Shadows of the Christmas story are symbolic of the shadows in each of our lives.

1. The shadow of doubt (Luke 1:18)
Because of his doubt, Zechariah was struck dumb.

When we doubt, our testimony is shaken, our effectiveness is hindered. We are debilitated until those doubts can be dispelled.


2. The shadow of rejection. (Isaiah 53:3)

Christ's rejection at the inn was indicative of the kind of rejection He would receive all His life.

The most common reason why people don't witness is because they fear rejection.


3. The shadow of heartache (Luke 2:28)

Jesus would be opposed and a sword would pierce Mary's own soul.

Heartache and disappointment are realities of life.

Even if our soul is pierced, it is still protected.


4. The shadow of death (Matthew 2:16)

The threat to Herod led to the massacre of all the infant boys of the region.

Knowing you are going to die can make you afraid to really live. Or it may make you not care care you live.


5. The shadow of Satan (Revelation 12:9)

As Christ was born, a hovering shadow was there.

The shadow of Satan will haunt us as long as he is able.


6. The shadow of the cross (Matthew 1:21)

Jesus came to earth so He could go to the cross.

Every time we sin, we are reminded of the cross.

1. Christmas doesn't mean anything unless it is reflected in our lifestyles every day of the year.


2. By turning a pagan holiday into a Christian celebration, we see how Jesus supersedes the former way of life.


3. Christmas is Christ in our hearts, making us new creations, changing our outlook, our perspective and our behavior.


4. The most effective evangelistic tool is the power of God as manifested in His followers to live lives that are transformed.


5. God sent His Son as a child, so that you could be born again and become like a child.


6. God became a child for you. Will you do the same for Him?

The Christmas story is incomplete without the proclamation of the gospel.

Four ways the birth of Christ was a foreshadowing of His death.

1. The way He was born

The Christ-Child rejected is also the God-Man rejected because of the sins of the world.

2. Circumcision and Presentation

Even as an eight day old infant, Jesus began the process of becoming our sin by cleansing us through
the shedding of His blood.

Mary offered the very Lamb of God, who would replace the entire sacrificial system of offering an
unblemished lamb to appease the wrath of God toward sin.

3. Testimony of Simeon

Death is no longer something to fear, but it is actually something to gain.

4. Words to Mary

With the cradle belongs the cross.

Christmas as a celebration
1. Caesar's decree

Christmas is a world-wide decree to consider our origins.

2. Worship in a stable

calf- worshiped for centuries by pagans
donkey- worshiped as an idol by the Greeks
lamb- points to Lamb of God, the substitute sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Shepherds- humble enough to recognize the signs of the Savior, ready enough to act on them

3. Peace on earth

There is nothing we can do in our human condition to solve the strife that exists between God and man.

There is also nothing man can do to bring lasting peace in this world.

Only God can bring peace on earth.

4. Giving of Gifts

Like the Magi, we can respond to God in a tangible, visible way through giving.

The best gift you can give God is the real self that you might tend to withhold.