Rev. David Holwick ZP Christmas Sunday Pageant
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
December 22, 1996
Luke 2:10
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I. Preparing our hearts.
A. Put self in first Christmas, assume we would honor Jesus.
B. Are we prepared for the Second Coming of Jesus?
II. Be quiet to listen.
A. Few heard about first Christmas.
B. These were sensitive to spiritual input.
1) Shepherds and angels.
2) Magi and star.
C. Spiritual sensitivity is still needed today.
1) Escape from Christmas rush.
2) Consider claims of Jesus on your life.
III. Bring our offerings.
A. Christmas as a time of giving and getting.
1) Giving takes careful shopping for the "right gift."
a) Celeste buys gifts all year round.
(except for me.)
Maybe it is because I am not a gift-buyer.
(For brother-in-law, sent an old computer program.)
b) We are selfish when it is something we care about.
2) Do we want to give God our best?
3) Tithe is starting point.
a) Not just a once-a-year check.
B. More than money.
1) He wants our time and talents, too.
IV. Rejoice at the birth.
A. The joy of the season.
1) Beautiful music, store displays, cards and gatherings.
B. Do you have spiritual joy?
1) Key indication may be how you feel on December 26.
a) Depressed over VISA bill?
b) Tired from festivities?
c) Ticked off at lack of neat presents?
2) With Jesus as you Savior, it should only get better.
C. He gives us something to hope in.
1) Carl Sagan interview with Charlie Rose in May 1996.
"I don't know if there's anything more to life.
I would like to think there is, but wishing doesn't
make it so.
I have no evidence that there is anything beyond this life.
Carl Sagan died on Friday.
2) Promise of eternal life in Jesus.
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
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