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Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

 

Introduction

  • My friends, as followers of Christ, we are part of a great regeneration.
  • You see Christ’s birth is more than just a celebration or remembrance.
  • For those who know Him as our Savior, it is a reminder of the merciful gift of God.
  • The gift that He gave to us, a broken and sinful people, who are lost in this world.
  • Oh, the world paints a picture of happiness and joy and fulfillment, but it is all lies.
  • Real joy and fulfillment only come when we know Christ and serve Him.
  • Biltmore has evolved into a place where there is an abundance of opportunity to serve.
  • We have learned and continue to learn that helping others in need is greatly satisfying.
  • It’s not all work and no play though here; we eat good; we have great music; we have great fellowship and fun.
  • We live in a time of high anxiety; the stresses of this life are coming faster and bigger.
  • Isn’t it nice to think there is an oasis in the midst of all the noise of the world?
  • Charlie Brown asks the question “Does anybody know what Christmas is all about?”
  • He is lamenting because he is all caught up in the stress of Christmas: finding the right tree, decorating it, getting presents, organizing family gatherings.
  • Have any of you found Christmas to be a bit STRESSFUL?
  • Tonight, I want us to think about two things that Christmas is all about:
  1. Security
  2. Rebirth

1. Security

  • When Charles Schulz agreed to do the Peanuts Christmas special He insisted it had to mean something.
  • Having Linus quote Scripture was an amazing and bold step on his part.
  • In A Charlie Brown Religion by Stephen J. Lind, Shulz is quoted as saying: “that Linus represented his spiritual side”, and the spiritual biography points out a much wider array of religious references.
  • So, this message from Shulz to millions of viewers is His deeply personal perspective given through the character of Linus.
  • A significant detail that you may or may not have noticed in the clip is Linus dropping his blanket on the floor while he talked..
  • You see, Linus was NEVER without his security blanket in hand except for this moment.
  • Do you ever have times when you feel insecure? Do you hang onto YOUR blanket?
  • I think if you have ever had a cat or dog you know this feeling – am I right?
  • They make you feel secure because you know their love for you is simple and complete.
  • There are no expectations or “it’s complicated” issues with our pets beyond “feed me.”
  • Although I think our cat has a whole lot of issues going on in his head.
  • This is the gift of Christ to each of us because His love is simple and complete.
  • When you think about security at the time of Jesus’ birth, do you think about shepherds?
  • Sheep were vital to the food supply in ancient Israel, and it was up to the shepherds to guard them and protect them all night long.
  • So, we have the scene with the angels appearing to the shepherds in the night.
  • They were afraid because the glory of the Lord must have been an incredible other-worldly sight. Like if a Taylor Swift concert suddenly appeared in the sky.
  • These guys aren’t easily scared; they regularly fight off wolves and other predators.
  • These guys also were NOT religious leaders; they were regular people like us.
  • They were just doing their job; it was just another day; same stuff – different day.
  • These were the guys that GOD trusted to witness to the event of Christ’s birth.
  • God uses regular people to accomplish his most important jobs.
  • God needed somebody reliable to witness the event and the shepherds were perfect.
  • No one would have doubted their story even as far-fetched as it was.
  • Also, they were a group of witnesses and that gave them even more credibility.
  • It kind of sounds like our church: aren’t we a group of witnesses?
  • In our case, we are witnesses that God has visited on us a mission of helping others.
  • We know that we couldn’t do the things we do here without God’s help.
  • We are continuously reassured and encouraged.
  • Fear not, my friends because Christ has come into this world and is working here with us.

 

2. Rebirth

  • Every Christmas Eve, we celebrate the birth of Christ as though He is coming tomorrow for the first time.
  • For us, it is as though Jesus is being reborn because each of us is being reborn.
  • We are all sinners, and we struggle in our humanity to make God a priority.
  • We continuously make mistakes and fall down, and things can seem hopeless.
  • Indeed, at this time of the year, many people are affected by severe depression and despair.
  • Jesus feels our pain and can relate to what it means to be human,
  • Jesus knew betrayal and pain and suffering.
  • But tonight, He is new and freshly arrived “wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
  • This is what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.
  • New life in the form of baby Jesus who has come to bring each of us new life.
  • Can you picture the new life that you see in the face of a newborn baby?
  • In Revelation 21:5 Jesus says: “Behold, I make all things new.”
  • This is what Christmas is all about: making all things new.
  • Christmas is about the arrival of a Savior that God sent to fix a fallen humanity.
  • He comes anew every year to save you and to save me from ourselves.
  • And not just once a year, but every day.
  • I don’t know about you, but I need saving every minute, every hour and every day.
  • We need to praise God just like the heavenly host because only He deserves our thanks.
  • Because none of us deserves this amazing gift of redemption He so easily gives.
  • Our life as Christians is about continuous renewal and regeneration.
  • As we celebrate tonight, remember that we celebrate the arrival of our Savior.
  • We can feel secure because we now have this Savior to help us.
  • Tomorrow is a new day – a day filled by human trials and tribulations.
  • Fear not because Jesus has come into the world.
  • Remember what Jesus said in John 16:33:

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

  • Embrace the newborn king; wrap your arms around this infant child; receive His love.
  • Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

That’s what Christmas is all about.