Sermon Index
Christmas Eve, 2019
“For you.” The Angel brought wonderful news to the Shepherds. It was delivered personally to them. The message was that the Savior had been born. This Savior was the long expected Messiah Christ. People had been waiting for many years for the Messiah who would bring salvation to their nation. And so, his birth would bring great joy to everyone.
“To you.” The Angel said, “a Savior has been born to you.” It was a gift given to them from God. It was a gift given personally to them. So the shepherds too would receive this gift of salvation. They were not left out.
They were excited about this gift, so they ran to Bethlehem and found the Baby Jesus in the Manger. And then they repeated the message of the Angel first to Mary and Joseph and then to the folks of the town who were amazed at their report. And then they returned to their flock. The text says “they glorified and praised God.” If you ask me, I think that their praises were the first Christmas Carol.
“For us.” The Bible is a wonderful book inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is God speaking to us today. And so the message of the Angels spoken to the shepherds is also spoken to us today. The birth of Christ is for us, for you and me. The Angel speaks to each one of us, and so it is a personal message from God to us. The Savior has been born for each and every one of us..
“To us.” This gift has been given to us. So now what will we do with it? Are we going to open it or let is stay under the Christmas tree and ignore it? Will we keep it or return it to the store for something else that we think we need? Will we be polite but inwardly despise the gift? God gave us the gift of his Son. What are we going to do? Will we accept Jesus as our Savior in faith? Will we just sing “Jingle Bells” and not the religious carols? Will we try to exchange Jesus for something else, some other religion or folk belief or some sinful life style?
“For me.” “To me.” When I realize that Jesus was born and died and rose again for me, for me personally, then the true value and beauty of this gift is made clear. I see the true love of God to me. Even though I am a sinner, Christ was born to forgive me. Even though I am as lowly as a poor shepherd, the angel-message has come to me.
The shepherds ran to Bethlehem to see the Baby. At Christmas, in faith and joy, I run to see the Baby in the Manger. At Easter, in faith and joy, I run to see the empty tomb. Won’t you come with me? As the carol says, “Oh come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.”
Amen.
May the peace and joy of Christmas be with you always. Amen.
Christmas Eve Prayer
On the night when Jesus was born, the glory of the angels lit up the night sky. Let our candles light up our hearts as we pray to you.
We pray for ourselves, our family, our loved ones, our friends, our town, our country, and for the world. Let there be real peace and love and healing and reconciliation. May there be joy because Christ the Savior has been born. May this Gospel Good News be spread to the whole world.
As the year ends, we remember those who this year were called to be with you in heaven. We thank you for their love. Let them be a model for our lives.
We thank you for the many blessings that you have given us this year. With the hope and joy of Christmas, may we live every day in your light and grace and mercy.
Amen.
Michael Nearhood, Pastor
Okinawa Lutheran Church