Two Trees Introduction 1. Memories of past Christmas...
Two Trees
Introduction
1. Memories of past Christmas trees.
A. The aluminum tree with shiny red bulbs
B. The Las Vegas Charlie Brown Christmas tree
2. History of the Christmas tree
A. Developed around Medieval Germany
B. Developed from “Paradise Tree” a type of evergreen tree
C. A tree decked with red apples was used in a popular play about Adam and Eve
D. In 1605 families in Germany decorated their homes with greenery and trees
E. Trees were used by German settlers in Pennsylvania in the 1800. This practice has spread since then.
F. It is widely held that Martin Luther began the custom in Germany. He saw a starlit fir tree and was so moved that he put a tree in his house and decorated it. He wanted to remind his children of God’s creation.
G. It became a symbol of life to the pagans. To others it became a symbol of Jesus Christ. A symbol of fertility to a symbol of rebirth.
H. There is a verse in the Bible that seems to refer to our modern day Christmas tree.
Jeremiah 10:1-6
It is needful that I remind all of us of the reason for Jesus’ coming to this earth. Using a popular saying, “He was born to die.” Then to be buried and rise again! Jesus was born into this world so that he might truly represent man at the cross.
But what does this have to do with the Christmas tree? Some years ago, while I was observing a Christmas tree and thinking about the previous thoughts it occurred to me that the Christmas tree can be a good lesson on the cross. Let me explain.
Outline
I. The Christmas Tree
A. Designation
1. Kind
2. Size
3. Appearance
B. Decorations
1. Lights
2. Beads, Chains, and/or tinsel
3. Bulbs
4. Ribbon
C. Donation
1. Giving
2. Receiving
If it is not the things above that will distract us concerning the meaning of Christmas, then this last part will.
II. The Cross of Calvary John 19:17-30
A. The purpose of the cross
1. The cross was an instrument used by the Romans to execute some classes of criminals.
2. The death on the cross was one of painful suffocation.
3. The cross was a Christian symbol expressing the meaning of Christ’s death.
The cross was a literal instrument of execution. But the cross also became a symbol, the most powerful in the Christian faith, representing the redemption won for us by Jesus’ death.
B. The cruelty and humility of the cross
1. Crucifixion was a gruesome death
See notes from New Bible Dictionary
2. Crucifixion was a shameful death
a. This was a punishment for criminals
b. Looked like defeat
Illustration: Seeing the passion at Holy Land Experience. The Roman guards with their shields and muscle looked invincible, unconquerable. Jesus, falling, stumbling, gasping, and bleeding looked defeated.
c. He was naked
d. He was humiliating
C. The accomplishments of the cross
1. Redemption Romans 3:24
Redemption teaches us that when we were bondslaves to sin, we were purchased in the slave market to be taken out of bondage to sin, to be set free in the glorious liberty that belongs to the children of God. We have been set free from sin’s slavery, from sin’s dominion, from sin’s guilt, and sin’s penalty.
2. Propitiation Romans 3:25
“Propitiation is the work of Christ that satisfies all the claims of divine holiness, righteousness, and justice, so that God is free to act on behalf of sinners.” Pentecost
God has made Christ a propitiation through faith in His blood. There is a covering over for our sins so that God can look upon the world through the blood of Christ and can redeem men who were under the curse of God because there is propitiation through His blood.
3. Remission v. 25
There is a remission of sins that are past, a putting away, and a canceling out of the catalog of sins that was charged against the sinner.
4. Justification v. 26
Only God is worthy to declare righteous those who believe in Jesus Christ. This is a work of faith.
“The cross in the New Testament, is a symbol of shame and humiliation, as well as of God’s wisdom and glory revealed through it.” The New Bible Dictionary
God now has a gift to offer us, the free gift of salvation.
Paul’s teaching about the cross
Preaching of the gospel.
I Corinthians 1:17ff
Word of the cross. 2Corinthians 5:19
Through the cross we are reconciled. Ephesians 2:14-16
The blood of the cross. Colossians 1:20ff
John 3:16
Conclusion
One of the best manger scenes I have ever seen is the one behind me (Franklin Road Baptist Church 2006.) The angels are there proclaiming the arrival of Jesus Christ, man’s savior, the Christ child is there, and behind it all, overshadowing the whole scene, is the cross, his reason for his coming. He purchased our redemption, making it possible for sinful man to have a right relationship with God our creator. My prayer this Christmas season, is that when you look at a Christmas tree, look beyond the beauty of the lights, tinsel, ribbons, and bulbs, to the shameful yes, but glorious cross of Calvary where a holy God was satisfied with the work of His son and can offer to mankind the free gift of salvation! Glory to God in the highest!