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Getting Sober for Christmas
by Mary Graves
Text: Luke 3:2-18
Topic: How John the Baptist's message can better prepare us for Christmas.
Big Idea: John had some harsh words for his listeners, words that caused them to sober up and turn their attention to God. It's a good word for us today as well.
Keywords: Advent; Christmas; Repentance
Introduction:
- We all need a sobering experience to prepare for Christmas.
-Illustration:You're driving down the road so lost in thought that it takes a while for you to realize a highway patrol car is behind you, lights flashing. Your mind snaps back to the present; to your relief, the patrolman zooms by you in the left lane. You've had a sobering experience.
- Likewise, we need to snap to attention to "see the salvation of God."
During Advent, we ask the question: What should we do to get ready?
- John the Baptist used harsh language to say, "Wake up!" and get ready for the Lord. Some took him seriously and asked, "What should we do?"
- We should be asking the same question during Advent.
- Luke is a believer in preparation; that's why he spends 2 1/2 chapters before he gets into Christ's ministry.
Advent moves us from self-preoccupation to humble, outward expectation.
- We need to realize that we've been a million miles away from God in our lives.
-Illustration:A pastor officiating at a funeral agrees to lead the procession. On the way, he forgets where he's going and decides to shop at Kmart. Looking for parking, he glances in the rearview mirror—and remembers.
- Israel had taken their eyes off God, and were preoccupied with themselves.
- We can't skip to Jesus without John; we can't skip to Christmas without humility.
False shame cripples and condemns; healthy shame prepares us to receive Jesus.
- God's truth brings a shame that heals, that sobers, that recognizes a wrong direction.
- It's a shame that caused John to say, "One is coming who is much greater than I."
- None of us are worthy to meet the love that comes to us from God in Jesus, and that is the only way we can receive him: completely sobered, humbled.
Conclusion:
- The genuineness of your readiness is seen in the genuineness of your soberness.
- The genuineness of your soberness is seen in your behaviors, in your fruit.
-Illustration:Graves tells the story of a woman offended by a man helping himself to her cookies in the airport—until she realized they belonged to him.
- Humility and generosity are the order of Christmas.
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