Our today’s message is taken from the book of Isaiah 9:6 which says “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder…”
INTRODUCTION: CHRISTMAS IS MORE THAN A DATE
Brethren, Christmas is not just a celebration on our calendar. It is God stepping downing to lift the fallen humanity up. It is heaven invading earth with humility, not force. It is heaven refusing to abandon earth. Christmas is not about decorations, food, or traditions— Christmas is about God keeping His promise. When humanity was trapped in sin…
When darkness ruled the world… When hope seemed distant… God says I will come to you… God did not send a message. He sent His Son. That is why we sing the song by Gloria Gaither called, “God send is son they called him Jesus…”
CHRISTMAS IS GOD SAYING: “I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU”
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son…” — Galatians 4:4
Israel waited over 400 years without hearing a prophetic voice. Was this just Silence. Delay or waiting. Yet heaven was still working. Brethren, delay does not mean denial. Silence does not mean abandonment.
Waiting seasons are often birthing seasons.
Let me remind you today that:
- God’s timing is precise
- God arrives when hope looks exhausted
- God shows up when humans have no solution
If God could bring a Savior after 400 silent years, He has not forgotten you. For 30 years nothing happened in the life of Jesus, why because heaven was silently preparing him for his future assignement
Brethren:
- Your quiet season is not wasted
- Preparation often looks like delay
- Obedience in obscurity leads to authority in public
Before power came patience.
CHRISTMAS REVEALS THE HUMILITY OF GOD
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son… and laid Him in a manger.” — Luke 2:7
Jesus was not born in a palace surrounded by kings and other nobles He wasn’t welcomed to this earth by the whos in the society. Instead, He was born in a manger—a feeding trough. This tells us something powerful:
- God is not intimidated by low places or messy environments instead lifts people from those places (Psalm 113:7–8)
- God is not limited by humble beginnings Brethren, God often births greatness in obscurity.
Let me tell you today that:
- Your small beginning is not your final chapter
- God specializes in unexpected places
- What looks insignificant may carry a divine destiny so just “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”(James 4:10)
CHRISTMAS IS GOD COMING CLOSE
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” — John 1:14
Christianity is the only faith where God comes to live with His people. For instance, Jesus experienced: hunger, rejection, pain, betrayal, grief and many other things like this just like me and you. This means:
- God understands your tears and He even collects them in a bottle according to Psalm 56:8. That is how important your tears are to God.
- God understands your struggle and your weakness
Brethren:
You are not serving a distant God. You are serving Emmanuel — God with us (Matthew 1:23). When you feel lonely — He is with you. When you feel weak — He is with you. When you feel overwhelmed — He is with you. That is why Jesus said in Matthew 28:20 “…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
CHRISTMAS IS A TIME WHEN LIGHT OVERCOMES DARKNESS
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” — Isaiah 9:2
Jesus was born into:
- Political oppression
- Spiritual darkness
- Moral decay
Yet the light was not intimidated by the darkness. Light does not argue with darkness. Light does not negotiate with darkness. No wonder the Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV) “…for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
Light simply shows up—and darkness flees.
So, Brethren:
- No darkness in your life is too deep for Christ
- No bondage is too strong for His light
- No situation is beyond redemption
Christmas declares:
Darkness is temporary. Light is eternal. That is why God did not avoid darkness; He entered it with light.
5. CHRISTMAS PROVES GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields…” — Luke 2:8
God announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds, not the educated people of the day. Why because according to 1 Corinthians 1:27 “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”
Remember that shepherds were:
- Socially overlooked and not taken seriously
- Spiritually underestimated
- Culturally insignificant
Yet heaven trusted them with the first announcement.
So, Brethren:
- God sees those others overlook
- God chooses the humble
- God uses the available, not just the impressive. So don’t be too busy when it comes to doing heaven’s assignments. If God can use shepherds, He can use you. Just be available and ready for Kingdom service.
CHRISTMAS IS AN INVITATION, NOT A PERFORMANCE
The wise men came with gifts (Gold – Jesus as King, Frankincense – Jesus as God / High Priest and Myrrh – Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice according toMatthew 2:11.
The shepherds came with wonder.
Mary came with surrender. God never demanded perfection—only response.
Brethren:
- You don’t have to be perfect to approach Jesus
- You don’t need status, money, or influence
- You just need a willing heart
Christmas it’s a time God says: “Come as you are.”
Matthew 11:28 (KJV) “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
So “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy.” — Luke 2:10
The first Christmas message was not condemnation. It was not judgment. It was good news.
Fear left when Jesus arrived.
CHRISTMAS REMINDS THE CHURCH THAT GOD IS A GIVER
“God so loved the world that He gave…” — John 3:16
Before God asked anything from us, He gave everything to us.
So, Brethren:
- God’s nature is generosity
- Heaven’s response to need is giving
- Love expresses itself through sacrifice
This Christmas teaches us how to love again. So go and share that love with those in need in your community. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked and even show someone somewhere love
Matthew 25:35 (KJV) “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.”
Don’t do it the way the world celebrates with only gifts, food, parties, appearances. But celebrate the heaven way of celebrating with more than this thing with salvation, restoration, redemption and reconciliation.
Brethren:
- Don’t lose eternity chasing temporary things
- Keep Jesus at the center
- Remember why we celebrate
CHRISTMAS DECLARES HOPE FOR EVERY SEASON
“For God so loved the world that He gave…” — John 3:16
Jesus was born to die—so we could live. The wooden manger in the book of Luke 2:7 where he was lied points to the cross. The cross leads to the resurrection. The resurrection guarantees victory.
Brethren always remember that:
- What God starts, He finishes
- Your story is not over
- Hope has a name—and His name is Jesus
CONCLUSION: WHAT CHRISTMAS DEMANDS FROM US
Christmas demands:
- Faith over fear
- Worship over worry
- Obedience over convenience
- Hope over despair
Brethren, this season is not just about celebrating His birth—It’s about allowing Christ to be born afresh in us. How can we do that through proper worship of Him after all:
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God…” — Luke 2:13. When Jesus arrived, worship broke out.
Brethren always remember that:
- Worship shifts atmospheres
- Worship invites heaven’s presence
- Worship reminds us who is in charge
So, worship is not seasonal—it is spiritual warfare. So do it like the angels did when Jesus was born. It was so perfect and even loud until people in both earth and heaven heard it and even enjoyed it.
MAKE THE FOLLOWING DECLARATION OVER YOURSELF
Today I make the following declaration:
- Jesus is Lord
- I belong to Christ
- Old things have passed away
- A new life has begun
- This Christmas, salvation has come to my house
CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Jesus as a gift. Thank You that when I was lost, You came searching for me.
When I was weak, You came strong for me. When I was in darkness, You sent Your Light. Let this Christmas renew my faith, restore my hope, and ignite my love for You again in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Pastor Nathaniel.
