Sermons

Being a Christmas Voice

12-31-2017 • Dr. Steve Washburn

God wants us to get vocal about the results of Christmas.

BEING A CHRISTMAS VOICE

God wants us to get vocal about the results of Christmas.

(Luke 2:17-39) After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard just as they had been told. When the eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named JESUS – the name given by the angel before He was conceived. And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (just as it is written in the law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord” and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons”). There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said: “Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, according to Your word. For my eyes have seen Your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples – a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel.” His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him. Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed – and a sword will pierce your own soul – that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

 

1. The Inner Voice

(19) Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.

A. God’s inner voice was speaking to Mary.

B. Sometimes God’s inner voice speaks to us.

2. The Interpretive Voice

(28-31) Guided by the Spirit, he [Simeon] entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said: Now, master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, according to Your word. My eyes have seen Your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples.

A. Regarding Simeon:

1. Simeon had an interpretation of who Jesus was.

2. His interpretation of Jesus was not popular.

3. He was not embarrassed about his interpretation.

4. His interpretation of Jesus was correct.

B. Regarding us:

1. We have an interpretation of who Jesus is.

2. Our interpretation of Jesus is not popular.

3. We must not be embarrassed about our interpretation.

4. Our interpretation of Jesus is correct.

3. The Informing Voice

(17-18) After seeing them they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

(20) The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.

A. Reporting that Jesus is the only Savior.

B. Sharing about their own experience.

C. Simply begin talking about Jesus. (Anna, verse 38)

More from Sermon Series: Making Christmas Personal

View as:

Being a Christmas Gift

God wants us to play a part in the giving and receiving of gifts this Christmas.

Matthew 2:11

Being a Christmas Light

God wants my life to be a shining message at Christmas.

Matthew 2:1-2; Luke 2:8-9

Being a Christmas Ornament

Let’s strive to decorate our lives the way that first Christmas was decorated.

Luke 2:1-7