The Purpose of Christmas – Part 2: How God Got Jesus into the Earth
Scripture References
Acts 3:24–26; Acts 3:25; Luke 1:5–25; Luke 1:26–38; Matthew 1:18–25; John 1:6–8; John 1:14; John 1:16; Proverbs 4
Introduction
• Christmas is not primarily about trees, toys, or customs—it is the celebration of God’s covenant faithfulness in sending His Son.
• Part 1 dealt with why Jesus came; tonight focuses on how God partnered with covenant men and women to bring Christ into the world.
• The preacher sets an atmosphere of worship (“O Holy Night”) and prays for anointing to minister “on a level the world is not familiar with.”
Key Points / Exposition
1. Christmas Reveals God’s Covenant Faithfulness
- Acts 3:25–26 shows God promised Abraham a Seed who would bless “all the families of the earth.”
- In Christ, the blessing of Abraham and the authority Adam lost are restored; sin had separated humanity from both (Genesis background).
- God’s plan always involves reversing sin’s separation and making believers conduits of blessing, not mere recipients.
2. God Works Through Cooperative People
- Principle: Nothing “just happens.” God looks for people who will believe, obey, and work with Him.
- Satan likewise needs human cooperation; whichever voice we yield to determines whose will is done in the earth.
3. Zechariah & Elizabeth – Preparing the Environment
- Luke 1:5-25: Righteous yet barren couple; Zechariah receives angelic announcement of John the Baptist.
- John’s mission: “make ready a people prepared for the Lord,” turning hearts and shifting the spiritual climate.
- Zechariah’s initial unbelief could have derailed timing; Gabriel silences him, illustrating how unbelieving words can hinder God’s plan.
4. Mary – A Teenager’s Faith Gangster Moment
- Luke 1:26-38: Gabriel announces the virgin birth.
- Mary’s honest question (“How?”) is answered: the Holy Spirit will overshadow her.
- Her decisive consent—“Be it unto me according to Your word”—triggers divine conception.
- Lesson: God’s Word plus our believing response births the impossible.
5. Joseph – Obedience in the Midst of Dilemma
- Matthew 1:18-25: Discovering Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph plans quiet divorce until an angelic dream clarifies the divine origin.
- Titles used (“son of David,” “Emmanuel”) anchor events in covenant lineage.
- Joseph immediately obeys, names the child Jesus, and protects Mary’s purity—demonstrating prompt obedience sustains God’s purposes.
6. The Word Made Flesh
- John 1:14: The eternal Word becomes human because people received and spoke God’s Word.
- God acts by “His Word and His Spirit”; prophetic declarations precede manifestation.
7. Grace Heaped upon Grace
- John 1:16 (AMP): In Christ believers receive “one grace after another… favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift.”
- Christmas gift surpasses all material giving: abundant life (John 10:10 alluded).
Major Lessons & Revelations
• Covenant promise drives Christmas; God never forgets His Word.
• Faith-filled words—or their absence—can accelerate or delay divine timing.
• God uses ordinary, imperfect but willing people (aged couple, teenage girl, working man).
• The Holy Spirit empowers believers to accomplish tasks beyond natural capability.
• Blessing is meant to flow through us to a “lost and dying world.”
Practical Application
1. Guard your mouth—speak God’s promises (Proverbs 4; faith comes by hearing).
2. Say “Yes” to God’s assignments even when logic falters; trust Holy Spirit empowerment.
3. Prepare spiritual environments (homes, workplaces) for Christ’s influence—repent, pursue holiness, invite revival.
4. Live as channels of blessing: give, serve, and share the gospel so the blessing doesn’t “stop with you.”
5. Boldly exercise Christ-restored authority over the enemy, not over people.
6. Accept God’s continual “grace upon grace” rather than shrinking Christmas to materialism.
Conclusion & Call to Response
Christmas showcases God’s relentless covenant love. As Mary did, believers are invited to respond, “Be it unto me according to Your word.” Receive Jesus, embrace restored authority and blessing, and become an agent of God’s grace to others.
Prayer
• Thanksgiving for the anointing to minister about Jesus on an unfamiliar level.
• Covenant to give God all glory for the “mighty work” done tonight.
• Declaration of faith: “Father, I receive grace upon grace, favor upon favor, gift upon gift, and I thank You in advance.”
References & Resources
• Hymn: “O Holy Night” (opening worship)
• Website: faithsf.church – livestreams, giving, further resources