A Glorious Christmas Reminder!
David Wilkerson emphasizes the connection between Christ's birth and resurrection, urging believers to celebrate Christmas with a focus on eternal life.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that the birth of Jesus in the manger is intrinsically linked to His resurrection, highlighting that He was fully human yet a manifestation of the eternal. He references prophecies from Hosea and the teachings of Jesus, illustrating that His purpose was to grant eternal life to believers. The sermon encourages the faithful to remember the significance of resurrection during the Christmas season, viewing the manger as a bridge to eternal life with Christ. Wilkerson reminds us that resurrection life is available to us now, urging a celebration of both Christ's birth and His victory over death.
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The manger in Bethlehem speaks directly to the resurrection of Christ! He was fully human at birth -- Mary's blood nourished him in the womb -- but his birth was a breaking forth of the eternal. We read: "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned" (Matthew 4:16). The light referred to here was eternal life -- resurrection from death.
Hosea prophesied the coming Messiah: "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. O Death, I will be your plagues! O Grave, I will be your destruction!" (Hosea 13:14). When Jesus came into the world, he fulfilled this prophecy, saying, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die" (John 11:25-26).
Jesus asks, "Do you know why I am here? Do you know why I was born into poverty, the shepherds adored me, the wise men brought gifts, and the angels sang that night? It is so that you can have eternal life." Yes, Jesus himself connects his birth to the resurrection: "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me ... And this is the will of Him who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:38-40, emphasis added).
Resurrection life is already available to us -- in this life. We have this promise: "As Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).
Let's keep resurrection in mind as we celebrate Christmas this year. Let the image of the manger be a bridge -- Christ bridging the abyss between earth and heaven and giving us eternal life with our redeemer. What a glorious Christmas reminder!
Sermon Outline
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I
- The significance of the manger in Bethlehem
- Connection between Christ's birth and resurrection
- Fulfillment of prophecies regarding the Messiah
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II
- Jesus as the light of eternal life
- The promise of resurrection for believers
- Understanding Jesus' purpose in coming to earth
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III
- The availability of resurrection life now
- Walking in newness of life through Christ
- Celebrating Christmas with the focus on resurrection
Key Quotes
“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” — David Wilkerson
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” — David Wilkerson
“Let the image of the manger be a bridge -- Christ bridging the abyss between earth and heaven.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Reflect on the significance of Christ's birth as a promise of resurrection.
- Embrace the newness of life that comes from believing in Jesus.
- Celebrate Christmas by remembering the eternal hope we have through Christ.