Unwrapping Christmas-3-The Reason For The Season

Pastors Notes:

The Reason For The Season
Unwrapping Christmas
TEXT

 

Matthew 1:18-21 NKJV
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. (19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. (20) But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. (21) And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
INTRODUCTION
Well folks, that time is upon us! Christmas time! Jesus birth, Lights, trees, presents, hot cocoa, family, smiles...........These are the things that most of us think of when we think of Christmas. For the most, it is a happy time.
For others however, Christmas is a dreaded time. How can that be? For some, it’s a time of comparison. To others, it is a time of sorrow. To others, it may be a time that reminds you of loss.
This morning, I’d like to really take some time to tell you about the true meaning of Christmas.  This morning, I’ve entitled this message “The Reason For The Season”.
ILLUSTRATION
How many of us have ever heard “Jesus is the reason for the season”?
I feel like most of us have heard that statement. I totally understand what they are meaning by that. What they are saying is that Christmas isn’t about Santa, lights, presents, or the such. They are right. However, I want you to allow me to elaborate a little further.
While Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas, you and I are the reason Jesus came to Earth. He came because you and I needed saved.

BACKGROUND
The Christmas story is very beautiful as it tells of the process of which God purchased redemption for mankind.
In Israel, a little baby was born, but He was no ordinary child. He was the Son of God. When He grew up, He was offered as the ultimate sacrifice, and as the lamb was slain on Passover, so Jesus became our Passover!
This passage truly sums up the reason for Christmas.
John 3:16-17 NKJV
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

APPLICATION

1.The Offer

- He gave a sacrifice

2. The Opportunity

- It must be accepted by faith

3. The Outcome

- It brings salvation