A Wonderful Life Series, Luke 2:10-18
Friends, I’m not referring to finding love from inanimate things, I’m talking about finding divine love in Christmas. Christmas is the season we emphasize on God’s love. There have been plenty of debates whether believers should celebrate Christmas or not. Frankly, I’m not against celebrating Christmas, because I use this time of the year to share the gospel and God’s love to others. And this maybe one time of the year where we can display love and grace regardless of our beliefs. Nonetheless, to find true love this Christmas, you must first of all, avoid the pitfalls of Christmas.
1. Avoid the pitfalls of Christmas.
· The pitfall of earthly doctrines.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2, NIV.
It is imperative that our minds are glued to the arrival of our Savior and not on the arrival of Santa and his Rudolph on Christmas day. We welcome the army of angels that praises the Eternal God and not the elves.
· The pitfall of impressing.
“2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” 2 Timothy 4:2, NIV.
The Easter and Christmas time are the two seasons that people are more open to the gospel. We need to take advantage of this now.
· The pitfall of overspending.
“7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7, NIV.
Be mindful of your budget when shopping for gifts and whatnots, and remember, using credit cards does not mean free of charge.
· The pitfall of ourselves.
“3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3, NIV.
· There are many people who are lonelier this season than any other season as they miss their family back home.
Don’t let these pitfalls take your sight away from finding Love in Christmas. So, if you haven’t done yet, start right now, avoid these pitfalls!
2. Direct your mind into God’s love.
Luke 2:10-11. It tells us the story when the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds living out in the fields of Bethlehem. The angel said to them, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12.
· God displayed to us the love that most people are so desperate to have.
· By sending His one and only Son, God displayed a kind of love that is sacrificial, gentle, forgiving, understanding, and kind.
3. Go after Christ’s love.
“15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” Luke 2:15-18, NIV.
· The Nativity story demonstrated the importance of divine and human relationship.
· The One who gives life was born to live in the human flesh. The Creator being cared for by His creation.
· The sustainer of the universe was born in a small town, was being held by swaddling clothes and lies in a slobbering crib.
· The One who said He is the Bread of life was being fed by Mary.
God sent His Son to earth, that through Jesus, we may have a meaningful and everlasting relationship with Him. It was God who first loved us, and now He invites us to love Him back. What is our fitting response?