John 1:1-14
Introduction:
Christmas Eve commemorates the birth of Christ.
The Catholic Church commemorates the birth of Christ in the Christ Mass.
The World commemorates the birth of Christ through crass commercialism.
Christmas Eve Brought Eternal Life in Christ Produced Spiritual Life, vv. 1-3.
A. Creation was God’s first word, but man’s sin condemned man to death.
- God provides daily bread to man.
B. Redemption was God’s final word, but Christ’s death commuted man’s death sentence.
- Christ provides the Bread of Life to man, John 6:47-51.
- Christ was born in Bethlehem, the House of Bread.
- Christ was laid in a Manger, inviting all to receive the Bread of Life.
Christmas Eve Brought Eternal Life in Christ Produced Spiritual Lights, vv. 4-5, 9.
A. The Sun was the center of God’s universe, but sin darkened man’s spirit.
B. The Son of God is the center of God’s kingdom Who enlightens man’s soul.
- If the Lord can make this vast universe a cosmos instead of a chaos, surely He can take our shattered lives and put the pieces back together, and give us orderly lives.
- Ye are the light of the world . . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. –Matthew 5:14, 16
Christmas Eve Brought Eternal Life in Christ Produced a Spiritual Lineage, vv. 10-13.
A. God created man in His own image, but man degraded God’s image by sin.
B. Christ recreates man in His image through regeneration.
Conclusion: “Jesus is Better than Santa Claus”
Santa lives at the North Pole, but Jesus is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh, but Jesus rides the winds and walks on the water.
Santa comes only once a year, but Jesus is an ever-present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies, but Jesus supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited, but Jesus stands at your door and knocks, and enters when you open your heart.
You have to wait in line to see Santa, but Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap, but Jesus lets you rest in His Everlasting Arms.
Santa doesn’t know your name; all he can say is, “Hi, little boy or girl, what’s your name?” But Jesus knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our history and our future, and He even knows our hearts, and how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly, but Jesus has a heart full of love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
All Santa can offer is “Ho, ho, ho,” but Jesus says, “Cast your cares on Me for I care for you.”
Santa’s little helpers make toys, but Jesus makes a new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes, and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle, but Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree, Jesus became our gift and died on the tree, for you and me.
It’s obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember Who Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back into Christmas. Jesus is still the reason for the season.
Yes, Jesus is better, He is even better than Santa Claus.