HOW TO GET TO FROM CHRISTMAS TO CALVARY

HOW TO GET TO FROM CHRISTMAS TO CALVARY

Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Yesterday I listened to a short program from Dennis Prager on the art of gift giving.

In this program he argues against two of the three[1]most common objections to Christmas:[2]

Its commercialization

His response is mostly satirical. 

·   “What, you have a problem with giving gifts to friends and loved ones?” 

·   “You think a more enlightened people would not be so blatantly generous?” 

·   “It is an unevolved form of mankind who with premeditation gives Aunt Jenny something she would really like?”

It detracts from religion

“You think a child would more likely look forward to the special day if it only involved late night church services?”

In his own faith, Judaism, they celebrate Hanukkah at about the same time. He said that as a child he had little to no interested in the candle lighting ceremonies. But he did look forward to the gifts. As he has grown older, however, he has come to appreciate the candle lighting because he now understands its significance.[3]

He said he believes that the gift giving and celebration helps children want to hear the truths behind the Holy Day.

The third objection, which he seemed to have forgotten is,

It’s pagan roots

I’ve attempted to address those objections, especially last week. I did another series of messages back in 2012 that also addressed the objections to Santa Claus, the Christmas tree and so forth.

The key, I think, to the whole question is this, God Himself observed the birth of Christ with great fanfare and joy.

Should we not do the same?

If I had an objection to Christmas, which I do not, it would be this; so many stop their journey with Jesus right here.

Our world is filled with people who celebrate Christmas, even do so in honor of Christ.

·   They will agree that, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

·   They are happy to chant “Put Christ back into Christmas”

·   They object that store employees are required to say “Happy Holidays” instead of saying “Merry Christmas”

But the sad truth is, that’s as far as their personal walk with Christ goes.

·   They like the thought of Him

·   They claim to believe in Him

But 

·   They have never trusted in Him

·   They have no personal relationship with Him and

·   They are far from devoted to Him

That leads me to the subject I hope to preach, “How To Get From Christmas To Calvary.”

I want to take you on a walk, beginning with one of the last events that could be considered part of the Christmas story.

And take you from there to where we are today.

Our journey begins, not at the manger, but in a house and, not with a baby Jesus but a child, probably about two years old.

The star of Bethlehem did not rest above the little manger the night of Jesus birth.

It did not guide anyone to Bethlehem that night.

It was nearly two years later when the wise men arrived to find Mary and Joseph and the child.

When they did arrive,

I. THE WISE MEN WORSHIPED HIM

Matthew 2:1-11 (KJV)

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Some people claim that the star was a comet or some other astronomical alignment that the wise men took to be supernatural in character.

My problem with that is:

·   It suggests that the wise men were merely superstitious

·   It lasted upwards of two years (I am aware of no alignment of the stars that lasts that long – certainly no comet)

·   It came, went and then returned – again, very unlike what we know happens in the cosmos

Whether the star was 

·   An angel, or 

·   A specially created phenomenon just for them

I do not know.

What I do know is that the wise men:

·   Left their homes and their previous responsibilities

·   Traveled a great distance

·   Never gave up

·   Didn’t get discouraged when they lost sight of the star and

·   Worshiped Christ when they found Him

I wonder how much of that could be said of you?

If the wise men had been willing only to give Jesus a month or so of their attention each year, would they have ever found Him?

If they had not been dedicated to what they knew to be true, would they have made it to Bethlehem?

If they had quit when the light seemed to have flickered out, would their gifts have been presented to the young child Jesus?

·   Christianity is not supposed to be a special outing

·   Christianity is, if it is real, is a new life

Worship isn’t something you do once a year or even once a week.

Worship begins with the gift of the heart. From thence pours out every other gift we might bring to Jesus.

The wise men worshiped Him.

We step now about 10 years into the future of Jesus’ life.

Mary and Joseph, having been warned by an angel, had fled Bethlehem and gone down to Egypt.

From there, when it was safe, they traveled up to Nazareth, where Joseph and Mary had originally lived.

Years have come and gone. Jesus is now twelve years old and his parents[4]had made their annual trip to the feast in Jerusalem.

When time to return home came, they left assuming Jesus was in the group, but He was not. When Mary and Joseph found Him,

II. HIS MOTHER WONDERED AT HIM(His Words)

Luke 2:41-51 (KJV)

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

I think immediately of Psalms 1:1-3 (KJV)

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Mary heard the words of Jesus and kept them all in her heart.

It’s exactly what preachers pray the people of their church will do.

·   No one needs to keep my words in their heart

·   No one needs to keep the words of some other famous (or favorite) pastor in their heart

But we all would be better off if we kept what Jesus said in our heart.

·   If we would memorize them and meditate upon them

·   If we would search them and study them

·   If we would hear them and heed them

·   If we would observe them and obey them

What a difference that would make:

·   In our homes

·   In our church 

·   In our community and

·   In our world

The next time we hear from Jesus in the Bible He is, about thirty years old.[5]And He has come to be baptized by His cousin, whose name is John the Baptist.

John the Baptist had been given a very specific job to do. He was to “prepare the way of the Lord” and to “make his paths straight.”[6]

It is significant, I think, that every one of the four Gospels gives some portion of the account of Jesus’ baptism.

The Apostle John’s[7]account says that,

III. JOHN THE BAPTIST POINTED PEOPLE TO HIM

John 1:29-36 (KJV)

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

John the Baptist is one of the most important persons in all of the Bible. Jesus said there is one born of women greater than John the Baptist.

Yet his mission was clear.

·   He was to decrease and

·   Jesus was in increase

Never was John’s purpose to make a name for himself.

He would in no way be offended today that so few give him the credit he is due.

John the Baptist had just one goal in his life:

·   He wasn’t trying to be famous – though multitudes came to be baptized by him

·   He wasn’t trying to make friends – he was quick to tell people their sins

·   He wasn’t trying to influence government – though he did preach to kings

John the Baptist had but one goal, to point people to the Lamb of God.

May I ask you, dear Christian, 

When was the last time you spoke to someone just about Jesus?

When was the last time you left alone subjects like:

·   Politics

·   Sports

·   Pet peeves

·   Problems

And just talked about Jesus Christ?

·   How He forgave your sins

·   How He loves you unconditionally

·   How He gives you peace in times of trouble

·   How He is your hope when you hurt

·   How He heals you when you are broken in spirit

·   How He has promised to come for you one day soon

It seems to me fitting that we don’t have to go too far from John the Baptist to discover disciples of Jesus Christ.

IV. THE DISCIPLES FOLLOWED HIM

John 1:37 (KJV)

And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

This becomes a recurring theme throughout the rest of the Gospels and of Jesus’ life.

Matthew 4:19 (KJV)

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Matthew 16:24 (KJV)

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Matthew 19:21 (KJV)

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Perhaps the most revealing of these is, 

John 21:15-22 (KJV)

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

Our task is not to concern ourselves with what God does in the lives of anyone else:

·   Whether they are faithful

·   Whether they are obedient

·   Whether they are blessed of God and successful

·   Whether they are soul winners

·   Whether they follow the Lord

Our only task is to follow the Lord ourselves.

I can’t tell you how many times I have seen a Christian get upset that someone else isn’t doing right in church.

They cause me all sorts of grief because they want me to get in the face of that other Christian and make them do right or get out of the church.

Pretty soon, they are the one who has quit doing right and are no longer in church.

I have come to the place where I figure anyone who is upset about someone else’s disobedience is really jealous because they want to be disobedient too.

The disciples followed Jesus

I have a final and unfortunate point to bring us to Calvary,

V. THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE REJECTED HIM

John 19:12-15 (KJV)

And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.

And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

A few weeks ago I shared a simple Christmas themed graphic.

It’s a circle, one half of which is a wreath and the other half a crown of thorns.

·   Above the wreath side it reads, “This is the season.”

·   Above the crown of thorns side it reads, “This is the reason.”

Someone wrote back to me and said, “That is not my reason.”

That is their right.

·   We have the privilege in American

·   More than that, we have the God given liberty to either accept or reject Jesus Christ.

But here is the thing, whether it is her reason or not, it is the reason. Christmas simply would not exist if it were not for the birth of Jesus Christ.

·   You can choose not to celebrate Christmas if you want

·   You can choose to celebrate a Christ-less Christmas if you want

But you can’t change the truth.

The same thing is true about saving faith.

·   You can deny and ignore Christ if you want

·   You can say you believe in Him and live like you don’t if you want

But you can’t change the truth about Jesus:

John 1:10-12 (KJV)

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

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[1]He could not remember the third. He began the program by saying this was unscripted.

[2]Prager is a practicing Jew. Yet he supports not only Christianity but the growth of Christianity in American and the  world.

[3]Hanukkah is the celebration of the event that “saved monotheism” (his words) in this world.

[4]Interestingly, Joseph was not His father but the Bible does call him His parent.

[5]Luke 3:23 (KJV)

And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,

[6]Matthew 3:3 (KJV)

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

[7]John the Baptist and the Apostle John are different persons.