A CHRIST-LESS CHRISTMAS

Title: A CHRIST-LESS CHRISTMAS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 2:7
Supporting Texts: Revelation 3:20, John 1:10-11, 2 Corinthians 4:4

INTRODUCTION:
The celebration of Christmas is intended to honour the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. However, many today celebrate Christmas without acknowledging Christ, focusing instead on materialism, feasting, and entertainment. Just as there was no room for Christ in the inn during His birth, many hearts today have no space for Him. This sermon calls us to reflect on the dangers of a Christ-less Christmas and to make room for Him in our lives.

1. THE DANGER OF A CHRIST-LESS CHRISTMAS

a) Misplaced Focus
The focus shifts from Christ to worldly celebrations, decorations, and material gains (Luke 12:15).

b) Spiritual Blindness
People fail to see the true significance of Christ’s birth due to the distractions of the world (2 Corinthians 4:4).

c) Empty Celebrations
A celebration without Christ is void of eternal value and lasting joy (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

d) Missed Opportunity for Salvation
Ignoring Christ during Christmas denies many the opportunity to receive Him as Lord and Saviour (John 1:10-11).

e) Biblical Example: The innkeeper missed the honour of hosting the Saviour because there was no room in the inn (Luke 2:7).

2. MAKING ROOM FOR CHRIST

a) Opening Your Heart
Allow Jesus to dwell in your heart by faith, making Him Lord over your life (Ephesians 3:17).

b) Prioritising Worship
Like the wise men, seek Jesus and worship Him above all else (Matthew 2:11).

c) Focusing on His Mission
Remember that Jesus came to save the lost; align your life with His purpose (Luke 19:10).

d) Sharing the Good News
Use Christmas as an opportunity to proclaim Christ to others (Mark 16:15).

e) Biblical Example: Mary treasured and pondered the events of Christ's birth in her heart, making room for Him in her life (Luke 2:19).

3. LIVING THE TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

a) Acknowledging Christ's Lordship
Celebrate Jesus as the reason for the season by exalting Him in all you do (Philippians 2:9-11).

b) Reflecting His Love
Share the love of Christ with others through acts of kindness and generosity (John 13:34-35).

c) Pursuing Holiness
Let the birth of Christ inspire you to live a life of righteousness and holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16).

d) Spreading Joy and Peace
Emulate Christ by being a channel of joy and peace to the world (Matthew 5:9).

e) Biblical Example: The shepherds shared the good news of Christ's birth with great joy (Luke 2:17-18).

4. RECOGNISING THE COST OF A CHRIST-LESS LIFE

a) Separation from God
A life without Christ leads to eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23).

b) Lack of True Peace
Only Christ can provide the peace that surpasses understanding (John 14:27).

c) Loss of Purpose
Without Christ, life lacks eternal purpose and direction (Jeremiah 29:11).

d) Eternal Consequences
Rejecting Christ during this season and beyond has eternal ramifications (John 3:36).

e) Biblical Example: The rich fool focused on material wealth but lost his soul because he left Christ out of his life (Luke 12:16-21).

5. INVITING CHRIST INTO YOUR CHRISTMAS AND LIFE

a) Personal Commitment
Invite Christ to take His rightful place in your heart and life (Revelation 3:20).

b) Family Celebration
Make Jesus the centre of your family’s Christmas celebrations (Joshua 24:15).

c) Church Fellowship
Celebrate the birth of Christ with fellow believers, exalting Him together (Hebrews 10:25).

d) Global Evangelism
Use Christmas as a platform to proclaim Christ to the world (Matthew 28:19-20).

e) Biblical Example: Simeon and Anna welcomed Christ with faith and thanksgiving, recognising Him as the Saviour (Luke 2:25-38).

CONCLUSION:
A Christ-less Christmas is an empty celebration. This season is about the Saviour who came to reconcile us to God. Let us make room for Him in our hearts and lives, honouring Him as the reason for the season. As you celebrate, let the light of Christ shine through you to others, pointing them to the Saviour.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to keep Christ at the centre of my Christmas celebration.

2. Father, deliver me from distractions that take my focus away from Christ.

3. Lord, fill my heart with the joy and peace that only You can give.

4. Father, use me to share the message of Christ with others this season.

5. Lord, make my life a reflection of Your love and glory.

6. Father, help me to make room for Christ in every area of my life.

7. Lord, let the true meaning of Christmas be evident in my family.

8. Father, draw the hearts of men to Christ this Christmas.

9. Lord, empower me to live a life that honours You daily.

10. Father, let this Christmas bring spiritual renewal and revival in my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that Christ will be the centre of your Christmas celebration.

2. You will experience the joy and peace of Christ this season.

3. Every distraction that takes your focus off Christ is removed.

4. Your life will radiate the love and glory of Christ.

5. This Christmas will bring a spiritual awakening in your life.

6. You will share the message of Christ boldly and effectively.

7. Your family will be a testimony of Christ’s love and grace.

8. The true meaning of Christmas will manifest in your life.

9. You will not celebrate a Christ-less Christmas.

10. Christ will reign in your heart and life throughout this season and beyond.