P1 | DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?

Do You See What I See? Part 1 – December 5, 2021
Intro: Different perspectives of Christmas
Luke 2:8-14 (NIV2011)
8  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
According to the Angels, Christmas helped solve a problem
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you (Luke 2:11).
Matthew 1:21 (NIV2011)
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
“If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.” M. Lucado
John 8:34 (NIV2011)
34  …everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
John 8:36 (NIV2011)
36 …if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Example: Quicksand
According to the Angels, Christmas offered hope to all people
I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people (Luke 2:10).
Example: OCC
According to the Angels, Christmas offered peace
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).
Isaiah 48:22 (NIV2011)
22  “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.”
Romans 5:1 (NIV2011)
1  Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…
Application: Spiritual neutrality is impossible
Matthew 12:30 (NIV2011)
30  Whoever is not with me is against me…
Romans 5:10 (NIV2011)
10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
Romans 5:1 (NIV2011)
1  Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…