Sermon snippet – Faith at Christmas
INTRODUCTION – Our Hallmark Channel series of messages continues with “Faith at Christmas.” Of course, faith is found in all of the primary characters of the Christmas account, with the notoriously notable exception of Herod, king of infanticide. However, there are two examples of faith that are not usually singled out or, to my knowledge, included in the sublime songs of this season of the Savior.
- WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR FAITH
We have previously studied Zecharias and Elisabeth from Luke 1:5-25 (and parts of verses 36-80). Many of the religious leaders were greedy and corrupt, so clearly people of unbelief that Jesus openly condemned them as hypocrites. Zecharias was a different kind of man, for he was faithful (verse 6). What is especially encouraging is verse 10, for “the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.” We do not know the name of even one member of this large group, but we do know that each one of them possessed a deep faith in God. Their patience (verse 21) and perception (verse 22) are further evidences of their genuine belief. We do not know them or their names, but Jesus does (Matthew 10:29-32). We should be grateful that our God has His people everywhere, and we should appreciate them, learn from them, and remember with fondness those relatively few of “the whole multitude” that have helped us in our faith.
- WE ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO BE USEFUL IN OUR FAITH
In Luke 2:36-38, we meet an elderly woman of faith named Anna. Her entrance into the temple at the time of the infant Jesus’ blessing by Simeon was no coincidence (verse 36). As the eldest servant of the aging Abraham said centuries before, “I being in the way, the LORD led me” (Genesis 24:27). Anna was exactly where she needed to be to receive this revelation of the Messiah. Furthermore, her commitment to prayer, highlighted in verse 37, reinforces the value of our prayers, even as we age. Moreover, she spent her remaining time speaking about Jesus (verse 38). This vignette of the vigorous spiritual life of this vibrant lady should encourage all of us to press on in our faith, for no one is too old to serve God.
CONCLUSION – When we speak of faith, we need to be specific and precise. Saving faith that ensures eternal life in heaven necessitates a personal relationship with Jesus, Who died on the Cross for our sins. Because a relationship is personal, each one of us must ask Jesus for this salvation that He so willingly offers. As this Christmas approaches, may we be certain that our faith is fully and only in Christ Jesus, the Savior.