Message outline for Sunday, December 10, 2006
When we read the gospel accounts of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, we see that there were many sources of conflict that were delt with properly. Because conflict was handled well, the joy of Chirstmas, the birth of Jesus into a safe and stable environment, was not prevented.
Often today, we fail to experience the true joy of Christmas because our lives are also filled with conflict. We all have stress caused by concflict with family, betrayal of friends, hectic schedules, etc. These things rob us of our joy at Christmas and every other day of the year. The point of this message and the next is that we can learn how to deal with the conflict that robs us of Christmas joy by following the example of the characters in the original Chrsitmas story. I this first message, we deal with the conflict of man with his fellow man and next week we will deal with the conflict of man with God.
Scripture:
Mt 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Mt 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. (KJV)
I. Conflict with family, and friends - Joseph vs. Mary
Mt 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
Mt 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
A. Joseph and Mary were getting off to a very bad start as a couple.
B. Often we attempt to experience the joy of Christmas while harboring ill will in our hearts towards others.
C. When the angle appeared to the shepherds, they were given the promise of peace to everyone of good will.
D. If we want to remove barriers to Christmas joy, then we have to make peace with our families and friends.
E. Like Joseph, often we cannot reason our way into making peace, we must allow God to speak to our hearts.
II. Conflict with society - Joseph and Mary vs. public opinion
Mt 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. (KJV)
Mt 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife. (KJV)
A. For Joseph, Mary’s pregnancy was an embarrassment and a great source of emotional pain.
B. For Mary, the pregnancy meant that she could lose her future husband, her respect in the community and possibly even be stoned to death for adultery.
C. Often today we do things at Christmas and at other times of the year not necessarily because we want to, but because we think we have to for the sake of public opinion.
D. Like Joseph, we find that the joy of Christmas comes by striving to please God not by pleasing public opinion.
III. Conflict with government – Mary and Joseph vs. Cesar Augustus.
Lk 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Lk 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
Lk 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Lk 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Lk 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (KJV)
A. I am sure that Mary and Joseph were not happy about the decree requiring them to travel to Bethlehem.
B. Often today, we feel treated and robbed by the policies of government that seem to threaten the observance of Christmas.
C. The joy of Christmas can never be taken away from us by outward forces.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder (KJV)
IV. Conflict with our selves in the physical realm.
Lk 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Lk 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (KJV)
A. For Mary and Joseph, the final barrier was to overcome the physical limitations they encountered.
B. The travel, the finding of suitable lodging and the physical difficulty of child birth were barriers that would send most of us into spiraling emotional and mental breakdown.
C. Many of us today get so physically run down, that we lose the joy of Christmas.
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