Dr. Stanley talks about how Christmas is the celebration of when God, in the person of His Son Jesus Christ, stepped out of heaven for the purpose of saving mankind from sin. He also shares how God was in absolute control of every aspect of Christ’s birth. Christmas is about the Son of God taking on the form of human flesh to save us from our sin and restore us to a right relationship with God.
Sermon Outline
A nativity set—also called a crèche—is a common decoration in many cultures at Christmastime. But what’s the holiday really celebrating? This week, Dr. Stanley examines Scripture to find out God’s thoughts about Christmas.
Key Passage: Luke 2:1-20
Supporting Passages: Genesis 1:16; Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 2:2; Romans 5:6-11; Galatians 4:4-6; Hebrews 4:16
How would you describe the meaning of Christmas in just one sentence?
► “Christmas is not just about a baby; it’s not just about a manger scene. It is about God.”
Christmas is the story of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-20).
It’s the celebration of the moment in time when Jesus Christ came to earth for the purpose of saving humanity from sin.
God entered humanity in a unique way.
He was in total control of the earthly events surrounding His birth.
The divine plan for Christ’s arrival was set in motion long before He was born.
Christmas is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (Isa. 9:6-7).
We can count on all prophecy in God’s Word being fulfilled.
Isaiah wrote “a child will be born” (v. 6), referring to Jesus’ birth.
He spoke of the child as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
Christmas was the point when God’s preparations were complete—in “the fullness of time” (Gal. 4:4-6):
God had His plan in place for our salvation.
He oversaw its details through the centuries and brought the plan to fruition.
God the Son was born of a woman, under Jewish law (v. 4).
Christ’s birth made it possible for us to become children of God the Father (vv. 5-6).
Jesus’ birth is evidence of God’s sovereignty:
It led to fulfillment of the Old Testament foreshadowing about a lamb slain for forgiveness of sin.
Jesus’ death was planned by Almighty God, not accidental or unfortunate.
God’s plan can seem mysterious, but His sovereignty is absolute.
God governs the stars (Gen. 1:16) and guided the magi to Jesus (Matt. 2:2).
►“Jesus understands our great need. He said, ‘Come to Me … and I will give you rest’ because He understood.”
Christmas is when God the Son, Jesus, took upon Himself the form of human flesh—a mystery known as the incarnation (Rom. 5:6-11):
This is how God did what we could not do for ourselves—He rescued us from our helpless state of sin (v. 6).
Through the incarnation, God is someone we can relate to.
Because Jesus understands human life, we can go boldly to Him for mercy (Heb. 4:16).
Why does this knowledge matter?
After hearing the gospel, we must choose to accept or reject Jesus.
For those making the decision to trust in Him, today is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2).
After Watching
Does knowing that Jesus experienced human hardships give you greater confidence to approach Him when you are in need? How so?
If you get overwhelmed at Christmas, pause and read aloud Isaiah 9:2-9, a beautiful prophecy of Jesus’ birth and second coming. It’s a grand description filled with hope and joy—one that will help you remember the true reason for celebration.
