Here is the Christmas story but I’d like to say it is a Bob Surber Christmas story. I’ve never seen so many stories–Santa, Rudolph, and many movies. Here’s THE story so we can claim it personally for ourselves.
Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
The best thing about Christmas is it is all for me and all for you. Growing up there were nine of us including mom and dad. There were some present all mine–not Lee’s or Sue’s. I had my own presents that were just for me. It was the Surber house, the Surber tree and then the gifts, some all mine. My favorite of all the stories over the years is Charlie Brown Christmas. I love it! We forget parts of it from year to year but this year something dawned on me. It is focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Charlie was trying to find the real meaning of Christmas. They couldn’t get the Christmas play together and then Linus quotes these verses from Luke, the one and only true Christmas story. It ends with the song Hark the Herald Angels Sing. The story is so steeped in tradition that it can’t be pulled from holiday lineups. It’s so wonderful that is tells the true glory of Christmas. God still prevails even in this wicked time. It may be Charlie Brown’s Christmas Story but it is also mine and yours. No matter when you were saved, you received the greatest story ever told.
There would have been no reason to celebrate anything but for the story found in the Bible. A star shines. A baby cries. Herod finds out the true king of the Jews was born. We we accept Jesus as Savior, even if there are no lights or presents, it is there. We’d never see any other Christmas story had Jesus not been born. Had there not been a virgin who had a baby, there’d be no Christmas. Had there not been a star guiding the wise men, there would have been no Christmas. Had there not been a baby born, there would not have been a Christmas. We’d be in hell or headed there if there had been no Christmas.
One part of Christmas is the promised, miraculous birth. It was the most incredible thing to ever happen. In Sunday school Brother Sonny said that Christmas is simply that Jesus was born because God put a baby in Mary’s womb. Only God’s son was enough. We got a Savior because God’s son was put in Mary’s womb. It was all for us. She was a virgin at conception and still one at the birth. Because Jesus is sinless I’m forgiven! I don’t guess I’m saved. I know I am. Only Jesus would wear the title of Savior. Set aside any reasons you have for not accepting him and see the story. It was a most incredible event. Only one child was born by a virgin and died on the cross for you and me. He arose the third day. It makes every day the story of my life.
Another part of the Christmas message is the message of the manger. Verse 12 says Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. In a manger. Not on satin sheets, not on a my pillow. You’d never catch the socialites in a manger. A door on a manger swings both ways telling us the story can be ours. The manger said you can come in. The wisest and deepest of thinkers left it all behind to search for the King of the Jews. The star announced the birth and they followed it. God used creation to direct them to Israel. They informed Herod that the true King had been born. It directed them to the place were Joseph, Mary and the baby were. The shepherds were the first to receive the story and found him in the manger. Whether the manger or the house they all found the Christmas story. Eight days later Simeon found the story when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple. Anna came in and having prayed for years because they knew it would happen they found their own Christmas story. Keep praying. Who knows. The next prayer may be the last one you pray for a specific situation.
If you’re not saved the Christmas story is passing you by. Imagine on Christmas morning that the very thing you’ve always wanted is under the tree. Would you leave it there if you knew it? None of us would. Jesus is what you need. Without Jesus you are not doing fine. Don’t leave the gift of Jesus unopened.
Another part of Christmas is the angels. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Do you really want joy and peace? Do you think earthly gifts do it? The best part of the story is taking Jesus in your heart and realizing it’s all for you. He died for you. He’s at the right hand of God the Father to help you. It is all for you.
The story didn’t come to a conclusion until the angels left and the shepherds said Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. They came and found him. The story then became their story. It can be your story too.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 