CHRISTMAS

The Dawningof the

Revolution

Luke 2:6–20 6While they were there (in Bethlehem), the time came for the baby to be born, 7and Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

John 1:1–2 ; 141In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. …THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND MADE HIS DWELLING AMONG US

Luke 2:10–11 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:14“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

SUBVERSIVE INFILTRATION

God disguised himself so that he might do his work of bringing about a revolution

1 John 3:8 The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.

John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 10:10 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

A REVOLUTION IS AT HAND

God will win

CRANKY OLD MAN

What do you see nurses? What do you see? What are you thinking when you're looking at me? A cranky old man, not very wise, Uncertain of habit with faraway eyes? Who dribbles his food and makes no reply When you say in a loud voice, 'I do wish you'd try!'

Who seems not to notice the things that you do And forever is losing a sock or shoe? Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will, With bathing and feeding the long day to fill? Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see? Then open your eyes, nurse, you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still, As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will:

I'm a small child of Ten with a father and mother, Brothers and sisters who love one another. A young boy of Sixteen with wings on his feet Dreaming that soon now a lover he'll meet. A groom soon at Twenty, my heart gives a leap,Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now I have young of my own Who need me to guide and a secure happy home. A man now of Thirty, my young growing fast, Bound to each other with ties that should last. At Forty, my young sons have grown and are gone, But my woman’s beside me to see I don't mourn.

At Fifty, once more babies play 'round my knee, Again, we know children, my loved one and me. Dark days are upon me, my wife is now dead, I look at the future and I shudder with dread. For my young are all rearing young of their own, And I think of the years and the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man and nature is cruel. It's jest to make old age look like a fool. The body, it crumbles, grace and vigour depart, There is now a stone where I once had a heart. But inside this old carcass a young man still dwells, And now and again my battered heart swells.

I remember the joys, I remember the pain,And I'm loving and living life over again. I think of the years, all too few, gone too fast,And accept the stark fact that nothing can last. So open your eyes, people, open and seeNot a cranky old man – look closer – see ME!!

LOOK AT THE FACTS:This baby …

THIS IS YOUR GODIN DISGUISE