What good is a birthday if the person who the birthday is for is not welcome? Dr. Tony Evans says we need to stay focused on the reason we celebrate. Because he came, you have eternal life. No party can give you that.
This is the alternative broadcast, featuring the timeless biblical teachings from the archives of Dr. Tony Evans. Crowds are a part of the Christmas season. Parking lots packed, stores overflowing, schedules filled to the brim. But Dr.
Evans says the danger isn't just a crowded calendar, it's a crowded heart that leaves no room for Christ. Let's listen as he challenges us to recognize, honor, and make a place for the Lord in the midst of the busyness of the season. Wherever you go this Christmas, you're going to run into crowds. There's gonna be plenty of folk. Who will crowd Jesus out?
If this innkeeper only knew. That the baby that there was no room for. Was the long-awaited Messiah, things would have changed. No, the innkeeper had no room. And the question is, do you have any room?
Is there any space? To give Jesus Christ His due.
Now the second person who missed Christ on Christmas. Was King Herod. In Matthew chapter Two verse three. We read these words. When Herod the king heard this, He was troubled and all Jerusalem with him.
When he heard what? When he heard about the wise men, but they said, where is the king of the Jews? Herod said, I'm the king of the Jews. You see? Herod, like many of us, don't have room for two kings.
Because we've decided to be our own king and the only king. We've decided to be masters of our own fate, captains of our own ship. We don't mind Jesus being in the vicinity as long as he's not the ruler. There's not space for two kings. And it says Herod was troubled.
The Greek word trouble means agitated, irritated, frustrated, and exacerbated. What do you mean there's another king? I am in charge here. One of the ways you miss Jesus is trying to be your own king. One of the ways you miss Jesus is trying to rule your own life.
One of the ways you miss Jesus. is to be troubled by the fact that he wants to be the only king. And that you have to submit to him. Herod did not want anybody competing for his throne when Jesus came to set up his own kingdom. To declare supremacy.
People do not want Jesus to interfere with their lives, their careers, their money, their power, their personality, their ambition, their plans. In fact, Not only was Herod messed up about all this. It says, and all Jerusalem with him. You see, we have sanitized Christmas. Christmas is really sanitized today.
It's nice, it's sweet, it's cute, it's melodious. Kids were being killed at Christmas. Infanticide, every child two years and under, every boy was to be slaughtered by Herod because Jesus showed up. You think? When Jesus shows up and demands to be king.
and is rejected. There's going to be trouble. The reason why we have a lot of the trouble we have in our world, in our lives, in our homes today is because the king has been rejected.
So as a result, There's chaos and confusion, and weeping, and mourning, and pain, and division, because Jesus can be in the vicinity. He just can't be on the throne. He can't be telling me what to do. He can't be my point of reference. He can't overrule me.
Let me explain. If Jesus can't overrule you, You not celebrating Christmas. If Jesus can't. Silence you when he speaks. You're not celebrating Christmas.
If Jesus can't tell you no when you think yes. You're not celebrating Christmas. If Jesus can't boss you around, you're not celebrating Christmas, you're celebrating you. Like it's your birthday. You see, Harrod didn't want competition.
He didn't want anybody else claiming a throne next to him. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is king of kings. And is Lord of Lords. And he's in charge.
So if you really want to celebrate Christmas. Tell Jesus. He's your king. He's your ruler. He's the final say-so over your life.
Now you're ready for a holiday.
So you're not ready for a holiday just because you got off of work. You're not ready for a holiday just because the food is in the oven, just because the family is coming over. If Jesus is not king, Just call it a party. But don't call it Christmas. Because the wise men wanted to know where the king was.
And Herod was upset because there's a king in the vicinity. If he's not in charge, it's not Christmas.
So today we have People who want to Claim the holiday, but not claim the Christ. Politicians who want to pay homage. but who don't want to be ruled by him. and wonder why we all can't get along. Wonder why conflicts about?
See? We don't finish a statement when we quote some Bible verses. Peace on earth. And goodwill to men. You're going to hear that all holiday season.
Peace on earth. Goodwill to men. But they're going to leave something off. Because Jesus said there's going to be peace on earth. and goodwill to men.
with whom he's well pleased. Then he goes up with whom he's well pleased. Yeah. See, everybody want the first part. But not the last part.
They don't want to please him, but they want peace on earth and goodwill to men. You can't have peace in your life. You can't have peace in your home. You can't have peace in your mind. You can't have peace in your circumstances if he's not pleased with you.
So if you want all of that. then you better make sure he happy on his birthday. In fact, you better tell Jesus it's his birthday. In fact, make every day Christmas. Because then he's well pleased.
And then the conflicts, the harmony, the peace. The joy, the stuff. that we want. that people will be singing about. and praying about and talking about becomes a possibility.
Because he is welcome. You cannot displease Jesus and get the benefits of his throne. Doesn't work that way. There's another group that missed Christmas. The religious folk.
The folk who went to church. How can you go to church and miss Christmas? Because we're told That King Herod. When he heard about this king, Call together verse 4 of Matthew 2. All the chief priests and scribes.
Of the people. He inquired of them where Messiah was to be born.
Now, let's just stop there. He goes to all the religious folk, the preachers. The leaders And he says. Where's Messiah? To be born.
the women. The first thing he did is he called him Messiah. That means He knew enough Bible. To reference who this king would be. Because he calls him the Messiah, and the Messiah would be the anointed one prophesied in the Old Testament.
He went to the preachers because they had been the seminary. They've been a Bible college. And they knew the Bible.
So Everybody talking about this king, Herod says.
So, clergy, tell me where this king is going to be born. The religious folks said. Verse five. In Bethlehem of Judea. For this is what the prophet Wrote And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah.
are by no means least among the leaders of Judah. For out of you shall come forth a ruler. who will shepherd my people Israel. They quoted Micah 5-2. Dr.
Evans will return in a moment to connect Micah's 700-year-old prophecy to the arrival of Christ in Matthew's gospel. Don't go away. We pray you're encouraged every time you connect with the urban alternative, whether it's online or on the air. And right now, we're asking for your very best year-end gift to help keep that encouragement coming your way. Your financial support will help cover the rising cost of broadcast and production to ensure nothing needs to be cut back.
and that more people like you can continue to be encouraged by God's word in the year ahead. please visit tonyevans.org to give today. You know, the holidays can stir up quite a bit within us, joy, stress, memories, both happy and sad. and sometimes even questions about where God is in the middle of it all.
Well, that's the reason Dr. Evans put together his latest book, Messages from the Manger. A Christmas devotional and prayer guide. designed to help you recenter your heart. and rediscover the power of Immanuel, God with us.
These scripture-rooted reflections walk you through the Christmas story and how God still guides, provides, shines light into the darkness, and keeps His promises. For a limited time, we are pairing this new book with When the King Came to Town. a nine lesson Christmas compilation filled with practical truth and hope derived from the story of our Lord's birth. We'd love to send this special bundle to you with our thanks when you make a year-end contribution to support the Alternative Broadcast Ministry. Be sure to take advantage of this offer while it's still available.
Just visit TonyEvans.org where you can find all the details right on the home page. or give our resource request line a call at 1-800-800-3222. where one of our friendly team members is ready to help. that number once again one eight hundred eight hundred thirty two twenty two. or visit us online at tonyevans dot org.
Well, let's return to Dr. Evans now for more of today's message. Micah was written 700 years. Before this event in Matthew, the birth of Jesus. If you were going to guess, you wouldn't guess Bethlehem.
It's too insignificant.
Some people want to know, why you so ebbing stuck on the Bible? Yeah, that's true. I'm stuck on the Bible 'cause If you can predict 700 years. Before an event happens. Not only that the event's going to happen.
Who's going to be involved in the event when it happens? but the specific location of a two-bit town Where it's gonna happen? Or I'm going to take that book serious. That's why we believe in the inerrancy of scripture. That means it is without error.
Every word comes from the mouth of God. And it is perfect.
So guess what? These religious leaders knew the scripture. Because when Herod asked them where he was going to be born, they quoted Micah 5:2 on the spot. Yes, yes. But wait a minute.
They knew the scripture, but never made the trip. The guys who didn't go to seminary, didn't go to Bible college, the wise men. The folks who didn't have formal biblical training Went to Bethlehem. The folk who were in the Bible church. Didn't go to Bethlehem.
They knew the Bible. But they didn't make the trip. What I'm trying to say is If you know the Bible. But don't go and meet the Savior. Yeah.
You miss Christmas. You see, if the written word doesn't lead you to the living word. It just becomes another word. Unless your knowledge of the Bible leads you to a deeper walk with the Savior, then the Bible will be of no value to you. They knew the Bible, but they never went to Bethlehem.
It's better to know less. And go to Jesus. than to know more and stay away from Jesus. Because the purpose of the written word is to lead you. to the living word And so these Bible toten quoting folk.
Never made it. to an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. As John chapter 5, verse 39 and 40 says. Jesus says, you do search the scriptures. But you don't have life.
Because you don't come to me. Unless you are drawn to him because of what you read. Don't misunderstand me. You need what is written. But the purpose of what is written is to cultivate a deeper relationship.
Yeah. So you can study the Bible till you blue in the face. And be as carnal. Or an unsaved Because these folk were unsaved, but they knew their Bible. On their way to hell, but they can quote scripture.
No, they miss Christmas. Because The written word didn't lead them to the living word. Even when Jesus became a grown man in Luke chapter 4, verse 22. And he had proven he was the Messiah. All they could say was: isn't this Joseph's son?
I mean, the blind is seeing, and the lame are walking, and the deaf are hearing, and he's proclaiming to be Messiah because Messiah was supposed to do all this, and all they could come was: isn't that Joseph's son? By now, you should know this is more than a carpet to sun. But they hadn't graduated. In their intimacy. They only graduated with their information.
That's why the Bible says the letter killeth. You can become a worse Christian by studying the Bible. Because you're not led to the person that the Bible is about. You're not drawn to the Savior. You're not drawn to Jesus Christ.
Now, why? Why weren't these religious people drawn to the Savior? I mean Bethlehem from Jerusalem, I mean, it's not that far. It was not like a long trip. You didn't need an airplane.
You can walk it. Yes. But here's the problem.
Okay. The reason that they didn't go see Jesus. is they didn't think they had a problem. That Jesus needed to solve. In other words, They didn't understand why Jesus came.
And you know why people miss Christmas? Yeah. Because we don't know why Jesus came either. First of all, Jesus didn't come just so you could get off work. Jesus didn't come so you could get a bonus check.
Jesus didn't come so you could have a nice dinner with. Turkey and dressing and Sweet potato. All the good stuff, you know, that that no, he didn't come for that. He didn't come so you can sing carols. Nothing wrong with any of that, but that's not why he came.
He came because there was a sin problem. That needed to be resolved. And the sin problem that needed to be resolved, only he could resolve it. God had to come as a man in order to resolve the sin problem. But because the religious leaders didn't think they had a problem.
They didn't need a savior. Because they didn't know they had the disease, they weren't looking for the remedy. And the reason why people will use Jesus' name, but not take Jesus seriously, is they don't understand why he came. He didn't come just so you could feel better. He didn't come just so you could be inspired.
He came to deal with sin and to provide salvation. And if you don't understand that's why he came, then you're missing the party. Because Jesus is not there. He came to deal with sin in our lives so that we would be saved, and sin in our lives so that we would have fellowship. with him.
So they knew the Bible. But they never made it to Jesus.
So the question I want to ask you is, are you missing Christ this Christmas? Is this a holiday? If it's only a holiday, That's fine. Call it that. But don't call it Christmas.
Because if Christ doesn't have anything to do with it. What good is a birthday if the person who the birthday is for is not welcome? And that's the kind of world you and I are living in today. We are having a Christless Christmas. Other than mentioning him.
from time to time out of courtesy. No, you give him the honor, do his name. Because when you understand the folks who discovered Christmas. And what they did, even when Mary wrapped him in the cloth, that was a deep thing. When she wrapped him in the cloth, that's more than a diaper.
But if you don't understand that, you won't understand Christmas. One of the things that you need to know, when the wise men came. You see all these nativity scenes. Where the wise men are surrounding a baby in a manger. That's not what the Bible says.
It says, when the wise men came, Jesus was a toddler in a house. Not a baby in a manger. But if you don't read the scripture, you're going to be fooled by nativity scenes. He was a toddler in the house.
So if they saw the star when he was born. But they couldn't get to him until he was a toddler in a house. That meant they took many months to get to him. Because you're getting close to two years old if you're a toddler. They figured Jesus was worth the journey.
We won't even go down the street. To celebrate Jesus. When they cross continents to get to him because they knew who they were dealing with. When you understand he's the king of kings and the lord of lords. then you're willing to be convenience for that party.
Because you understand that he's a king on a throne. And he's worthy to be praised.
So don't you leave Christ out this Christmas. In fact, make a big deal about him. Make a big deal about it. It's your birthday. Make a big deal about him because he deserves it.
Make a big deal about it because we're talking about God become a man. Make a big deal about it because he came, you have eternal life. No party can give you that. Make a big deal about him because he's king of kings, lord of lords, and wants to rule your life. In fact, make such a big deal about him that you hand him your throne.
And you let him sit as ruler over your life, calling the shots. Don't miss Christ this Christmas. A vital charge from doctor Evans as you navigate the busyness and distractions of the holiday season. and he'll return in just a moment with a final thought to wrap up today's teaching. Before he does, though, I want to remind you about the special Christmas package we are offering right now.
It includes doctor Evans' brand new devotional, Messages from the Manger. designed to help you slow down, recenter your heart. and experienced the hope and worship of Christmas in a fresh way. We'll also send you the nine-message audio collection when the king came to town. Featuring some of doctor Evans' most powerful Christmas teachings.
It's our thank you gift when you make a year-end donation to help support the outreach of the alternative. Just visit Tony Evans.org or call 1-800-800-3222 to make the arrangements today. Again, that's 1-800-800-3222-0. or online at tonyevans.org.
Sometimes the most important things in life are the easiest to overlook.
Next time, Dr. Evans explores the blind spots that can keep us from recognizing Christ. And why once we do Everything else in life becomes clearer. Right now, though, he's back to wrap up today's message with this closing illustration. You know, when you go to the doctor, they are.
They take blood tests. And one of the tests they're looking at is your cholesterol level. Because bad cholesterol produces plaque. When plaque fills up in the arteries, it blocks the flow of blood. When you block the flow of blood.
Enough. you're going to have a heart attack. Because the blood can't get through and bring the oxygen and bring the nutrients. And so the lack of blood flow. due to the plaque built up by the cholesterol.
will lead to death. You and I have a plaque built up in our souls. The Bible calls it sin, and the Bible says, and the wages of sin is death. It leads to death. Oh, but you know, they got this balloon that they put in there now.
When they put that balloon in there, that opens up.
So that the blood can flow again. There is a fountain filled with blood. Drawn from Emmanuel's veins. And sinners plunge. beneath the flood, lose all their guilty stain.
Jesus Christ has a balloon and he wants to open up your soul so that you can live. live in eternity and have his life in history.
So if I were you and if you were me. And make a big deal about Jesus this Christmas. Because that blood still has healing power. That blood still has saving power, that blood still has delivering power, that blood still has victory power, that blood still has freedom power, that blood can overcome the worst thing you are facing today.
So, if I were you and you were me. I make a big deal about Jesus. If God gets excited about the big deal you make about Jesus, I'm telling God right now. You're going to have a lot to be excited about because it's going to be Jesus in the morning, Jesus at noon time, and Jesus when the sun goes down. I'm going to make a big deal about Jesus so I can get all at God that God wants to give me.
Because Jesus is the reason for the season.
