Sermons on Christmas Themes / The Incarnation:
The sermons below deal with the themes of Christmas and the incarnation. In a popular way, we often speak of the birth of the “baby Jesus”. It’s cute, and traditional, and it evokes tenderness. But do we realize that the birth of Jesus, the incarnation, is a masterful and determining act of God? Without this apparent weakness, the work of the cross would not be possible.
The Christmas story, also known as the Nativity story, recounts the birth of Jesus Christ and holds significant religious and cultural importance for Christians worldwide. Mary, a young virgin, is visited by the angel Gabriel who tells her she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. Mary’s fiancé, Joseph, initially disturbed, is reassured by an angel in a dream that Mary’s pregnancy is part of God’s plan. Mary and Joseph travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem for a census, as Joseph is of the lineage of King David. Unable to find a place to stay, they seek shelter in a stable where Mary gives birth to baby Jesus.
Nearby shepherds receive a celestial visitation by angels who announce the birth of the Savior and guide them to the stable. The shepherds find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and worship Him, spreading the news of the miraculous birth. Wise men, known as the Magi, discern a sign in the heavens and travel from the East to worship the newly born King of the Jews. Following a bright star, the Magi arrive in Bethlehem and present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. King Herod, feeling threatened by the news of a newborn King, seeks to find and harm the child but is foiled by divine intervention. Warned in a dream, Joseph flees with Mary and Jesus to Egypt to protect the child from Herod’s wrath. After Herod’s death, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus return to Nazareth, where Jesus grows and develops in wisdom and stature. The Christmas story is the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and marks the dawn of salvation for humanity. It serves as a reminder of God’s love and the humble beginnings from which Christianity would spread worldwide. Through art, music, and literature, the Christmas story has been retold and reimagined throughout history. It carries universal themes of hope, joy, peace, and the power of divine intervention in human affairs.
The sermons are translated from the original French version. Bible verses link to the Bible in Basic English. The Bible is available online in audio/podcast form in several versions including the Bible in Basic English (1 year reading plan):
God, the Word visits us (John 1)
Several accounts of the coming and work of Christ. Two gospels tell us more precisely about the coming of Jesus. Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus descending from Abraham. (Jesus perfectly man) Luke, meanwhile, tells us about the prophetic announcements of the coming of John the Baptist, then of Jesus. It states that Jesus was begotten by the Holy Spirit. Mark does not really report the birth of Christ, but presents John the Baptist and immediately Jesus baptized entering the ministry.
Christmas / The Incarnation: The Magi (Matthew 2)
Before this reading , a brief reminder of the characters of the nativity: Mary: A very remarkable young woman. Listening to the Angel: disturbed, certainly surprised. Ask questions with freedom and relevance…. Personal problem that such news (pregnancy) can pose. Definitely must have told Joseph in confidence. (Joseph is seen deep in thought in Matthew 1 ) Has complete trust in God. Joseph: Fair, thoughtful man Benevolent man, does not want to harm Mary. Think about the best way for Mary to get out of this situation Listening to God and trusting him. The Mary-Joseph couple: desire to walk together. Do 120/130 km shortly before the birth of Jesus. (The route Lausanne-Thun). Are subject to the authorities of the time … we do not see them grumbling … Let's read to illustrate this true relationship with God!! the canticle of Mary, a magnificent psalm. Luke 1:46-55 (Sower Version) The birth of Jesus : The arrival of the Magi in Matthew 2 : Traditional image: 3 Magi: Melchior, Gaspard and Balthazar. In the sixth century, tradition gave them a first name. Most certainly not neither three nor kings, Legend built over the centuries. The biblical account: very sober:
Christmas theme: Who was really waiting for Jesus?
While the coming of the Messiah was part of the hope of all Jews, ultimately very few were really expecting and preparing for the first coming of Jesus. And for his second coming? It is the expectation of believers yet are we in dispositions that bear witness to this expectation?
Christmas / The Incarnation: The apparent weakness of the birth of Jesus is triumphant
While the coming of the Messiah was part of the hope of all Jews, ultimately very few were really expecting and preparing for the first coming of Jesus.And for his second coming? It is the expectation of believers yet are we in dispositions that bear witness to this expectation?
10 Key verses for the theme of Christmas
14. Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
2. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
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.
20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
See Also:
Sermons: key points from the series Christmas Themes / The Incarnation