Christmas Eve Sermonettes

2 Samuel 7:11-16

Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Napoleon…what do these rulers have in common?  Oh, they were great leaders according to human standards.  Yet, each one failed in this respect: they died and their kingdoms ended.  Even the Old Testament King David, oh he was great and was called “a man after God’s own heart,” but he too, died, and his kingdom came to an end.  Death seems like the unconquerable enemy, doesn’t it?  Even for us, Christmas time can be difficult when we think about family members who aren’t around anymore.  Death is a powerful enemy.

But a King has come.  God Himself has established His kingdom.  A kingdom whose King is God’s very own Son. A kingdom which will never end.  A kingdom whose enemies, including death, have all been defeated, completely.

This King has come for you.  You are part of Jesus’ eternal Kingdom.  Death no longer reigns.  Death no longer has its slimy grip on you.  Jesus has authority over death.  Jesus has conquered death for you.  For you physical death is only a sleep.  The King Jesus turned death into a door to heaven.  Yes, that newborn King is the greatest King of all because He came to give you life…life forever in His Kingdom in heaven!

Micah 5:2-5 A Peace-Bringing King

“Send out the troops!  Punish that man!  Increase taxes!  Invade that country!  Do this!  Do that!  Obey me!” When we think of king we might think he’d say things like that right?  But do we think of a King when we hear, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest…I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry and He who believes in me will never be thirsty…I am the resurrection and the life.”

There is a King who says these things.  He is the King.  He is not a brutal, commanding, and terrifying king.  He is not a harsh dictator or law giver.  Rather, He is the Good Shepherd who guards His people with the strength of the Lord. He is the King born to bring absolute peace and security.  He is the King born for you!

This King born in Bethlehem gives you peace.  He is the answer to all of life’s unsettling questions, questions like: How do we stand before God?  God loves us as His dear children.  What happens when we die?  We have an eternal home in heaven.  Will we have to endure any unbearable trial or trouble on this earth?  We rest securely in the arms of the Lord.  Is there anything we have done that God won’t forgive?  NOTHING will separate us from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord.   If all of these questions have been answered, do we have peace?  Absolutely!  Because the King of peace has come for you!