Sermon Snippet – Christmas: A Season of Prayer
INTRODUCTION – Of course, any time of the year should be a season of prayer, for we are compassionately commanded to “pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17). However, prayer played an important (and perhaps somewhat overlooked) role in the events surrounding the Virgin Birth of our blessed Savior, Jesus Christ.
I. PRAYER PRECEDED THE MESSIAH’S BIRTH BY CENTURIES
One example is found in Genesis 49:10. In this chapter, Jacob is speaking prophetically of his sons and, in the case of Judah, the Messiah Who would one day come through his line. This prophetic utterance must also be understood as a prayer of blessing for Judah and ultimately for “all people” (Luke 2:10). The name “Shiloh” means “the One Who brings peace” and points us to Jesus, “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This prayer and prophecy occurred more than 1800 years before the promised birth of Jesus. Jacob did not see the specific answer to his supplication for his son; Judah did not see it, either. Yet, the prayer was answered in “the fulness of the time” (Galatians 4:4). We should be impressed, and we should be encouraged to continue in prayer, even when responses seem scarce.
2. A FAITHFUL COUPLE PRAYED FOR A CHILD
Luke 1:5-17 records the touching account of a godly husband and wife who desired a child. “They had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years” (verse 7). Still, they prayed, and God blessed them with a son – a son who would be the forerunner of the Messiah. There had been no prophetic word from God for four hundred years, yet this couple trusted in Him and dared to pray for a miracle. The birth of John the Baptist would herald the coming of the Messiah, and this son of their old age would “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (verse 17).
3. A LARGE GROUP PRAYED, AS WELL
Luke 1:10 says, “The whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.” These devout folk were undoubtedly praying for many things, including personal matters. The inclusion of this detail in the story of Zacharias and Elisabeth is a reminder that we are not the only ones who care about the things of God and that God is able to hear and handle each prayer. Because He is unlimited in all of His attributes, He has the capacity to listen to and respond to each request. This ready availability is not a challenge for Him.
4. A PERPLEXED MAN PRAYED
Matthew 1:18-25 provides great insight into the heart and mind of Joseph. Although this passage does not explicitly mention prayer, this “just man” (verse 19) “thought on these things” (verse 20). As a man devoted to God, Joseph must have been praying – and what agonizing, heart-rending intercession that would have been! This God-fearing man received a most unusual and unexpected answer – and he fully followed God’s commands.
5.AN AGED WOMAN PRAYED
In Luke 2:36-38, we read of Anna, who was at least 84 years old (in a time when life expectancies were much less than today). She spent every day working at the Temple: she “served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (verse 37). Age diminishes many things about us, but as long as we draw breath, we can pray.
CONCLUSION – Prayer was an integral part of the first Christmas. God’s plan did not change because of a particular prayer, but each person who prayed placed himself or herself in God’s gracious plan. The Savior was born – and each one of us must call upon Him to save us forever. He will hear and answer that prayer – and He will always answer a prayer for salvation in the affirmative. As His people, let us not permit the excitement and busyness of this season to keep us from praying. May part of our prayers include the expectation of His Second Advent: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).