HE IS GLORIFIED

Sermon Notes, December 21, 2014

Rev. Dan White

            Sunday was the fourth Sunday of Advent.  The candle of Love was lit, as was the Christ candle.  Pastor Dan’s sermon was titled “He Is Glorified,” and his text was Luke 2:1-20, the Christmas story.  Jesus was born to save us from our sins.  He left heaven to become one of us.

            Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor, wanted to raise taxes according to the number of people in the household, so he called for a census.  Joseph had to go to Bethlehem, his home town, to be counted.  It was an 80-mile journey from Nazareth, taking several days.  By the time they got there, Mary was not only tired, but she needed a place to lie down, because the baby was coming.  There was no room for them in the inn, but the innkeeper told them they could stay in the stable.  Joseph didn’t get “het up” and angry, but he took the punches as they came. The angel had told him that Mary’s baby was of God.  He believed in God, and trusted Him, and they made the best of the situation.

            Angels announced the birth.  Shepherds came and worshipped Him.  Shepherds, one of the worst jobs at the time.  This was just the beginning of what Jesus would go through as a man.

            Magi, wise men from other countries, came bearing gifts.  They had looked in the sky, studying the stars.  They saw unusual movement in the star and followed it.  They wanted to worship the newborn king, too.

            Jesus was in heaven, and it was nice.  He left there and came to a place where people treated him badly.  But He was willing to do this so that we could be in a relationship with His Father, God.  He is still calling us to worship and serve Him.