What is “The Spirit of Christmas”?

The following is a para-phrased excerpt from a John MacAurthur sermon:

What is the Christmas Spirit? To Scrooge the Christmas Spirit was a ghost. To some it is the “truce” that a family experiences during the season, where there is no arguing. 5 billion Christmas cards will be sent this season. Billions of dollars of worth in commerce will happen as you bump pass someone in line in the store buying gifts. And that’s alright. I’m no scrooge. I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade. But what I am truly wondering is: what is the true “Spirit of Christmas?”

Well, as always the best answer to this question is in the Bible. Let’s go to Luke chapter 1 and 2 and see what the Spirit of Christmas really is by looking at the reaction to Jesus from different people and angels:

From Elizabeth (Luke 1:41-43)
41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42And she cried out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43"And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

From Zacharias (Luke 1:67-69)
67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
68"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
69And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant--

From angels (Luke 2:13-14)
13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

From the shepherds (Luke 2:20)
20The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

From Simeon (Luke 2:25-32)
25And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
28then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,
And the glory of Your people Israel."

From Anna (Luke 2:36-38)
36And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.
38At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

What do all these people and angels have in common? What one trait is found in each verse of this scripture? It is this, upon hearing the news of Christ’s arrival or coming they all feel moved to engage in….WORSHIP.

Worship is an attitude of the heart that is so filled with wonder and gratitude at what God has done that there is not a thought of personal needs or personal blessings only total abandonment of God is praise.

To give form to worship I am drawn to another person, a person who is closer to Jesus’ birth than any other person: His mother Mary, who gives the most magnificent psalm of worship in the whole New Testament. (Luke 1:46-55)

46And Mary said:
"My soul exalts the Lord,
47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48"For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
49"For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
50"AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
51"He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
52"He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
53"HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
54"He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever."

Let me say again, the above is a para-phrased excerpt from a John MacArthur sermon. They are not the words of me and I take no credit for them. The sermon did touch me and I wanted to share it with you. It help to solidify with scripture that the spirit of Christmas is purely, simply, yet profoundly worship. Merry Christmas everyone and let us not just remember the “reason for the season” but fall on our knees and faces in humble adoration and praise for the our Savior who came lived, died, and lives again so that we can be brothers and sister in Christ, eternally bond in worship to the Father. Hosanna in the highest and glory be to Our God forever! Amen.