The Mystery of Christmas
Pastor Phil Derstine 12-7-25
The Hidden Truth (Mystery) in the Christmas Story
- Mystery (def.) 1. Anything that’s kept secret, remains hidden, unexplained 5. Any truth that is unknowable except by divine revelation.
- Colossians 1:26 "The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. (27) To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is… Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
- The hope of Glory – God's nature and character being formed in us. (wonder-working power)
This Mystery is revealed through the Birth of Christ
- How God became a Baby – the creator of the Universe entered humanity.
- Matthew 1:18 “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: (20) Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (21) She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (22) All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: (23) The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel – which means, God with us.”
- Isaiah 7:14 (Prophet Isaiah) “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel.” (God with us)
- How God announced His Arrival – to Wise Men by a star in the sky… to Shepherds by Angels.
- Matthew 2:2 “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him.”
- The Wise Men brought Gifts confirming Jesus’ Divinity & Purpose (King, Priest, & Savior)
- Gold – Gold normally given to a king
- Frankincense – Used only by priests in the temple
- Myrrh – Used for anointing and embalming (foreshadowing Jesus’ death as Savior)
- Luke 2:8 “And there were in the same country shepherds in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, (14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
- How Christ can be Born in our Hearts – Jesus with Nicodemus, "You must be born-again."
- John 3:3 “Jesus declared, I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
- Salvation is a Spiritual conception - God placing His Spirit in YOU
- John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
- Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
- II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
- Prayer of Dedication: Dear Heavenly Father, I dedicate myself afresh to You today. I confess my deep need for your love, mercy, and forgiveness. I humble myself under your mighty Hand & ask your forgiveness for known and unknown sins, for pride and self-centeredness. I confess you today, as my Lord and Savior. I place my full trust in You and lean not to my own understanding. In all my ways I acknowledge You and I desire that You direct my paths. I commit my way unto you Lord and thank you for Your grace upon my life. I commit to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and to love my neighbor as myself. I promise to live a godly, obedient, and growing life of faith through the Spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, community, and personal witness. I ask all this in the Name of Jesus Christ and the Power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
