Christ that “God made the world.”
People listen to people of power. Powerful political and military leaders can command a crowd. Those who have power in the world of finance can command the attention of business people.
The creative power that we talked about before as one of the ways that God communicates is present is in Jesus Christ. In fact the creative power by which the universe was literally called into being was through Him.
John 1:1-2 AMP In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ( Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God.
Colossians 1:15-16 AMP He is the exact living image [the essential manifestation] of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible], the firstborn [the preeminent one, the sovereign, and the originator] of all creation. For by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, [things] visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [that is, by His activity] and for Him.
III. Jesus Christ “reflects the glory of God.”
Effulgence is a word that means brightness taken to the extreme. You may be dazzled by it, stunned by it, or even overcome by it. Usually used to refer to the sun. Just as the radiance of the sun reaches the earth, so in Jesus Christ the glorious light of God shines to illuminate the heart and the way of mankind.
John 8:12 ESV Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Matthew 5:16 ESV In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
IV. Jesus Christ is the very image of the substance of God.
We see the images of great people on our coins. Just as the image on a coin exactly corresponds to the device on the die used to make that coin, so the Son of God bears the stamp of God’s nature. To see Jesus Christ is to see what God is really like.
Colossians 1:19 AMP For it pleased the Father for all the fullness [of deity—the sum total of His essence, all His perfection, powers, and attributes] to dwell [permanently] in Him (the Son),
Jesus Christ was not just a man. Jesus Christ is God. God lived in Christ’s human body. And God continues to live in Christ for ever. God put everything that he has into Christ. And God put everything that he is into Christ. This includes all God’s character, his nature and his power. Christ was full of God the Father. No part of God was missing from Christ’s life.
V. Jesus Christ upholds all things in “the universe by the word of his power.”
Jesus Christ upholds the universe not like the mythological creature Atlas who supported the dead weight of the earth on his shoulders but as one who carries all things forward on an appointed course. Jesus Christ keeps the universe on schedule.
Colossians 1:17 AMP And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.]
VI. Jesus Christ has “made purification for sins.”
Jesus Christ, the babe of Bethlehem, lived his life, rendered his service, and finally sacrificed himself as an atonement for our sins on the cross.
Romans 3:22-25 AMP This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] as a [life-giving] sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood [to be received] through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness [which demands punishment for sin], because in His forbearance [His deliberate restraint] He passed over the sins previously committed [before Jesus’ crucifixion].
For us to neglect to hear him speak concerning our need for the forgiveness of our sin is to miss what God is saying through Jesus Christ at this and every Christmas.
As the perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ has entered into the most holy place as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.
He has borne the penalty for us. On the basis of his sacrificial death for our sin, he is able to offer us the gift of eternal life.
Hebrews 10:11-14 ESV And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
As the One who has conquered death and who is alive forevermore, Jesus serves as our advocate, making intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25 AMP Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God].
1 John 2:1-2 AMP My little children (believers, dear ones), I am writing you these things so that you will not sin and violate God’s law. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate [who will intercede for us] with the Father: Jesus Christ the righteous [the upright, the just One, who conforms to the Father’s will in every way—purpose, thought, and action]. And He [that same Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins [the atoning sacrifice that holds back the wrath of God that would otherwise be directed at us because of our sinful nature—our worldliness, our lifestyle]; and not for ours alone, but also for [the sins of all believers throughout] the whole world.
It is not enough for us to sing beautiful Christmas carols and rejoice in a baby who was born long ago. Let us listen to what he has to say about God and let us respond to what he has to say about our deepest need.
VII. Jesus Christ has been exalted and enthroned to be our King-Redeemer (Heb. 1:3).
Jesus Christ was born to be our King. He merits the place of lordship in our hearts and lives.
Jesus Christ alone can be our Savior from sin.
He has come offering forgiveness and a new life. Have you heard his invitation “Come unto me” and responded by making him the Lord of your life?
Jesus says, “Follow me.” Have you listened and heard him as he invites you to become acquainted with God?
Conclusion
How do you listen to what God has to say through Jesus Christ? Are you in some pain that makes you too uncomfortable to listen? Have you been too injured or have you become too angry to listen? Are you a self-sufficient, sophisticated, conceited person who feels no need to listen? Are you so preoccupied with things that you are too busy to listen? Are you too fearful and uncertain to listen? Or are you willing to listen to Christ now as he speaks words of assurance concerning the greatness of God’s love for you and of the wonder of God’s plan for your life? Let the Christ of Bethlehem become the King and Lord of your empire. Make him Lord so that you can experience the joy of being what God meant for you to be.
Our Christmas may not be perfect, but it can be holy. It can be glorious. It can be good. I acknowledge that I can’t can pull this thing off. I’m satisfied to rest in the love of God and remember that He alone is perfect and loves perfectly. This Babe in a manger, this Lamb of God, this Lion of Judah, this Savior of the world has come, and He will come again in His glory.
When He comes again every enemy will be trampled under His feet, our every dream will come true for the richest among us to the poorest. He will come true for the healthiest and most unhealthy. He will come the most seemingly blessed and the most terribly oppressed. Jesus is coming again. Love has already won. So we wait eagerly as we hope earnestly.
Hebrews 1:2 ESV but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
In other words the kingdom belongs to Jesus Christ.
Revelation 11:15 ESV Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever."
Philippians 2:5-11 ESV Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus Christ has fought and won the decisive battle of history through his coming in the flesh, assuming the form of a servant, taking on himself our guilt, and dying as a sacrifice for our sins on the cross.
Colossians 2:13-14 ESV And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
God exalted him by raising him from the dead and has lifted him to the position of supreme authority in this world and in the world to come. It is through this Christ who is “the heir of all things” that God speaks.
II. It is through Christ that “God made the world.”
People listen to people of power. Powerful political and military leaders can command a crowd. Those who have power in the world of finance can command the attention of business people.
The creative power that we talked about before as one of the ways that God communicates is present is in Jesus Christ. In fact the creative power by which the universe was literally called into being was through Him.
John 1:1-2 AMP In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ( Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God.
Colossians 1:15-16 AMP He is the exact living image [the essential manifestation] of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible], the firstborn [the preeminent one, the sovereign, and the originator] of all creation. For by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, [things] visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [that is, by His activity] and for Him.
III. Jesus Christ “reflects the glory of God.”
Effulgence is a word that means brightness taken to the extreme. You may be dazzled by it, stunned by it, or even overcome by it. Usually used to refer to the sun. Just as the radiance of the sun reaches the earth, so in Jesus Christ the glorious light of God shines to illuminate the heart and the way of mankind.
John 8:12 ESV Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Matthew 5:16 ESV In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
IV. Jesus Christ is the very image of the substance of God.
We see the images of great people on our coins. Just as the image on a coin exactly corresponds to the device on the die used to make that coin, so the Son of God bears the stamp of God’s nature. To see Jesus Christ is to see what God is really like.
Colossians 1:19 AMP For it pleased the Father for all the fullness [of deity—the sum total of His essence, all His perfection, powers, and attributes] to dwell [permanently] in Him (the Son),
Jesus Christ was not just a man. Jesus Christ is God. God lived in Christ’s human body. And God continues to live in Christ for ever. God put everything that he has into Christ. And God put everything that he is into Christ. This includes all God’s character, his nature and his power. Christ was full of God the Father. No part of God was missing from Christ’s life.
V. Jesus Christ upholds all things in “the universe by the word of his power.”
Jesus Christ upholds the universe not like the mythological creature Atlas who supported the dead weight of the earth on his shoulders but as one who carries all things forward on an appointed course. Jesus Christ keeps the universe on schedule.
Colossians 1:17 AMP And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.]
VI. Jesus Christ has “made purification for sins.”
Jesus Christ, the babe of Bethlehem, lived his life, rendered his service, and finally sacrificed himself as an atonement for our sins on the cross.
Romans 3:22-25 AMP This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] as a [life-giving] sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood [to be received] through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness [which demands punishment for sin], because in His forbearance [His deliberate restraint] He passed over the sins previously committed [before Jesus’ crucifixion].
For us to neglect to hear him speak concerning our need for the forgiveness of our sin is to miss what God is saying through Jesus Christ at this and every Christmas.
As the perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ has entered into the most holy place as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.
He has borne the penalty for us. On the basis of his sacrificial death for our sin, he is able to offer us the gift of eternal life.
Hebrews 10:11-14 ESV And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
As the One who has conquered death and who is alive forevermore, Jesus serves as our advocate, making intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25 AMP Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God].
1 John 2:1-2 AMP My little children (believers, dear ones), I am writing you these things so that you will not sin and violate God’s law. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate [who will intercede for us] with the Father: Jesus Christ the righteous [the upright, the just One, who conforms to the Father’s will in every way—purpose, thought, and action]. And He [that same Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins [the atoning sacrifice that holds back the wrath of God that would otherwise be directed at us because of our sinful nature—our worldliness, our lifestyle]; and not for ours alone, but also for [the sins of all believers throughout] the whole world.
It is not enough for us to sing beautiful Christmas carols and rejoice in a baby who was born long ago. Let us listen to what he has to say about God and let us respond to what he has to say about our deepest need.
VII. Jesus Christ has been exalted and enthroned to be our King-Redeemer (Heb. 1:3).
Jesus Christ was born to be our King. He merits the place of lordship in our hearts and lives.
Jesus Christ alone can be our Savior from sin.
He has come offering forgiveness and a new life. Have you heard his invitation “Come unto me” and responded by making him the Lord of your life?
Jesus says, “Follow me.” Have you listened and heard him as he invites you to become acquainted with God?
Conclusion
How do you listen to what God has to say through Jesus Christ? Are you in some pain that makes you too uncomfortable to listen? Have you been too injured or have you become too angry to listen? Are you a self-sufficient, sophisticated, conceited person who feels no need to listen? Are you so preoccupied with things that you are too busy to listen? Are you too fearful and uncertain to listen? Or are you willing to listen to Christ now as he speaks words of assurance concerning the greatness of God’s love for you and of the wonder of God’s plan for your life? Let the Christ of Bethlehem become the King and Lord of your empire. Make him Lord so that you can experience the joy of being what God meant for you to be.
Our Christmas may not be perfect, but it can be holy. It can be glorious. It can be good. I acknowledge that I can’t can pull this thing off. I’m satisfied to rest in the love of God and remember that He alone is perfect and loves perfectly. This Babe in a manger, this Lamb of God, this Lion of Judah, this Savior of the world has come, and He will come again in His glory.
When He comes again every enemy will be trampled under His feet, our every dream will come true for the richest among us to the poorest. He will come true for the healthiest and most unhealthy. He will come the most seemingly blessed and the most terribly oppressed. Jesus is coming again. Love has already won. So we wait eagerly as we hope earnestly.
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