Powerpoint Pictures: Christmas Reunion at an airport; Child opening present with smile on their face; School Closed for Christmas Sign; Advent Candles; Meal for the homeless

What should we be doing this Christmas?

There are lots of things we could be doing, but there are some things we should be doing.  We’re told what they are by the four Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Matthew says Recognise.  Recognise that Jesus is the promised son of David, the King who will rule for ever; and the son of Abraham, the Saviour who would bring blessing to the whole world.

Mark says Repent.  Admit that you need God to save you from your sins.

What about Luke?

Luke says this Christmas we should rejoice.  Luke says Rejoice.

That’s what the shepherds did.  *“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:20)*

Rejoice.

Of course we should be rejoicing.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.  We wish each other a merry Christmas.

And there are lots of reasons why we should rejoice at Christmas.  What are some of them? [Reunions with loved ones; Opening presents; you’re on holiday from school; family traditions to enjoy; opportunity to help those in needs]

But none of these are the reason why Luke says rejoice.

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you.  He is Christ, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

Luke says rejoice because for those who need saving there is a real Saviour who has come to rescue us from our sins.

This Christmas, one of the most important things we can do is rejoice.

You can rejoice because Jesus came to bring you back into relationship with God by saving you from your sins.