Recently I completed preaching through the book of Hebrews. Start to finish the focus is on Christ and His supremacy over all. I’ve also been challenging our church family in the past couple of weeks to be certain that if they choose to celebrate Christmas that they are certain to celebrate the Christ of Christmas.
Along those lines I thought it fitting as we approach Christmas day to walk back through the book of Hebrews to show you just ten reasons among many for celebrating the birth of Christ, no matter what the season.
We should celebrate the birth of Christ…
- Because, through Christ God makes himself known to us.
Hebrews 1:2 “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”
- Because, Jesus, the founder of our salvation suffered on our behalf fully paying and cancelling our sin debt and in so doing destroyed the power of sin and the devil, liberating believers from lifelong slavery to such.
Hebrews 2:10 “For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.”
Hebrews 2:14-15 “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”
- Because, having finished the work of cancelling our sin debt we now through faith in Christ find rest in His rest.
Hebrews 4:3 “For we who have believed enter that rest…”
- Because, He knows our weaknesses and now His ability to say no to sin is ours when we depend on Him for mercy and grace to help when needed most.
Hebrews 4:15-16 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need..”
- Because, having obeyed the Father, even unto death Jesus is now our source of eternal salvation.
Hebrews 5:8-9 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him
- Because, our sinless Savior’s sacrifice was once for all. It is finished, complete, done and final.
Hebrews 7:27 ”He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.”
- Because, now Jesus Christ represents us, He is on our side in the presence of God the Father.
Hebrews 9:24 ”For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.”
- Because, Jesus Christ is faithful to keep all those who trust in Him we have assurance and confidence of our own salvation.
Hebrews 10:23 ”Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
- Because, Jesus came as God’s representation of Himself to mankind in human flesh faith in Him is possible and by our faith we please and draw near to God and receive His present and eternal promises.
Hebrews 6:12 “…so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Hebrews 11:1 ”Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:6 ”And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
- Because, He came and endured hardship for us, we through faith in Him can endure hardship, facing difficulty and opposition for our faith in Him with His example and help.
Hebrews 12:2-3 ”looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
May we each celebrate the Christ of Christmas by first putting our faith and trust in Him. And then may we each celebrate the birth of Christ by living for His glory and by making Him known to the world that is in need of the Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).