I BELIEVE!

( Luke 1:26-38 )
A Christmas Celebration Message by Rev. Dr. Vincent Leoh on 24 December 2000

What is Christmas all about?

I. CHRISTMAS: IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS!

1. THE KING WHO CAME

What is the center of attraction at this first Christmas? For Mary. The focus of attention was not upon herself, but rather upon the Child (1:31-33) – HE shall be the Son of God.

2. THE PURPOSE OF HIS COMING

The Bible presented a particular view of Jesus, a view of Him under two distinct, yet closely connected ascriptions – JESUS (:31) and “the Son of God” (:35); “Son of the Highest” (:32). Thus, Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; the Savior of the world.

II. CHRISTMAS: IT’S ALL ABOUT BELIEVING IN JESUS!

“Many other signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; But these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and believing that ye may have life in his name.” (John 21:30,31).

Elisabeth declared: “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be fulfillment of those things which were told her of the Lord.” (Lk. 1:45)

The Christmas story – is one story that demands a response from all. The blessings of Christmas are tied to our FAITH response to the Christ Child born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. Crucial factor – Do you believe?

1. TOO TROUBLESOME TO BELIEVE. One response was given by the innkeeper when Mary and Joseph wanted to find a room where the Child could be born. This is the answer that millions are giving today. Like the Bethlehem innkeeper, they cannot find room for Christ. All the accommodations in their hearts are already taken up by other crowding interests.

2. TOO THREATENING TO BELIEVE. Another response was given by King Herod. His answer was one of hostility. King Herod is that Grand Grinch! He wanted to steal Christmas away from everybody, by killing the baby Jesus! Don’t let the “Grand Old Grinch” steal YOUR Christmas!

3. TOO WONDERFUL NOT TO BELIEVE. But another response was totally different. It came from a young girl to whom the promise was given that she, though a virgin, will bear a son. God would want to borrow her womb for nine months to perform the greatest miracle for all eternity: the Word made flesh! “Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (1:38).

CONCLUSION:

Believe in Jesus – To be truly saved! – To be secure – To be used of God in a miraculous way! No matter how impossible! God will do what He promises – it may not be what WE want, but it will be miraculous, and it will do the job – and that for eternity!

May this be the greatest December to you and your beloved family, including the finest blessings that you have ever known in your life! We experience the victory that determines our own destinies and we become right with God through trusting Jesus Christ alone to set us free!

Let your confession this Christmas be: “Lord, I believe!”