Introduction:  Christmas is the busiest time of the year. We often get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the season. It seems the pace of our life seems to accelerate at Christmas time.  Going here and there, doing this and that, all good things but possibly not the best things.  There is a danger that we lose our focus of the manger…the real reason for Christmas.

·         Many will SLOW down to GLANCE at the manger and REMEMBER

·         We must STOP and GAZE at the manger and REFLECT

At the manger we see:

I.          A FULFILLMENT PROCLAIMED

A.        God’s Love is Expressed throughout the Scripture

I John 4:8...God is Love

B.        God’s Love is Exemplified in the Savior

Ephesians 3:17-19

            C.        God’s Love is Experienced in the Saved

 I John 3:1...Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.

II.        A FORGIVENESS POSSIBLE

A.        A Problem that is Present…Sin…Nature

·         The Fact…All Men are Sinners

·         The Fate…Sin is a damning reality from which man needs to be saved, delivered or rescued

·         The Future…The ultimate consequences of your sin is eternal damnation.

B.        A Pardon that is Proclaimed…Savior…Name

·         Matthew 1:21...Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.

·         Over 700 times in the New Testament you find the Name Jesus.  Jesus means…God will save.

C.        A Peace that is Present…Saint…Nurturing

 I John 2:12...I am writing to you little children, because your sins are forgiven for His name sake.

III.       A FATE PENDING

A.        A Conclusion that is Presented

You must decide about Jesus

B.       A Choice that is Permanent

Your choice will have eternal effects

C.        A Call that is Powerful

The Holy Spirit, RIGHT NOW, is calling you to Jesus 

Conclusion:     The message from the manger is a message of deliverance from sin.