Christmas Time
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | December 17, 2023
Open your Bibles to the Gospel of Luke, chapter one, verses 26 through 38. We’re right on the threshold of Christmas, and I’ve titled today’s message “Christmas Time.” It’s a season we’re already celebrating, and this passage draws us into the heart of the Christmas story. Let me start with a prayer: Father, thank You for the Christmas story. Though all have sinned, You so loved the world that You gave Your only begotten Son. Help us remember this at Christmas time, and may those who haven’t received Your gift of eternal life reach out today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This December, I’ve been blessed to share four Christmas messages. We began with “Walking with Wise Men,” urging us to follow God’s light in a sin-darkened world. Then came “Christmas Reminders,” a challenge to keep Jesus at the center amid the hustle and bustle. Today, our third message, “Christmas Time,” focuses on three truths: a miraculous birth celebrated, a message about God given, and a responsibility referenced for us all.
A Miraculous Birth Celebrated
You already know this, don’t you? Most folks, even unconsciously, know Christmas celebrates the miraculous birth of Jesus—the first event of its kind in history, never to be repeated. Let’s revisit the story. In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel—God’s swift messenger, known from Daniel 8:16 and 9:21—visited a virgin named Mary in Nazareth. He’s an archangel, standing in God’s presence, ready to deliver His word. Imagine the sight—Gabriel, perhaps with mighty wings, arriving to announce a miracle.
Gabriel said, “Hail, thou art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” Mary, troubled, wondered what this meant. He reassured her, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” This child would be great, the Son of the Highest, reigning forever on David’s throne.
Mary asked, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” Gabriel replied, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” This wasn’t just a birth—it was God intimately entering her womb, fulfilling prophecies from Genesis 3:15 to Malachi. The “sixth month” ties to her cousin Elizabeth’s pregnancy with John the Baptist, six months along, a miracle in her old age.
Mary was virtuous, inside and out—engaged to Joseph, a good man, following Jewish customs. But let’s be clear: Mary wasn’t immaculately conceived. She said in Luke 1:47, “My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” She needed a Savior, just like us. She offered sacrifices for sin, proving she wasn’t sinless. Believe only what Scripture supports—Mary was a godly woman, but a sinner saved by grace.
A Message About God Given
Beyond the birth, there’s a message about God. Gabriel told Mary of Elizabeth’s miracle, saying, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” God does miraculous things—Isaac born to 90-year-old Sarah (Genesis 17), John to aged Elizabeth, and Jesus to a virgin. These births show God’s power. Luke 2:11 declares, “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Salvation is a miracle—Matthew says He saves His people from their sins.
Whatever your struggle—sin, despair, society’s ills—God can handle it. Acts 10:38 says Jesus went about doing good. He’s the answer for life, service, and salvation. Don’t think you’re too lost—God specializes in saving sinners. He came for us (1 Timothy 1:15). The message is clear: with God, all things are possible.
A Responsibility Referenced
Finally, our responsibility. Mary’s response in Luke 1:38 was, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” That’s our part, ladies—submit to God’s will. Joseph’s response in Matthew 1:24-25 was obedience: he “did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him.” Gentlemen, that’s ours—do as God bids. It’s simple: say yes to God’s word, act on His commands, and receive His gift.
When folks bring me Christmas gifts, I reach out and take them. God offers salvation, but you must receive it. Say, “Lord, I’m lost without You. Forgive my sins and save me.” God’s never turned anyone away. This Christmas, give your heart to Jesus—the One whose birthday we celebrate. Let’s stand together and respond to Him today.