The Christmas Story: The Greatest True Story Ever Told
A 7 Sermon Series to draw from — This series is ideal for the Christmas/Advent Season and uses an exciting narrative approach in telling the story of Jesus’ first coming as recorded in Matthew and Luke. In addition, the first chapter of John (which is John’s telling of the Christmas Story in theological form) is used in four of the sermons to help believers and seekers alike consider two questions: Who is Jesus and Why did He come?
(Note: for the four Sundays of Advent one can pick and choose from the seven sermons below and can also change the order in which they are given). Below is one example:
Chapter 1: The Time is Right! (Matthew 1, Luke 1, John 1) – This chapter explores the exciting and intriguing events that led up to the first Christmas morning, introducing us to many of the main characters who were involved in the announcement of Jesus’ coming. After telling the story, using John 1:1-3 we will then answer this question: Who is Jesus?
Chapter 2: The Birth! (Luke 2:1-20, John 1:14) – This chapter explores the wondrous story of Jesus’ birth, using the Bible passage in Luke, along with the historical and cultural background of the time. In addition, we once again answering the question – Who is Jesus? However, this time we look at who Jesus was while specifically on earth.
Chapter 3: He’s the One! (Luke 2:21-38; John 1:4-5 & 9) – The story in this chapter is not often associated with the Advent Season; yet it happened before the Magi came to see Jesus. The story we’re talking about surrounds the 40th day in Jesus’ life on earth. After telling the story, we will then go to John chapter 1 and look at three statements that help us answer the question: Why did Jesus come?
Chapter 4: The King is Here! (Matthew 2:1-11, John 1:12-13) – This fourth chapter in the Christmas Story looks at the narrative surrounding the Magi; Wisemen who came from the east to worship the young child Jesus. After looking at this story we will again ask the question: Why did Jesus Come? To answer the question, we will look at one very interesting statement found in verses 12 & 13 of John 1.
Other Chapters to Draw From in this Series
(Note: these three sermons can be used as a part of the Advent Series – or during Sundays leading up to Advent or immediately following Christmas Day.)
The Grand Announcement (Isaiah 7 & 9, Matthew 3, John 1) – This chapter in the Greatest True Story ever told uses the announcements of two prophets, who announced the coming of Jesus at two different times in history. Isaiah’s announcement came around 700 years before the birth of Christ. John the Baptist’s announcement came 30 years after Jesus’ birth. In looking at these two announcements we also discover 6 powerful names given to Jesus that provides further clarification to the questions: Who is He and Why did He come?
The Great Escape! (Matthew 2:12-23, Luke 2:39b) – This chapter tells the story of Jesus’ escape to Egypt. After telling the story we will pull out one thought from one of the characters in the plot - Herod the Great. Here was a man unwilling to surrender control to anyone. If we’re honest though, we too sometimes have “control” issues, especially when it comes to surrendering control over to Jesus. When willing to deal with this issue, we are better prepared to celebrate His birth.
He Knew! (Luke 2:40-52) – This chapter takes place during Jesus’ visit to the temple at age 12. Have you ever wondered why this incident is included in the Bible? It was provided to declare that Jesus’ knew who He was, even at a young age. It’s a chapter in Jesus’ life that clearly builds on the Christmas Story, clearly demonstrates His relationship with His Father, and encourages us to explore our own relationship with our Father in Heaven as well.