Psalm 2; Isaiah 9, 6,7; Luke 2: 1-14

O.K. Just two more "hoping" days until Christmas. When we are young the day never seems to get here fast enough. As we get older, the day often comes before we’re ready. But whether old or young, the day unfolds with bright lights and subtle discoveries of His love. In two days, we again say to our Lord Jesus Christ, "Welcome, Prince of Peace!"

How great is our God! He spoke through David in poetry of Psalm 2. Long before Isaiah spoke of a child born of virgin, God declared that He placed His king, His Son, on Mount Zion. Kings of the nations tried their best to plot against God and His anointed. And what did God do? He just laughed at them. He placed His Son before nations and rulers and gave them a choice. You may "Kiss the Son," or perish. He will claim His people from every tribe and nation...from Arkansas, too. His kingdom will reign over all others.

Isaiah, 250 years later, described that a virgin-born son, would rule. His heritage was from David and Abraham. His strengths: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father. With Him ruling, people would know peace. Call Him, PRINCE OF PEACE!

We come to the moment when eternity touched time; when poetry embraced flesh. When God became man. The story of our Savior’s birth from the Word comes to us like fresh-baked bread. The aroma is love. The taste of His bread of life - satisfying. We gain His peace. Other stories that try to take away from Jesus Christ always fall short. They mean well, but they cannot compete with the Word of God. Myths about flowers and trees and sugar plum fairies just don’t cut it. Even legends about St. Nicholas take twists and turns. We have ended up with Santa Claus. Santa Claus may be cute, but that guy always seems to bring disappointment. Take these letters written to Santa reflect this disappointment.

"Dear Santa: My baby brother wants a cowboy suit. Do you have one in diapers?" "Dear Santa, Last year you didn’t leave me anything good. The year before last year, the same thing. This year is your last chance." "Dear Santa: In my house are three boys. Richard is two. Jeffrey is four. Norman is seven. Richard is good sometimes. Jeffrey is good sometimes. Norman is good all the time. (Signed) Norman." (B. Adler)

We smile. We even talk about the guy like he’s real. But Santa Claus cannot deliver on the things that matter. Only Jesus Christ can ... and does! For instance...

Santa cannot give a new heart for a broken one. Jesus Christ gives us a new heart filled with Himself. Santa will never give us a desire to tell others about him. Christ not only gives the desire to tell about Him, but things happen when we do! Santa has never given us peace to live each day. Christ gives His peace that passes all understanding! Even in the midst of our messes. Have you welcomed Jesus to your home for Christmas? If not, why not give the best invitation of your life? "Welcome, Prince of Peace!"

You know if you have. He holds you each day, even if you do not feel Him. Move closer to those shepherds. On that first Christmas, they were the first to welcome Him. "Would you like to hold Him?" Imagine Mary offering her baby to be held by the shepherds that night. They certainly knew how to hold a newborn lamb. A baby would be easy. But to hold Him. We know only that they gazed on Him. But if those shepherds could have held Him that night, how wonderful! But as far as we know, they only moved close enough to see the One angels proclaimed - the One who will promises peace on earth. They left rejoicing! The Prince of Peace entered their hearts. Remember others who held Him.

Soon after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph went to the Temple so Mary could receive the service of purification. Old Simeon met the couple. He took Jesus in his arms and breathed his prayer: Now may I depart in peace, for my eyes have seen Your salvation..." (Lk 2.28) He left with the peace of Christ in his heart. In His ministry, a woman only identified as a sinner, slipped into a dinner party for Jesus. Kneeling at His feet, she began weeping, her tears washing His feet. Her hair dried them. Jesus declared to her, Your sins are forgiven...go in peace. Lk 7.38, 48) And she did! Crowds tried to hold Him, pressing in on Him. But He knew when a sick woman touched Him. He said, Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace. And she did! She went away healed in body, and His peace in her heart.

Some people plotted against Jesus. They held Him by force. He was arrested, tried in a court. Beaten by orders of evil men. They plotted in vain to have peace their own way! Jesus spoke to His disciples before that night. My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives...Let not your heart be trouble nor let it be afraid. (Jn 14.27)

Angry leaders attacked Him. A cross held Him to His death. The last enemy, Death, held Him only for a moment. After He was raised, Jesus came to His frightened disciples and said, Peace be with you...receive the Holy Spirit. (Jn 20.21, 22) From that moment to this, we receive His peace, His Holy Spirit, when we welcome the Prince of Peace!

No one can hold Jesus Christ without welcoming Him into their life. We cannot have Him any other way. Even today, He receives WELCOME all over the world. Just listen to this great report from our own Presbyterian Church. We been working closely with the Rural Presbyterian Church of India for the past 18 years. This Presbyterian Church works with the Dalits, or Untouchables, of India.

These are the "pulverized," "ground-down" people who have no hope, no future. Four castes are in Hindu religion. The top three castes have a rite called the "sacred thread." When they complete the rite, they may be called, "twice-born." Once from the mother, and a second time through this "sacred thread" ceremony. The fifth caste, not even a caste at all, are the Dalits. They may experience only one birth. Imagine having no hope here, or after this life.

But when the wonderful story of Jesus comes to them, they rush to welcome Jesus Christ into their lives. Just this year, over 102,000 new believers welcomed the Prince of Peace into their lives. That’s 8,500 each month. Over 10,800 congregations now serve these ignored people. And over 1,000 pastors have been placed into service. That is up by over 200 pastors from last year. The Prince of Peace enters the lives of Untouchables and everyone else who welcomes Him.

Now almost 500,000 men, women, boys and girls join us today to say, "Welcome, Prince of Peace!" These new converts pay dearly for Christ. Police and religious leaders attack believers. Public humiliation and even more segregation face these new believers. But because our Lord is welcomed into their hearts, they hold Him...and He holds them!

"That’s so far away," some of you might be thinking. Good for them. But it’s not my interest or concern. So, let me bring it back here to Arkansas.

Perhaps you know some person who needs to know that the Mighty God is also our Prince of Peace. They are not from a country that fights Christ. They are not put aside like the Dalits. Yet, they know that they have never had a great Christmas. They have gone through the motions, but the peace that they have desired has slipped from their grasp. Maybe some of them might be here, who would like to welcome the Prince of Peace into their lives for Christmas. See if you know anyone who fits this description. If they do, tell them today that they can still welcome Christ into their lives. They will be amazed how easy He is to welcome and to hold - forever.

Do you feel worthless? Jesus considers you valuable enough to die for!

Have you wrecked your life? Jesus knows how to give recovery.

Are you sick and tired? Come unto Me, and I will give you rest!

Are you defeated? Welcome the One who defeated death itself!

Take the time. Welcome the Prince of Peace home for your Christmas. That will be the best invitation you could ever give! Then, we’ll proclaim with the heavenly host,

What a privilege to shout with the angels: Welcome, Prince of Peace!