Tag Archives: Christmas

Pleased – Sermon on Luke 2:1-20 for Christmas Eve 2024

Luke 2:1–20

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 

14 “Glory to God in the highest, 
and on earth peace among men, with whom he is pleased!” 

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Grace, mercy, and peace is yours this night from God our Father and from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

The one thing you should learn from Christmas is that God’s greatest, most earnest desire and purpose is to be with you. That’s the “true meaning of Christmas.” Hollywood will give all sorts of other answers about what the “true meaning of Christmas” is – hope, joy, giving, family togetherness, whatever. To one degree or another, those are only related to God’s desire to be with you. Each of those things is only on the fringe of the purpose of Christmas. The birth of Jesus proves that God doesn’t want to be far away or disconnected from you. He wants to be with you. Each day. Every day. God wants to be with you, as close as possible – even within your own heart (2 Co. 1:22).

I say that because of how Luke records the event. The actual birth of Jesus only takes up a tiny fraction of the reading from Luke 2:1-20. In the first five verses, Luke tells us about the census that Caesar Augustus decreed. All the details in those verses – about Augusts, the fact that it was the first registration while Quirinius was governor in Syria, the fact that Joseph was from Nazareth but had to go to Bethlehem, etc. – all of that seems to be there because Luke wants you to know that what he records has been carefully researched. He’s paid attention to the details. He wants you to know that he got all of this exactly right.

Then, Luke simply records Christ’s birth. It is while Joseph and Mary are in Bethlehem that the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth, wrapped the Infant Jesus in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in the only place available – a manger – because there was no other place for them to be, except in that stable.

It’s remarkable, the way God inspired Luke to write this. The most important thing that has ever happened or will ever happen in all of history – the birth of Jesus – is simply stated. “She gave birth.” That’s it. The thing that gets the most focus, and what we will focus on tonight, is the announcement Jesus’ birth, which starts at v. 8.

Some shepherds are nearby watching over their flocks that night. It was an otherwise normal night for these shepherds. We don’t know how many shepherds there are, but we do know the number of angels that appear to them. At first, it’s one. One angel appears, but that angel isn’t the only thing that appears. The “glory of the Lord” also shines around the shepherds. And because of this, the shepherds are afraid. They are filled with a great (the word in Greek is μέγας), a mega fear. Why?

The source of their fear wasn’t that single angel. No, they are afraid because the glory of the Lord was shining around them. That’s the closest reference to their fear. Why would they be so afraid of God’s glory shining around them? Well, they’re afraid because even though God’s glory is a beautiful and wonderful thing, but it is only wonderful if sin isn’t part of the equation. When there is sin, we can’t stand in God’s presence. In Scripture, sinners are always terrified when they find themselves in God’s presence (Ex. 20:18; Jdg. 13:22; Is. 6:5).

Now, I’ll admit that the text doesn’t mention sin. God didn’t inspire Luke to tell us that the shepherds were filled with mega fear because they remembered that they were sinners. Sure enough. But Luke didn’t need to tell us they were afraid on account of their sin because he records what the angel tells them.

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great (there’s that word μέγας again). Good news of mega joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk. 2:10). 

This angel gives two reasons for the shepherds to not be afraid – the two “for” statements. The first because the angel gives to not be afraid is, “Because I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” The source of this great joy is now (present tense) for these shepherds, but it’s not for the shepherds alone.

The angel makes it clear that this great joy that will be (future tense) for all people. That includes you! The good news was given to those five or ten or however many shepherds then, but the good news of mega joy continues to be given throughout the millennia. What the angel said then still echoes to all mankind, even right now, even as you are hearing it.

The second reason the angel tells them to not be afraid is, “Unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Remember that the shepherds fear because God’s glorious presence makes them keenly aware of their sin, but the angel is quick to announce to them that there is a Savior from sin. So, let’s shorten the entire message from the angel. “Don’t be afraid; you have a Savior. He’s just been born.”

That proclamation is the solution to the shepherds’ fear. For the shepherds, the message was that very night that their Savior is born. For you here tonight, you also have nothing to fear because your Savior was born, about 2,021 years ago.

Every one of you here has a Savior. Maybe, you have believed that as long as you can remember. God be praised! Maybe, you used to believe that, but don’t believe it anymore. Maybe, you’ve never believed it. Your belief or unbelief doesn’t change the fact that your Savior is born, and I’m here tonight to tell you to believe it. Believe it because that’s how it benefits you.

Next, this one angel gives the shepherds a sign as proof that their Savior is born. They’ll find a Baby swaddled up and lying in a manger. And at the end of the text (Lk. 2:16-17), the shepherds find exactly that. There, swaddled up in a feeding trough, was the Savior of the whole world. What the angel announced to those shepherds and what that angel is announcing to you now is true. The sign proves it.

We need to go back, though, to what happens just after the shepherds hear this good news of mega joy. Right after the angel’s announcement, there appears with that one angel a huge army of the heavenly host.

The text doesn’t say that they this angel army came, arranged themselves into a choir, and began to sing. Instead, this army of angels appeared to the shepherds. From this, we are to understand that that massive troop of angels was there in that field the whole time. They just weren’t visible to the shepherds for a period, but now they are. This angelic host was present because they wanted to be there and listen to that one angel announce to the shepherds this good news of mega joy.

Angels aren’t like God. God is everywhere all the time. But angels aren’t; they aren’t omnipresent. But it is true that there are angels all around us even though we can’t see them. The Bible has all sorts of examples of angels being around people, but those people can’t see them (Num. 22:31; 1 Kg. 6:17). The night of Jesus’ birth, that angelic army choir wanted to watch as all humanity receives her King.

That angel army sings, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men, with whom He is pleased!”

This song reveals that God is pleased with all mankind. The Greek word there for ‘pleased’ is εὐδοκία. It’s two words combined together. The first part is εὐ, which means ‘good,’ and δοκία, which means ‘thinking.’ In other words, the birth of Jesus proves that God is thinking good toward all humanity – every man, every woman, every boy, every girl. You. Everyone. God is pleased with you, and you can know this because He has sent a Savior to become one of you. That is your peace. Your peace is that you have the goodwill, the good-thinking of God in heaven.

Now, I don’t know all of you here tonight. I don’t know if all of you believe this or not. But I’m here tonight to tell you from God’s Word, from the mouth of God Himself, this message: The eternal, almighty, holy, all-powerful, all-knowing God has come to dwell among you in your flesh and blood to save you from your sin. You can believe it without a doubt.

God thinks good things about you. Even though you have sinned against Him and others whom He loves, God isn’t disappointed with you. God should be. Without a doubt He should be, but He isn’t. He isn’t shaking His head and regretting that He created you. No! He is pleased with you. He loves you. That’s why He comes to save you.

Jesus, God in the flesh, your Savior, has come to you, and that is why the angel choir sings.

Again, each one of you here tonight, if you know anything, know this: God doesn’t want to be far away or disconnected from you. He wants to be with you. Each day. Every day.

Your Savior is born. He is born to shed His blood, to redeem, to ransom, and to rescue you from your sin. God is pleased to save you, to remove your sin and my sin. He has come to remove your guilt and my guilt. That is why and how you can know that God is pleased with you. Amen.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

A Great and Mighty Wonder – Sermon on Luke 2:1-20 for Christmas Eve 2023

Luke 2:1–20

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 

14 “Glory to God in the highest, 

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Life is often repetitive and mundane. It fills up with schedules, to-do lists, and errands. You make plans to get everything done as efficiently as possible. You get up, get ready, and get yourself to work or to school or to that appointment. You do what is required of you. Then, you go to bed and sleep only so you can get up tomorrow and do it all over again.

In your efforts to be efficient, organized, and keep it all together, you get into a grove – or, sometimes, a rut. Like a horse pulling a carriage, you put blinders on yourself so you can focus squarely on the next task at work, planning the week’s meals, finishing that big assignment, whatever it is that needs to get done. 

But from time to time, something wonderful happens. Your professor cancels the final. Your adult kid surprises you by coming home. The doctor tells you that the cancer is gone, and you don’t need any further treatments. These wonderful things pull us out of our monotonous lives. And those wonderful things remain wonderful. Five minutes after it happens, it’s still wonderful. If an hour passes, it’s still just as amazing as when it happened. A week, a month, a year, later still has zero effect on the wonder of the thing. Sure, the memory of exactly how it happened might fade, but the wonder stays.

When Sarah and I were dating, I remember meeting her grandma, Hazel. I don’t remember the context of our conversation, but she told me a story of when her kids were young. The family was having serious financial troubles. Hazel didn’t know how she should put supper on the table. There was no food in the house and no money to buy anything. She bumped into one her friends that afternoon who stopped her and asked, “Have you come down from cloud 9 yet?” Hazel didn’t have any idea what her friend was referring to, so her friend told her she had won a drawing at the local grocery store. The prize was a used car that was full of groceries. Suddenly, supper was covered – as well as the next several days of meals. She packed up her kids and picked up the prize. And Hazel told how my father-in-law rode home in the back seat of that car eating cookies and chips that were part of the prize.

When Hazel told that story to me, her voice was excited and filled with wonder. I could see the tears of joy welling up in her eyes. It didn’t matter at all that the food was long gone and the car in the junk yard because it had happened decades before. The wonder of that event hadn’t faded one bit. Hazel would retell that story to me many more times. It wasn’t as though she had forgotten that she had already told the story to me. She just loved telling it, and every time she shared that memory, the joy and wonder the whole thing was still as fresh as though it had happened yesterday because time is irrelevant to the wonder of a thing.

Now, you can probably see where I’m going with this. Jesus was born two-thousand-twenty-some years ago. But the wonder of God entering creation and taking on a human body is still as wonderful and amazing as it was when it happened.

Now, the devil wants to steal that wonder and awe because it was by the birth of Jesus that Satan’s head was crushed (Gen. 3:15). For the Son of God to die and rise again for the forgiveness of your sin, He first had to be born. But Satan thinks you’re stupid. He wants you to adopt an apathetic attitude toward Jesus’ birth and Christmas for the simple reason that it happened a long time ago. He wants to put all sorts of convoluted ideas about the meaning of Christmas into your head so you start to think, “Why should I be happy or joyful about something that happened in the distant past?” If that is the case for you tonight, or any night, you can tell the devil that he’s stupid for thinking you’re that stupid.

Once, a manger had something in it that was bigger than the whole world (C.S. Lewis). The Creator of the universe, who made all things by simply speaking, squeezed Himself into the 8 lb. (give or take) body of an infant boy, and yet He wasn’t cramped. Or more accurately, God became a baby – who couldn’t feed Himself or even lift His own head. And He did this for you.

Tonight, in an effort to regain some sense of the great and mighty wonder of Christmas, put yourself into the account Luke has given us (Lk. 2:1-20). Imagine it from the perspective of Joseph and Mary. Imagine being there among the animals. Jesus has just been born, so they wrap Him up and put Him in the manger because there was simply nowhere else to put Him.

Every parent should have a sense of awe and amazement when a child is born because every birth is a divine gift and miracle. But Joseph and Mary both knew that this particular birth was especially unique. Mary had been told by the angel Gabriel that, though she was a virgin, she would conceive the Son of God (Lk. 1:35). Joseph was also told that the Child in Mary’s womb was the fulfillment of the prophecy we heard from Isaiah 7. Joseph was told that this Child is Immanuel which means “God with us” and that His name was to be Jesus because Yahweh had come to save His people from their sins (Mt. 1:18-25). They knew all of this, so that song, “Mary Did You Know?” the answer to the title of that song is, “Yes.” Maybe she didn’t know all the details about some of the specific questions that song asks, but by and large, the answers to the questions in that song are a resounding, “Yes. Mary knew.”

And yet, the way the Scriptures record the moment of the birth of Jesus, we get left with the impression that it wasn’t any more wondrous than the birth of any other child. In fact, Jesus’ birth was probably a bit of a letdown. Here in Lk. 2, the actual birth of Jesus gets only a verse and a half of ink (v. 6b-7), “the time came for [Mary] to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son, wrapped Him swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger.” In Mt. 1:25, Jesus’ birth is even more understated; it’s just, “[Mary] gave birth to a Son.” It’s as though we are to imagine Joseph and Mary looking at this Child, whom they know is God in the flesh, but they look around at the animals and their surroundings and say to each other, “Huh. There’s no glowing. No halo over His head. He’s supposed to be God, but He’s just a baby. So this is it?”

But then, shortly after, some shepherds arrive, and one of them pokes his head from around the corner and asks, “Excuse me. I know this is a barn, but does there happen to be a baby in here?” Joseph or Mary (you can pick which one responds) says, “Well, um, yes there is.” 

The shepherd responds, “I really don’t mean to bother you, but is that baby swaddled?” 

“Yeah. That’s kind of what you do with babies.” 

“Was He just born today?” 

“That’s right, just a few hours ago.” 

“Sorry. I just have one more question. It’s a bit dark in there, and I just have to know – is the baby lying in that manger there?” 

“How did you know?” 

And the shepherds just bow down to the ground and worshipped.

You have probably gotten so used to hearing Lk. 2 on this night each year. It’s good to hear and read it again and again. But it’s so wonderful. Take your time considering all of it. Slow down, look at the details, and meditate on the fact that God became flesh and blood for you.

Imagine it from the angles’ perspective. Imagine how confused the angels must have been that night. They had gotten a break from their regular patrol and angelic duties and sent to this field where the shepherds are. Those angels look up, and there is God on the throne of all creation. So, they sing, “Glory to God in the highest.” But then they look down into that manger and see God is there too. So, they keep singing, “And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Luke tells us that those shepherds made known the saying that had been told them concerning this Child and, “all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.” That includes Joseph and Mary. They heard about the angel who announced it, and they heard about the song that the multitude of the heavenly host sang. And they were filled with wonder.

Dear friends, it doesn’t matter how old the story of the birth of God is, Christmas is wonderful. Treasure this great and mighty wonder. Jesus has come, and He has come for you. Tonight and always, ponder in your heart that unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Merry Christmas! Amen.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

God Made Known – Sermon on Exodus 40:17-21, 34-38; Titus 3:4-7; and John 1:1-18 for Christmas Day 2022

John 1:1-18

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Until the Temple was built, God was happy to dwell on earth in the tent of the Tabernacle. We heard about it in our Old Testament lesson from Exodus (Ex. 40:17-21, 34-38). If you’re like me, the first thing that comes to mind about the book of Exodus is God sending plagues on Egypt to deliver His people from slavery. It is a significant part of the book. Chapters 5-15 deal with the plagues, the Passover, and the crossing of the Red Sea. But a similar chunk of Exodus, in fact 13 chapters (Ex. 25-31, 35-40), deals with the Tabernacle. In Ex. 25-31, God picked the curtains, furniture, and standardized the dress code. And in those chapters, God spent a lot of time designing His throne.

That throne would be a box about 3 x 2 ft. which we know as the Ark of the Covenant. Inside that box was placed a golden jar of manna, Aaron’s rod that miraculously bloomed, and the tablets of the Ten Commandments (Heb. 9:4). But the most important part of the Ark was the gold cover which was called the mercy seat. The mercy seat had two big golden angels facing each other, and the wings of those angels pointed toward an empty spot which God declared to be His throne on earth where He would meet with His people (Ex. 25:17-22).

In today’s Old Testament lesson, we heard about the first time the Tabernacle was pitched. The poles were assembled, the curtains hung, the furniture arranged, and the Ark brought into the Most Holy Place. The cloud of God’s glory entered the Tabernacle. And that cloud would dictate the movements of God’s people. When it stayed, they stayed, and when the cloud went up, the people would pack up their things and move.

Once each year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place to sprinkle the blood of a goat between the wings of those golden angels above the mercy seat, but visually that space was always empty. Only by faith in God’s promise did the high priest and God’s people know that God was dwelling with them. For generations this went on. God’s people brought that box with them wherever they went. But a King never appeared to sit on the throne of the mercy seat. God’s presence with His people was always invisible. So, it always seemed as though something was missing.

Until today. Today is the day, the day of great joy for all people – for you. In the birth of Jesus, the King appeared. As we heard last night, King Jesus wasn’t born in a palace with soft beds and linens. He didn’t even come to that tent to sit in that empty space above the golden throne of the Ark. No. He appeared humbly, born in a stable and placed in an empty feeding trough until He would finally be enthroned on the cross. King Jesus had appeared to save His rebellious people.

As our Epistle lesson (Tit. 3:4-7) said, “When the goodness and loving kindness of our God and Savior appeared, He saved us.” The word for loving-kindness in Greek is philanthropia, where we get our word ‘philanthropy’ – lover of man. God Himself is the ultimate philanthropist. He has appeared in the flesh of Jesus to love you by saving you.

You aren’t saved by doing all sorts of good, righteous works. You are saved by God’s mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. And God pours His Holy Spirit out on you richly through Jesus Christ, your Savior.

Dear saints, God has come to you, here on earth. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:14). Literally, John says the Word became flesh and ‘tabernacled’ among us. And by Jesus’ tabernacling with us, God is made known.

He came with a glory that isn’t frightening, but with a glory full of grace and truth. From the fullness of His mercy, goodness, and loving-kindness, we receive grace upon grace. God’s glory is no longer covered in a smoke that fills the Tabernacle. The truest form of God’s glory appears to you today in the body Jesus. And that glory draws to itself the presence and attention of angels, shepherds, wise men, and all who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

The Ark and throne of God that was in the Tabernacle and, later, the Temple had served its purpose. Because of the birth of Jesus, because of Christmas, there is a better place where God meets man. It’s here, at this altar, and every Christian altar.

Here, you have a better manna – Jesus’ true Body and Blood given to you for the forgiveness of your sin. Here, you have something better than Aaron’s rod. You have the royal branch of David’s tree (Jer. 23:5). And here, you have those Ten Commandments which have been fulfilled (Mt. 5:17-18) and fully credited to your account.

Dear saints, in Jesus, God makes Himself known as your Savior, your King, your Deliverer. Merry Christmas! Amen.[1]

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

[1] This sermon has been adapted from a sermon written by Pr. Ralph Tausz of Melrose Park, IL.

Come & Behold – Sermon on Luke 2:1-20 for Christmas Eve 2022

Luke 2:1–20

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 

14 “Glory to God in the highest, 
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

The birth of Jesus – the very thing we are here to celebrate tonight – doesn’t get much ink in the Scriptures. Don’t get me wrong. The entirety of the Bible is about Jesus coming to save humanity from sin. But His birth comes and goes rather quickly, quietly, and uneventfully.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ birth only takes half a verse (Mt. 1:25). John’s Gospel, which we will consider in tomorrow’s sermon, simply says that Jesus, the Word, became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:14). We could say that John doesn’t record anything about Jesus’ birth because Jesus became flesh the moment He was miraculously conceived. Mark doesn’t include anything about Jesus’ birth; he jumps straight into Jesus’ ministry (Mk. 1:1-11). And even in this familiar reading from Luke 2, Jesus’ birth fills only one verse, v. 7.

The first six verses of this text show how God was working behind the scenes and using Caesar’s census and taxation to get Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem where God promised the Savior would be born (Mic. 5:2-5a). There, we see that God uses even the most powerful people the world to bring about His purpose and plan – even when they don’t intend to. Then, v. 8-20 are about the announcement of Jesus’ birth, which is what we are going to meditate on.

As shepherds are tending their sheep out in the field, an angel of the Lord appears to them and God’s glory shines all around them. The shepherds are terrified, but the agnel says to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy…. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Notice that the angel is speaking directly to the shepherds. The angel tells them, “Fear not.” This has to be to the shepherds because the other people in and around Bethlehem aren’t terrified; only the shepherds are. Also, notice how the angel directs his speech to them, “I bring you good news… unto you is born this day a Savior.” The angel isn’t speaking over the shepherds’ heads to the entire world. Finally, the angel gives the shepherds instructions how to find this newborn Savior. “You’ll find Him wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” This news and announcement is specifically directed to the shepherds that first Christmas night.

Now, it isn’t the first Christmas anymore, and you have probably noticed that I’ve been skipping over a phrase as I’ve been talking about v. 10-11. I’m not ignoring it. I’ve delayed including it to make a point, and it is time to make that point.

The message of the angel that first Christmas night is good news for those shepherds. A Savior has been born to them. Eventually, that good news will spread over the days, years, and centuries. The first Christmas it was for the shepherds, but this good news of great joy will be for all people, but please know that it is for you specifically and directly, in the same way it was for the shepherds that night.

If that angel was here tonight, he would say directly to you, “I bring you good news of great joy… unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Don’t get lost in the broad scope this announcement. It isn’t as though this Savior is born for all people, and since you’re part of ‘all people,’ I guess, you’re included. No! Unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Maybe some Christmas Eve, I’ll preach to each of you individually. But the sermon would be the same for everyone. “Unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord.”

You infants, I’m preaching to you right now. Some might think it’s silly because you can’t understand or comprehend, but this is God’s Word. And the Holy Spirit accompanies that Word to create and sustain the faith God gave you in your Baptism. So, you infants, unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Your Savior was once just like you – small and helpless. His father and mother had to carry Him around and do everything for Him. Jesus came to save you. Jesus says that you are the model of our faith and to you belongs the kingdom of God (Lk. 18:18-19).

You children, you’re part of this too. Jesus is your Savior. You aren’t perfect. You sin. But unto you children is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Jesus loves you and desires that you come to Him (Mk. 10:13-16). And know this, you are the reason that Jesus grew up as a child.

You adults who have busy, full lives. You have a lot of pressures. Working. Putting food on the table and keeping the house warm. Running kids from one thing to another and helping them with homework. In between all of that, you try to find time to clear your sidewalks and driveway from the ridiculous amount of snow we’ve gotten. You do your best, but you lose your patience. You say and do things to your kids, spouse, friends, and coworkers that you regret. You might have all sorts of things on your mind right now about the rest of the evening’s activities and the credit card bill that is coming to pay for tonight. Well, you adults, give me at least five seconds of your attention: Unto you adults is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord.

You seniors, you’ve seen a lot of changes throughout your life, and very few of those changes have been for the better. Even though Christmas isn’t the same as it was in your childhood, Jesus hasn’t changed. Your Savior is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Jesus loves you no less today than the day you were Baptized and brought to faith, and your God will remain faithful to you all your days.

And you who mourn the recent death of a loved one, I know Christmas can be especially difficult. Tonight, you might find yourself looking to an empty chair or wanting to make a comment to someone who is no longer with you. And that absence tonight is just another reminder of the pain and loneliness you feel daily. In the midst of that pain, don’t be ashamed of feeling the joy of the birth of Jesus. You can feel sad tonight, and it’s understandable if you do. Even Jesus wept at the death of His friend, Lazarus (Jn. 11:35). Just know that joy and sadness can mingle together because this good news of great joy is also for you. Unto you is born this day a Savior who is Christ the Lord. And this same Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (Jn. 11:25).

Again, the angel would say to each of you, “Unto you is born this day a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” The only difference between you and those shepherds is that you cannot go to see Jesus in the manger. He didn’t stay there. Yes, His infant arms were tucked tightly into that manger so those same arms could be stretched out upon the cross. His head was surrounded by hay in a feeding trough to later be crowned with thorns. His body was swaddled and laid in a manger so that same body could eventually be wrapped in linen cloths and laid in a tomb. But just as He did not remain the manger, neither did He remain in the grave.

Even if you went to Bethlehem right now, you wouldn’t behold Jesus there. Instead, you have something better. You have His presence here and now. The Savior born unto you this day says, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them” (Mt. 18:20). 

You who have gathered here in Jesus’ name, come and behold Him. You never have to wonder if God loves you. He has demonstrated His great love for you (Ro. 5:8). If you want to know what God thinks of you, first, look down into the manger, then look up to the cross. There is your answer. Merry Christmas! Amen.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The Lamb – Sermon on John 1:19-29 for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

John 1:19-29

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, 

“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 
‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ 

as the prophet Isaiah said.” 

24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Nativity sets always include Joseph, Mary, and, of course, baby Jesus in the manger. Most will have figures that depict the shepherds and wise men (even though the wise men almost certainly did not arrive the night of Jesus’ birth). A lot of nativity sets will also incorporate animals. There might be a donkey because of the idea that Mary rode on a donkey. It very well might be that she did ride on a donkey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, but that is not recorded for us in Scripture. Nativity sets might include camels that the wise men supposedly rode, but again, even if they were there that night, Scripture doesn’t tell us if they rode on camels. But if there is one animal in a nativity set, it is probably a lamb. Of all the animals that should be part of our imagery of Christ’s birth, a lamb is at the top of the list.

Now, Jesus’ birth took place in Bethlehem which is located about five miles south of the Temple where God commanded that sacrifices be made. And the requirements for the sacrificial system at the Temple would have been immense. Each day, two lambs would be sacrificed – one in the morning and one in the evening. On top of that there were the sin offerings, peace offerings, and freewill offerings that individuals and families would bring at various times all would have required animals for sacrifice. And even beyond that, there were the animals needed for the extra sacrifices on festival days. So, all around Jerusalem, there would have been a large industry of raising animals that would be sacrificed at the Temple.

It is not a stretch to think that at least some if not most of the lambs the shepherds were tending the night of Jesus’ birth were destined to be sacrificed. It’s even possible that some of the animals who fed from the manger where Jesus was laid would also end up on the altar at the Temple. But there, in the center of it all, is Jesus – God in the flesh, the One who was born to be the one-time, forever sacrifice for your sins.

“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

In this Gospel reading, the priests and Levites were sent to ask John the Baptizer, “Who are you?” John had been attracting massive crowds who were going out to hear his preaching and to be baptized. So, the big shot Pharisees back in Jerusalem wanted to know why John was doing what he was doing out there in the wilderness beyond the Jordan.

“Who are you, John?”

John confessed, “I am not the Christ. I am not Elijah. I am not the Prophet. I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’” Everything John does and says in this text points people away from himself and to Jesus, to the Savior, to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Dear saints, as we approach the birth of our Lord, there are all sorts of things that would grab our attention. Parties, pageants, and programs. Decorating, shopping, and wrapping. Cleaning, baking, and cooking. In the midst of the hustle and busyness of this season, don’t let your attention be grabbed only by the peripherals. Don’t be like the Pharisees, priests, and Levites who are only interested the stuff that is flashy and popular. One thing and one thing only is important this Christmas season: May you behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

He comes to you to take away your sin, to restore you into a right relationship with God, and to give you eternal life. Jesus comes to take away the sin of the world. That means your sin – every last bit of it – is taken away by Jesus.

This Christmas, may you be surrounded by God’s blessings – family, friends, food, gifts, and celebration. But in the midst of all of that, remember that you are secure for all eternity because of what Christ has done. He is your Savior, your Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Amen.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Saving the Savior – Sermon on Matthew 2:13-23 for the Second Sunday of Christmas

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Matthew 2:13-23

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

The Slaughter of the Innocents of Bethlehem Matthew 2 1616 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”

19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year! Today is the twelfth and last day of the Christmas season. Maybe you began celebrating Christmas when the Hallmark Channel began their “Countdown to Christmas” way back on October 26th. And, no, I’m not going to mock their movies today. Finally, after ten years of being your pastor, I’ve learned to not do that anymore – at least not in a sermon.

Maybe you have taken down your tree and lights and have stored all the decorations in your garage and shed. Remember for Christians, every Sunday is Christmas and Easter – even if your house or this sanctuary isn’t decorated accordingly. So, before we take everything down today after the service, God would remind us of why Jesus came. And this reminder comes in a sobering way with a sad text. The reminder is this: Jesus entered this world to bring life and salvation to people who are obsessed with death.

The birth of Jesus wasn’t the soft, cleaned up picture that we so often have in our minds. Joseph and Mary didn’t lay baby Jesus in a warm, comfortable, well-kept barn. It was a normal barn – cold, dirty, and stinky. They weren’t surrounded by well-groomed animals. Instead, the Scriptures make sure we know that things were much humbler and more dangerous for the holy family. After the birth of Jesus announced by gruff shepherds, the families of Bethlehem wondered at the news (Lk. 2:18) but soon returned to their normal lives. Then at the beginning of Matthew 2, King Herod heard from the magi about the birth of the One who had been born King of the Jews. And Herod did not think this was good news at all.

A little background on King Herod. This Herod was known as Herod the Great, probably because of the many building projects he completed. Herod wasn’t an Israelite; he was an Edomite, a descendent of Esau. But Caesar had given him the title king of the Jews. Herod was utterly and completely wicked and would do whatever he thought necessary to protect his power. He had nine or ten wives, most of whom were murdered because he suspected of them plotting against him. Herod was so bad that Caesar Augustus, who was his friend, said that it was better to be Herod’s pig than Herod’s son.

Five days before Herod’s death, he murdered his oldest son to keep him from gaining his throne. As Herod lay on his death bed, he called all his advisors and all the influential men of Jerusalem and Judea to gather together and had them locked in the Hippodrome which was a horse racing track. Herod ordered his armies to surround the stadium and kill everyone inside after he died so that the city cry when he died – even if they weren’t crying for him. Apparently, the order wasn’t carried out.

So, when the magi come to Jerusalem asking, “Where is he who is born King of the Jews?” you can imagine how troubled Herod was. King of the Jews is his job, his title, his office. herod and the magiThe guy who didn’t even want his own children to be king after him hears that someone else has been born to be King of the Jews. Well, Herod isn’t going to let that stand. And when Herod is troubled about this, the rest of Jerusalem is also quaking as they wonder what will happen next.

So, Herod learns from the chief priests and scribes that the Christ was to be born in Bethlehem, he sends the magi to find the Child and let him know where the infant Jesus is. But God tells the magi to not return to Herod, and they depart to their own country. And God sends an angel to warn Joseph to take the infant Jesus to Egypt, the land of slavery and infanticide (Ex. 1:8-21), to save the life of the Savior. As the soldiers marched south from Herod’s castle toward Bethlehem to carry out their murderous orders, the holy family fled ahead of them to Egypt.

Again, the first Christmas was not a tranquil, picturesque scene. Lord, have mercy.

The slaughter of all those boys two years old and younger in Bethlehem is one of the saddest, most horrific things recorded in all of the Scriptures. And yet, it is not so different in our time and culture today.

In 2018, the number of abortions performed in the US passed 60 million since the Roe v. Wade decision. Worldwide, the numbers are much more devastating. In our country, the killing of these pre-born children isn’t to protect a title of a king. Instead, these children are killed for the sake of convenience and independence. And it is all done in the name of choice. Politicians used to defend abortion saying that it should be safe, legal, and rare, but many of them are pushing to expand access to abortion and even suggesting that babies who survive attempts at abortion can be left to die on a table. And now, the leading provider of abortion in our country encourages women to shout their abortions and celebrate them.

Dear saints, there is a modern-day holocaust going on in our country, and it should daily drive us to our knees in prayer. Thomas Jefferson, the third president of our country, a man who published his own version of the Gospels that removed all of Jesus’ miracles, all the claims of His divinity, and even the Resurrection, Jefferson said, “A single human being is of infinite worth.” Even this secular principle is right and is enough to peacefully (and notice I said peacefully) oppose abortion with every ounce of our strength. But the coming of the Son of God in the flesh has raised the sacredness of all human life to an even higher dimension (Dr. Rev. David Scaer). In Jesus is life which gives light to everyone (Jn. 1:4, 9).

BaptismIn the incarnation, the eternal Son of God shares in the life of every man, woman, and child – born and unborn. We human beings are all taken out of the flesh of Adam which means that we are all part of one another. But even more importantly, by His conception, the eternal Son of God has permeated all of humanity. This is why the devil loves abortion. Satan loves abortion because every unborn child reminds him of the fact that the Son of God came in the flesh, took up residence in His mother’s womb, and defeated him. The fact that your Savior was once a pre-born child is primary the reason Christians oppose abortion.

Because we are descended from Adam, we all stand before God under the just verdict of guilty and deserving of hell (Ps. 51:5). But again, more importantly, because Jesus has taken on our flesh, we can stand in faith before God with Jesus, the second Adam, to hear a verdict of innocent, holy, and righteous because this Jesus has taken your place. On the cross, He become your sin (2 Cor. 6:21) so that He is the Lamb of God who takes away your sin (Jn. 1:29) and buries it into the emptiness of His tomb.

The young boys of Bethlehem died that night so Jesus could escape death as an infant but not escape death forever. Jesus grew up and died for them and for you upon the cross. Jesus died for them and for the evil Herod’s, Hitler’s, Stalin’s, bin Laden’s, and Soleimani’s of the world. Christ paid for the sins of every abortionist, every woman who has had an abortion, and every man who has pressured a woman to get an abortion. Your Savior died for those sins just as much as He died for yours.

Today, you have heard how your Savior was saved from death so that, at the right time Christ could die for you (Ro. 5:6). So, yes – rejoice because of Christmas while you remember why Jesus came. He came to bring salvation and life to a world obsessed with death. He came to make you – yes you, sinner – His own. Amen.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Christmas Emotions – Sermon for Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 2018

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Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Out of all the nights of the year, Christmas Eve is probably the most emotional and nostalgic. Outside is dark and cold, but inside is bright and warm. You have come to a cozy sanctuary that many of you have been attending for years.

Some of you have been right here, in this sanctuary (maybe even in the same seat), every December 24thof your life. You will probably leave here and have a nice meal and an enjoyable time with family and friends. You will spend the rest of your evening opening well-wrapped presents set under a tree filled with decorations you have had for longer than you can remember.

Everything about this evening feels cozy, quaint, and sentimental.

But, what happens if all the things that you have come to appreciate about this night were gone? What if there are no candles, no lights? What if the furnace here had stopped working and the sanctuary was 40 degrees?

What if, instead of lutefisk, meatballs, and lefse, you went home to peanut butter, jelly, and stale bread? What happens if there is no tree, no ornaments, no tinsel, no wrapping paper? How would this evening feel if your gifts were handed to you in a plastic grocery bag, or – heaven forbid – you had no presents at all?

If everything you associate with a perfect Christmas Eve was gone, would there still be reason to celebrate this night?

Yes. Yes, there would. None of the things we add to this night change the fact that Jesus was born. The fact of Christ’s birth, the fact that God has come in the flesh, is not based upon a mood or emotional feeling we get from the things we normally associate with this night.

Jesus was born at a real time in history, and that night was notfilled with the warmth and ambiance we associate with this evening.

David’s royal line had nearly vanished. The priests were barely more than puppets of the Roman empire. And most people had lost hope in God’s promises.

Mary and Joseph were away from the comforts of their home. An occupying military force was demanding more taxes, and the small-town carpenter had to travel a long distance to pay. Joseph’s extended family didn’t have room for him and his extremely pregnant wife in their homes.

That time in history was filled with uncertainty in the government, uncertainty in economy, uncertainty in health and safety, and even uncertainty in religion.

But there was no uncertainty with God. The time was perfect for Him. In the fullness of time, God sent Jesus, born in the flesh to be Emmanuel – God with us, God with you. God with you to redeem you. God with you to forgive you. God with you to give His everlasting love mercy to you.

For some of you, this will be the most memorable Christmas you have ever had, and you will cherish the memories of this night for the rest of your life. For that, praise God.

For some of you, however, this year the Christmas lights won’t be as bright, and the feelings will be less warm. Things have changed. Loved ones have died. Relationships have broken up. Kids have moved away and aren’t coming home for the holidays. For some of you, the absence of someone tonight will leave an emptiness.

But whether tonight is your best or most difficult Christmas, the fact doesn’t change – Jesus was born. Your Savior now lives as true God and true man forever.

Jesus’ birth was not the culmination of the Old Testament prophecies. It was the beginning. Jesus was born not to remain a baby, but to rescue all people from their sins by His sacrifice for you on the cross.

Jesus was never meant to stay in a manger, and you are not meant to stay in this world. The Light that dawns on you in Christ’s birth will be brought to perfect completion when you know the fullness of His forgiveness and joy in heaven.

Because Jesus was born, because He grew up, suffered, died, and rose again, it doesn’t matter what emotions you have or don’t have tonight. It doesn’t matter what you do or don’t have to adorn your celebrations.

Nothing matters except that you have a Savior. Unto you He is born. For you, He lived. For you, He died. For you, He rose again. For you, He lives evermore and evermore. Amen.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.