UNDERSTANDING CHRISTMAS

 

Introduction

An age-old tradition is to go wait in line to sit in Santa’s lap and tell him what you want for Christmas. You eagerly sit on his knee and listen attentively to what he says, hoping he will promise you the things you want.

Sometimes, on Christmas morning, you find that you can’t always trust Santa. But, there was a promise given over 700 years before Christ that you can take to the bank. Under the anointing and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah promised that a child would be born and His name would tell His character.

“For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called: Extraordinary Strategist, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

1. Wonderful Counselor

A. He is worthy of wonder because incarnation defies human understanding, (Philippians 2:6-7). He was equal to God the Father (Philippians 2:6) Then why would God clothe Himself with humanity? Is it any wonder that the angels sang? That the shepherds rejoiced? That the magi traveled for two years? Why would he love me so much? Why you?

B. He is also the divine Counselor. He is a God who guides his people. The Christian God is the only one who loves His followers enough to become involved in their everyday lives.

C. Those of you who know Him have probably already experienced His guidance in your lives. Scripture says, “Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)

2. Mighty God

A. He has the Power to Protect us against the fiery darts of Satan himself. Sometimes against our own foolish minds. He has the power to preserve when our strength fails or Satan tries to drag us down.

B. He has the power to provide. Sometimes in the face of absolute impossibility, (Philippians 4:19).

C. He has the power to promote. He is coming to take us home to be with Him, (John 14:1-3). This world is just a temporary stop.

3. Everlasting Father

A. Not the warped worldly view of a Father. If Father God was like the earthly father many of us had we wouldn’t want to love Him. Amazing how much your concept of God is shaped by the image of your earthly father. Good or bad!

B. He loves us with unconditional love. Loves us so much he gave away himself on the cross. So that we will have everlasting life if we believe, (John 3:16).

C. He will be there for us forever! Not just with us when it benefits Him. He is with us at all times. He is everywhere we go. “I’ll give you a dollar if you can tell me where He ain’t!”

4. Prince of Peace

A. Perhaps the greatest benefit of salvation is Peace! I first experienced that peace as a new Christian, (Your personal testimony).

B. Without Christ, our lives are marked with fear all the time. Fear of dying and fear of life after death.

C. Fear of the consequences of our sin. God has promised to keep all who trust in him in perfect peace, (Isaiah 26:3)

Invitation

You can’t depend on Santa. The jolly fat man will let you down. But, I can guarantee you that Jesus will never let you down. Put your trust in Him, the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. Make this decision today and you will be glad you did. 

Merry Christmas to you and your family