Sermon Snippet – Forgiveness at Christmas
INTRODUCTION – The Christmas account is a rich, fascinating one, replete with historical detail, genuine emotions, and startling events. It is also a theological necessity, for we all need the Savior, Jesus Christ, God the Son. Let us consider the subject of forgiveness at the first Christmas.
1. TWO GODLY WOMEN ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR NEED FOR GOD’S FORGIVENESS
We studied Mary and Elisabeth last week. Both of these devout ladies – one very young, the other much older – openly state their need for the Savior and His forgiveness. In Luke 1:47, Mary simply says, “My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” She knows that she must have the eternal salvation of the Messiah she is carrying in her womb. Similarly, Elisabeth, blessed to be chosen to bear the prophesied forerunner of this Savior, says, “And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43); like Mary, Elisabeth uses the possessive adjective “my” to indicate a personal relationship with God, a relationship that requires His free, full, and forever forgiveness. These two women are the best of the best spiritually, and they acknowledge their need for God’s forgiveness. In fact, their humble admissions demonstrate that they are indeed truly spiritually-minded. Certainly each one of us must be like them in their readiness to accept the goodness of God in place of our badness.
2. THE FATHER OF THE FORERUNNER NEEDS GOD’S FORGIVENESS
Luke 1:5-25 tells the touching background of John the Baptist’s birth. Verse 6 clarifies that both Zacharias and Elisabeth are extraordinarily godly people. Yet, Zacharias struggles with an answer from God (verse 18) and is struck dumb for nine months (verses 19-20). Some are uncomfortable with the severity of this judgment. However, Zacharias accepts it as warranted, and it also becomes a significant sign of the Savior when his speech is restored – a tangible, outward sign of the inward reality of forgiveness. Immediately, the new (and old) father points everyone to the need for forgiveness (Luke 1:67-79), using words such as “redeemed” (verse 68), “salvation” (Verse 69), “mercy” (verse 72), and “remission” (verse 77 – a synonym for forgiveness).This godly priest needs and receives God’s forgiveness, available to all because of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
3. THE SHEPHERDS ARE SURPRISED BY GOD’S FORGIVENESS
Because of their work, shepherds were considered to be ceremonially unclean and thus could not worship at the Temple in Jerusalem. A casual approach to God is inappropriate, and these shepherds know that truth. However, God singles them out for the initial announcement of the Savior’s birth (Luke 2:8-20). They are able to approach the Savior, because He first approaches them and us by coming to live amongst us. The old system is swept away, and everyone has immediate and unlimited access to Jesus – including the shepherds, the very last people who would have expected this personal blessing.
CONCLUSION – It is at this point that each one of us enters the Christmas story; we are part of the “all people” in Luke 2:10, the “all people” who need “a Saviour” (verse 11). We become part of the Christmas account by receiving the Savior’s forgiveness, by entering into an everlasting relationship with Him. May each of us trust in Jesus for His salvation, and may we rejoice in the absoluteness of His absolution. His forgiveness is indeed free, full, and forever.