TRINITY BAPTTIST CHURCH, URHUAKPA, SAPELE.

CHRISTMAS SERMON BY PST. GAIUS U. M. OGWORIE

FOR NINE LESSONS AND CAROL HELD ON THE 17TH DECEMBER, 2023.

TOPIC: THE ESSENCE OF CHRIST'S BIRTH

TEXT: ISAIAH 9 : 2 – 7.

Beloved in Christ, as we assemble in the warmth of fellowship, I am privileged to share with

you a holy theme that has echoed throughout the ages: "The Essence of Christ's Birth." Today,
we begin on a spiritual journey to uncover the tremendous importance of that holy night in
Bethlehem—a night that altered the course of human history and gave birth to the world's
Savior.

The Incarnation Miracle: Accepting God's Presence Among Us

The miracle of incarnation is at the center of Christ's birth. According to John 1:14, "the Word
became flesh and dwelt among us." The divine choice to live among mankind lies at the heart of
Christ's birth. Let us accept the truth of God's presence in our lives this Christmas, remembering
that the Creator chose to be in close relationship with His creation.

Prophecy Fulfillment: God's Faithfulness Revealed

The essence of Christ's birth is bound up with the fulfillment of prophecy. According to Isaiah
7:14, "behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." The
fulfillment of God's promises reveals His faithfulness. Christmas demonstrates the dependability
of God's Word and the fulfillment of His divine purpose via the birth of the Messiah.

The Salvation Gift: God's Unconditional Love Revealed

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not
perish but have eternal life" (John 3:18). The core of Christ's birth is the gift of salvation, which
is a symbol of God's unfailing love. Christmas is more than simply a historical event; it is a
statement of divine love, urging us to accept the greatest gift, everlasting life.

Finding Hope in Christ: The Light in the Darkness

A bright light shone in the middle of the darkness. Matthew 4:16 parallels Isaiah's prophetic
words, emphasizing that people who live in darkness have seen a bright light. The coming of
that light—the Light of the World—is the heart of Christ's birth. In times of despair and
uncertainty, the birth of Christ provides hope, bringing us through the darkness into the glorious
light of His presence.

The Manger's Humility: Discovering Christ's True Greatness

The humility of the manger effectively depicts the essence of Christ's birth. According to
Philippians 2:7-8, Christ "emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the
likeness of men." Christ exposes the core of genuine grandeur by embracing the manger—
selfless love, humility, and a readiness to serve. In our relationships and pursuits, Christmas asks
us to imitate Christ's humility.

Bowing Before the Newborn King: The Call to Worship

The shepherds, wise men, and angels all worshiped at Christ's birth. Let us heed the invitation to
honor the newborn King this Christmas. Let us give the gift of our hearts in worship, just as the
wise men did. The essence of Christ's birth urges us to humble ourselves before Him,
acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives.

The Lasting Impression: Embracing Christ's Birth in Our Everyday Lives

Let us examine the eternal significance of Christ's birth as we dwell on its core. Christ's birth is
more than just a historical event; it is a living reality that changes people's lives. According to
Galatians 4:4-5, Christ came to redeem us, providing adoption as God's sons and daughters. May
we spend our lives embracing the essence of Christ's birth, enabling His transformational power
to impact our thoughts, words, and deeds.

may our hearts be filled with astonishment and appreciation as we unravel the essence of
Christ's birth. This Christmas, may it be more than just a holiday; let it be a spiritual awakening,
a rekindling of our love for the One who came to redeem us. May the essence of Christ's birth
pervade our lives, giving pleasure, redemption, and a renewed sense of purpose. Amen.