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.

           Text: Hebrews 1:1-3

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoke to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Dear Friends in Christ Jesus:

           A manger, shepherds, a lowly mother, a hillside village, and a shining star. A tiny baby, cattle lowing, sheep resting, and a little family gathered in the midnight air. Lovely carols, warm feelings, love and peace and giving presents. Christmas cookies, colored lights, fancy ribbons, and excited children. This – and a long, long list to which each of you could add – is Christmas. The tenderest, the warmest, and the most sentimental time of the entire year. This – and much, much more – is Christmas.

           Who would change one bit of it? To be sure, we know it can be overly sentimental. We know that some of it is crassly commercial – and some blatantly secular. But now, on this evening, all of those thoughts are brushed aside. And that which remains is soft, and warm, and tender, and good, and loving. This is Christmas. And 100 million pictures, printed on cards, have been sent again from home to home – once more telling the story. Call it warm, call it tender and loving, call it full of peace and joy – for this is Christmas. This is the time for which children have waited, for which adults have prepared – and which we all rejoice to see again.

           We affirm all of this – and so much more. We can say – “May your Christmas be the best and the happiest ever!” But then, into the midst of this wonderful sentiment, good feelings, and joyous spirit – we would say one word more. As Christians, we need to hear and believe that Christmas is more than a manger and more than a baby. Christmas is more than lovely carols and warm thoughts – it’s about One who reflects the very glory of God and who bears the stamp of His nature. Christmas is more than bright ribbons, good food, and gathered families – it’s about One who is the radiance of God’s glory, and who upholds the universe by the power of His word. Christmas is the Word of God incarnate – breaking through into human history and human life!

           By all means, enjoy your gifts. With your get-togethers, dinners, and fellowship – know the warmness of home and family. But never forget – this day is important because of One who is the eternal Word, One who is the heavenly Christ, One who came to make purification for sin. Boldly and with power, we proclaim – that this is Christmas – and what happened on that night involves the meaning and whole purpose of this universe.

           To be sure, Christmas is about a baby, and a mother, and about tender loving things. But even more – it’s about the power and might of God. It’s about that One who in many and various ways was spoken of to His people – trying to win them back, to return them to their rightful destiny as His own sons and daughters. And finally, God has spoken to them through a Son – a clear, persuasive, complete Word – Jesus Christ.

           This Christmas, that Word confronts each of us with a choice. And yet, who wants to make decisions on Christmas? But there is a choice – it’s going to be God’s way, or it’s going to be our own way – it’s going to be Christ, or it’s going to be chaos. It’s so much easier simply to enjoy all of the trimmings and all of the sweet, sentimental things. Why spoil all of this with talk of Christmas – with ultimate questions about God, life, death, sin, grace, and forgiveness? We wouldn’t – for a moment – spoil any of it. But in the name of that God who has spoken in these days through His Son – the Word must be proclaimed. The One who has come is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.

           What is that glory? Not some heavenly pomp, ceremony, or display. Too often in our minds the glory of God reflects what we might consider to be glorious in the world. Power and empire, wealth and wisdom, and popular acclaim – not these! For the glory of God doesn’t reflect the ideas that we might consider to be glorious. The power that made the universe, the eternal Word that is spoken, that first-born Son brought forth and placed in a manger – surprised the world. For He came to give Himself, to walk among people, to touch their sin-filled lives, to have children sit on His lap, to have men and women kneel at His feet, to take a towel and – like a servant – wash the feet of His disciples. And then in one final stroke of glory – to die, nailed to a cross. Through this One, through this Word – that glory is set loose in our world.

           You can still see it, if you’ll only look and observe – for it’s a glory that is reflected in the eyes of every man, woman, and child who knows what it means to be redeemed, to be freed, to be forgiven. It’s a glory reflected in the life of every person who has been given strength to endure suffering, sorrow, and pain.

           It’s a glory that is reflected in every home represented here this evening – where each and every one of you knows the spiritual resources that are needed to live as a family in our world. And it’s a glory that is shared every time two or three gather to unite their hearts in prayer – under the power of God’s grace. That’s the Word. It reflects the very nature of God – that He is love. Not awesome power – not explosive or destructive. Not the clap of thunder or the roar of wind – but the still, gentle voice of God, coming into the world as a helpless infant – to touch your life with a heavenly dimension.

           We know what we share is a mystery. It’s beyond our comprehension. God has spoken and, to be sure, some refuse to listen. There are always those who won’t allow God to be the God of their lives. They have the right to make that awesome choice. And if we’re honest, we know that spirit of uncertainty touches the lives of all of us. We live in a skeptical age – and skepticism has weakened the Christian conviction of many. I suppose that there are even some – perhaps some here this evening – who wouldn’t be found in church at any other time than Christmas and Easter. Someone might think they actually take the message seriously! And we do. We take it very seriously.

           Let there be this Word. And let none of us be captive to the illusion that any man or woman is competent to work out one’s own destiny with no thought of God. Let Christmas be this much – a heavenly Word, an eternal Word, a life that bears the very stamp of the nature of the power of God. The Word became flesh to dwell among us – full of grace and truth. Let there be carols, songs, and sentiment. But let us remember that it’s that heavenly Christmas that is the foundation of our faith. It’s beyond our comprehension, beyond our understanding – fables and foolishness to some – but it’s life and light to all who believe.

           A skeptical age may have its say – but for us there can be no mistake. It’s Christmas, Christ the eternal Word made flesh, who has brought all of us to this time and place. He’s the One whose thoughts are higher than our thoughts. He’s the One by whom all things exist and from whom we derive our existence. It’s He who heals the broken-hearted, and also counts the number of stars and calls them by name. It’s all of this – and much more – that stand behind the manger, the shepherds, the young mother, and the tender infant. And for this we who number ourselves among God’s faithful people can sing for joy on this day – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Amen.

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Amen.