Christmas – A Celebration of God

Luke 2:8-11

Why do people celebrate Christmas? In his book ‘The Purpose of Christmas’, Pastor Rick Warren list some reasons people on the street gave for celebrating Christmas:

• “I’m celebrating being home with my family”,
• “I got a Christmas bonus”,
• “My son is home from Iraq”,
• “I have finished all my shopping”.

When God introduced Christmas to a group of shepherds he said, “I bring you good news of great joy”. Christmas is meant to be a celebration. But celebrate what? If you were asked why you celebrate Christmas, what would you say? For the next three Sundays I want us to look at three key reasons we celebrate Christmas. I encourage you to read Luke 2:8-20 in preparation for Sunday.

Pastor Charlie

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Notes

• Christmas is a celebration of the truth that God loves you. John 3:16
• Words for love
• “Phileo” used to describe friendship and family love. (Philadelphia – the city of “brotherly love – is from this word. )
• ‘Eros’ – used to describe marital love including sexual desires
• ‘Agape’ – used in NT to describe God’s committed sacrificial love.
• John 21:15-17 – use of “phileo” and “agape”
  

• God’s very nature is love. 1 John 4:8-10

• God’s love is impossible to lose. Romans 8:38-39

• God’s love is abundantly given. Romans 5:5

• Christmas is a celebration of the truth that God is with you. Matthew 1:23

• God is everywhere present. Psalm 139:7-12

• God is with you when you pursue his mission. Matthew 28:18-20

• God is with you when you are in danger. Acts 18:9-10

• God is with you when you are mistreated. Genesis 16:13

• Christmas is the celebration of the truth that God is for you. Ephesians 2:4-5; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:31-32