Title: The Meaning of Christmas
Text: Romans 15:13
Date: December 24, 2023

Introduction: What does Christmas mean? Answers vary with one’s age and context. For children, Christmas means receiving presents from Santa Claus. For parents it’s the joy of watching their children unwrap presents. To some, it may be the one time of year that their scattered family is able to get together. To a church, Christmas means class parties and musicals. To a business owner/operator, Christmas means special sales and extra workers. All these meanings of Christmas emerge from our natural settings. However, Christmas has a deeper meaning. What does Christmas really mean?

The answer can be found only in the truths of Christian faith and only in the pages of the Bible. The text for this morning records the meaning of Christmas. In Paul’s prayer for his friends in Rome, he is saying that in Christ people have something. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Let’s note four words which give the meaning of Christmas.

I. Christmas means

II. Christmas means

III. Christmas means

IV. Christmas means

Larry Gipson
First Baptist Church Oneonta