The Miracles of Christmas

Bible Book: Matthew 1 : 18

Subject: Christmas; Birth of Christ; Salvation; Savior

Introduction

Do you believe in miracles? This lady has trouble in one area. Seriously, the real story of Christmas abounds with miracles - the star that guided the Magi; the angelic appearances; the annunciation by Gabriel to Zacharias of the birth of John the Baptist; the annunciations of the birth of Jesus to Mary, to Joseph, and to the shepherds; the anthem of praise by the angelic choir; the Magi warned in a dream not to return to Herod; Joseph directed by an angel into the land of Egypt and told to depart from Egypt, and warned in a dream against Archelaus, Herod's wicked son and successor; the birth of John the Baptist when his parents were advanced in age; the birth of Jesus, who had a human mother but not a human father.

The birth of Jesus Christ is the most meaningful and unique birth in the annals of time. Christ existed from all eternity; He was in the beginning with God (John 1:1). He said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58).

The miracles of Christmas are manifold, and they have a message for us. Let us hear what they have to say to us.

Turn with me to Matthew 1:18.

I. The Miracles of Christmas Speak of the Miraculous Conception

Genesis 3:15

Isaiah 7:14

Matthew 1:18-25

Luke 1:26-27, 34-38

Galatians 4:4-5

The angel Gabriel told Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the "power of the Highest" would overshadow her (Luke 1:35). The figure is that of a cloud. The cloud of glory represents God's power. The miraculous conception is plainly set forth in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. The fact that Luke was a physician gives added meaning to the miraculous conception of Mary by the Holy Spirit. It is a miracle. It is the power of God acting in accord with his laws. "For with God nothing is impossible."

A. The Miraculous Conception Declares Jesus to be God

Luke 1:35

Matthew 1:23

John 1:14

B. The Miraculous Conception Declares Jesus to be Sinless

He was born without an earthly father. He lived without experiential sin. He declared himself to be sinless when he said, "Which of you convinceth me of sin?" (John 8:46). They could not lay one sin to his charge. Not one blotch, not one mistake, not one error did he commit, for he was sinless.

II. The Miracles of Christmas Speak of the Glorious Incarnation

Matthew 1:23

John 1:14

Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us. He was God in human flesh - the God-man - not God indwelling a man. He is God and man combining in one personality the two natures of God and man.

The incarnation of Jesus Christ shows humankind's capacity for God. We can know God as he reveals himself through Jesus Christ, the God-man.

III. The Miracles of Christmas Speak of Wondrous Salvation

Matthew 1:21

Luke 2:10-11; 19:10

John 3:16

Galatians 4:4-5

1 Timothy 2:3-6

A. Jesus Christ Came to Save

Matthew 18:11

B. Jesus Christ Came to Save Sinners

1 Timothy 1:15

C. Jesus Christ Came to Save by Bearing away our Sins

John 1:29

1 John 1:7

D. Jesus Christ Came to Save by His Own Blood

Colossians 1:14

Ephesians 1:7