Message Notes
Sunday, December 24, 2023
Dennis Calhoun, Lead Pastor

Title: “The Christmas Story Unpacked”
Subtitle: 5 Things His Birth Teaches Us
Christmas Eve Service

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name [c]Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, —Matthew 1:18-24 (NKJV)

(And) Jesus was born in Bethlehem… —Matthew 2:1 (NKJV)

The ‘Five R’s’ His Birth Teaches Us:

1)

Christ.

…you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. —Matthew 1:21 (NKJV)

2)

your faith.

…and they will call him “Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). —Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

*Sidenote: God had been silent for 400 years when Jesus showed up and was born. He re-enegaged their quiet faith.

3)

obedience.

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded. —Matthew 1:24 (NKJV)

4)

in relationships.

…they (Mary & Joseph) came together… —Matthew 1:18 (NKJV)

Sidenote: The Christmas Story is all about relationships and community: Mary & Joseph, the three wisemen (not a wise man), the shepherds and even the angels! No one was alone.

5)

your fears.

Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid… —Matthew 1:20 (NKJV)