Sheryl Brady - Behind the Scenes in Bethlehem

Today, I want to take the next few moments to minister from the subject «Behind the Scenes in Bethlehem.» When we think about the manger scene, it is beautiful; I love to look at them. I have one myself. When I think about them, I envision a perfect setting—it’s all beautiful. As a matter of fact, I asked them to give us a picture; please put a picture up. See how pretty that is? It’s just gorgeous—all of it: the trees, the wise men, the gifts, the lambs, the mother, the father, and the baby. The shepherds are all there, and it’s all lovely. That’s because it’s a posed picture, our best shot. But the truth be told, there was a lot happening behind the scenes in Bethlehem that nobody knew about except those involved. I want to discuss that today.

Father, have Your way in this place. Thank You for this wonderful day that we’ve gathered to celebrate You. You know who would be here, and so today I ask that You would anoint me to declare Your word in this place. Find every hearer, and find every man and woman who is hungry for Your word today. Lord, let something I say or do be acceptable in Your sight, and let it bless Your people, and we’ll give You thanks for it in the name of Jesus. Somebody shout amen!

So, we’re going to talk about «Behind the Scenes in Bethlehem.» One of the many reasons I love Christmas—one of my favorite holidays—is that multitudes around the world, both in America and abroad, use this occasion to think about, talk about, and declare the little child that came to us during this particular season in the town of Bethlehem. He was a gift sent by God; He was God’s only Son. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; He wrapped Him in flesh and sent Him to the earth. To us, He has become our Savior, our gift. If I never get anything else for Christmas, I can never complain because when I received Him, I really got everything. I am grateful for that gift.

Whether people want to acknowledge Him or not, whether they want to accept Him or not, whether they want to embrace Him or believe that He is who He says He is, it really doesn’t matter; He’s God. He was God before you got here, and He’ll be God long after you are dead and gone. He’s God all by Himself; that’s who He is, and He is everything to the story. You can cross out His name and just say «Merry Xmas» if you want, but I can’t even do that when I write it. I must write the whole thing out because I think if the world can tear down His name, it is my responsibility to lift up His name. Amen?

However, if they choose not to worship Him, it does not change the fact that He is still our Savior. When He came, He brought not just our salvation, but also our deliverance, our victory, our hope, and our peace. He is everything we will ever need. About 700 years before He even came, the prophet Isaiah prophesied that God would send His Son to the earth. In Isaiah 9:6, it says, «For unto us a child is born, and unto us a son is given.»

See, what the Old Testament predicts, the New Testament presents. Let me say that again: what the Old Testament predicts, the New Testament presents. The Old Testament is crying out that someone is coming; the New Testament declares that someone has come, and the someone who has come is the babe that arrived in Bethlehem. The prophet Isaiah told us a lot about Him before He ever got here. He told us that He had a tough side but also a tender side, that He had a powerful side but was also personal.

I asked them to put it up on the screens today. I want to read to you from Isaiah chapter 40 out of the Message Bible, and I want you to follow along with me. In the ninth verse, the scripture reads, «Climb a high mountain, Zion. Someone say, 'We are Zion.' Climb a high mountain, Zion; you’re the preacher of good news! Raise your voice, make it good and loud, Jerusalem!»

Keep going. Are we stuck right there, saints? You’re the preacher! Look at somebody and tell them, «You’re the preacher of good news! Speak loud!» That’s why He says to speak loud and clear. Whatever you do, don’t be timid. This is nothing to be shy about. The Savior has come! That’s why the songwriter said, «Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere that Christ is born!» Speak loud and speak clear; do not be timid and tell the cities of Judah, «Look, your God! Look at Him! God the Master comes in power; He comes ready to go into action. He is going to pay back His enemies and reward those who have loved Him. Like a shepherd, He will care for His flock, gathering the lambs.»