“DON’T MISS CHRISTMAS! “

Christmas is the most popular festival in the world! Everything announces it: the lights, the decorations, the presents… Is it possible to miss Christmas with all this? Yes! At the time of Jesus, Herod, the religious leaders, and the whole of Jerusalem learnt that the Messiah had been born and yet they missed Christmas, the birth of Jesus!

I. Why do people often miss Christmas?

There are three main reasons, the same as for the first Christmas!

– Because of the busyness of life – (The innkeeper) 

“… (Mary) gave birth to her firstborn Son, wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

Are you too busy to make room for Jesus in your diary, thoughts, time, budget? Is there still room for Jesus in your head and heart?

– Because of habit – (Religious leaders)

They already knew everything, but it didn’t touch them: “Then he gathered together all the chief priests and the teachers of the law of the people, and enquired of them where the Christ would be born. And they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written through the prophet.”” Matthew 2:4-5

Knowing this, they didn’t go to see the Jesus who was being born next door! You risk missing Christmas if you think you know everything!

– Because of fear – (King Herod)

“When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” Matthew 2:3

Like Herod, people are afraid of this Good News! Because they are afraid of losing their freedom – the “fun” of life – and of becoming “fanatics”. Fear of losing control – we want to be Kings ourselves!

II. How can we not lose Jesus this Christmas? STOP, LISTEN and LOOK

Then do it! “Take heed; be awake, for you do not know when the time will come!” Mark 13:33

– STOP filling your life, your diary, with things of little importance! “The Lord said to her, “Martha, Martha, you worry and fuss about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

What is the antidote? “Stop,” he said, “and recognise that I am God, that I rule over the nations and over all the earth.” Psalm45:11

– LISTEN to the Good News of Christmas!​

“The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for I proclaim to you a great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Saviour has been born to you, who is the Lord Messiah.”” Luke 2:10-11

“Fear not” is the most repeated call in the Bible: 365 times.

– Take a good look at why Jesus came to earth! Follow the Star!

“After hearing the king’s words, the magi set out. And the star which they had seen in the east went on ahead of them, until it came to the place where the child was and stopped. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed; and when they entered the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother.” Matthew 2:9-11. And God said: “You will seek me and find me, if you search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

What can you do to have a new life this Christmas and today?

SFS

– STOP living far from God! What can I stop and do to be more with God? Where can I give God a bigger place?

– LISTEN to what God wants to tell you! Read his word every day.

– LOOK at what God has done for you! Every night when you go to bed, look for a gift from God in your day and give thanks.