For Unto Us... Unwrapping the Gift of Christmas Part 6 Luke 2:10-11

Transcription

1 For Unto Us... Unwrapping the Gift of Christmas Part 6 Luke 2:10-11 Also available are a text-only version of the outline at or an audio podcast at This is a pdf file for the PowerPoint notes for the sixth in a series of Advent messages by Pastor Dave Tietjen on January 10, 2016.

2 The gift resisted, though precious

3 There is secular satisfaction Share of Americans absolutely certain God exists has dropped from 71% in 2007 to 63% in 2014 The religiously unaffiliated now comprise 23% of our adult population Pew Research Center

4 There is secular satisfaction As of 2014, the religiously affiliated are, by and large, about as religious as they were in but the percentage of adults who describe themselves as religiously affiliated has shrunk. At the same time, the percentage of adults who are religiously unaffiliated has jumped about 7 points... and the nones have become even more secular in their beliefs and practices. The net result is an overall U.S. adult population that has become slightly less religious. Pew Research Center

5 There are symptoms of spiritual crisis Suicide rates are rising Suicide rates among middle-aged Americans have risen sharply in the past decade, prompting concern that a generation of baby boomers who have faced years of economic worry and easy access to prescription painkillers may be particularly vulnerable to self-inflicted harm. New York Times, May 2013

6 Jean Twenge Sept There are symptoms of spiritual crisis Suicide rates are rising Signs of depression recognized Analyzing data from 6.9 million adolescents and adults from all over the country, researchers found that Americans now report more psychosomatic symptoms of depression, such as trouble sleeping and trouble concentrating, than their counterparts in the 1980s.

7 There is separation from the Savior But while we can t identify a single culprit, we can identify a single solution in the person of Jesus Christ, whose Advent season is upon us. The true tragedy of America s loss of faith is a separation from the source of our life and hope.... But He does give us eternal hope, extraordinary purpose and exceptional strength. David French

8 There is separation from the Savior Isaiah 60:1-3 ESV Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

9 The gift revealed is profound

10 Realize the simple statement It is our solitary account (Luke alone) It includes surprising details Highlighting history (vs 1-3) Highlighting humility (vs 8)

11 Recognize the singular emphasis Commenced by the angel to Mary Luke 1:30-33 ESV And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.

12 Recognize the singular emphasis Commenced by the angel to Mary Continued by the angel to Joseph Matthew 1:20-21 ESV But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

13 Recognize the singular emphasis Commenced by the angel to Mary Continued by the angel to Joseph Culminated by the angel to the shepherds Luke 2:10-11 ESV 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. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord ( Christos Kyrios not Kyriou ).

14 Recognize the singular emphasis Commenced by the angel to Mary Continued by the angel to Joseph Culminated by the angel to the shepherds

15 Receive his saving purpose Luke 19:10 ESV For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

16 Receive his saving purpose Now, as ever, the world lies in its own rubble, its own self-inflicted darkness and pain. The greatest enemy of all is the irresistible force within us, the thing known in the Bible as sin.... Then a light shines in the darkness. A beacon slashes through our despair. It is Jesus. He stands among us and says, I have come to seek and to save the lost to find you and to restore you. David Jeremiah

17 Receive his saving purpose Jesus saves us from guilt and shame, from hopelessness and despair, from fear and death. He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free.... Adam Hamilton

18 Receive his saving purpose (He saves) men and women from being self-absorbed, resentful, bitter and angry and transforms them into people who live with freedom, hope and joy. He came to save us from the brokenness of our shared human condition and to deliver us, lead us and send us out in His name to bring healing and hope to a broken world. Adam Hamilton

19 What Child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ, the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary. What Child is This by William C. Dix, v 1 and chorus