Merry Christmas! I blog much less frequently than I did a dozen years ago. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media have large replaced blogging. Nonetheless, for those who read these words, whether on my blog or on social media, I send out a Christmas Day greeting.
Now that I no longer preach full-time, many of my older sermons are archived and seldom revisited. Today I share one of my favorite Christmas Sermons. May you be blessed today; may you this day take time to see the Christ.
A popular Christmas song asks the question, “Do You See What I See?” The early chapters of Luke give us an insightful orientation. Consider with me what various people saw in the events surrounding the Nativity of Jesus.
First, what Luke saw. Luke saw an opportunity to write down the things he had researched and learned from eyewitnesses. He calls it an “account with certainty” — that you might know the certainty of the things you have been taught (Luke 1:1-4). The Greek construction emphasizes the certainty.
What Gabriel saw. The angel Gabriel came to Mary with a message from God (Luke 1:26-38). His words to Mary encourage us to see Jesus as Savior and Son of God Most High. We are reminded of His greatness, His position on the throne of David, and His eternal reign. Because of the presence of and power of God, nothing is impossible.
What Mary saw. The Magnificat, or Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55), tells us what Mary saw. She saw God as her Savior, one mindful of her, one who blesses her, and one who does great things. She speaks of His holy name and His mercy, and calls Him the helper of Israel.
What Zechariah saw. Based on the promise of God, Zechariah speaks of the role of his son, John the Baptist, in preparing the way for the one who will bring redemption, salvation, and mercy (Luke 1:67-79).
What the shepherds saw. When the angels appeared to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-14), the angels spoke words of the one who is Savior, Christ, and Lord. The shepherds were to see in Jesus “glory to God, peace on earth, and favor toward mankind.”
What Simeon and Anna saw. In the temple, Simeon saw salvation, revelation and redemption (Luke 2:21-35). Anna spoke of the coming redemption (Luke 2:36-38).
At the Christmas season, the focus is typically on the the babe in the manger. Many will go through the holidays giving little thought to the entire story of Jesus, never bowing in adoration and worship. In contrast to the things that have come to characterize this season, it is interesting the the biblical account in Luke speaks of Jesus as king, Son of God, revelation of God, Savior and Redeemer. He is Christ, the Lord. He is God with us. Can you see Him? Will you take time to see Him?