Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 0008B recorded on December 24, 1978 teaching from Luke 2 – The Facts of the Birth of Christ – More Christmas Mood.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens focuses on Luke and Matthew’s accounts of Jesus’ birth, challenging common nativity depictions. Pastor Stevens argues that the Wise Men visited Jesus 40 days after His birth, in a house, not a stable, emphasizing the lack of room for Jesus in both literal inns and people’s hearts. He uses the analogy of a rejected gift to illustrate the devastating impact of ignoring God’s gift of Jesus. Stevens then delves into the Wise Men’s gifts—gold (kingship), frankincense (sacrifice), and myrrh (death and embalming)—prophetic symbols of Jesus’ life and ministry. Finally, Pastor Stevens contrasts the Wise Men’s journey with the shepherds’, highlighting the accessibility of faith regardless of one’s past, urging the congregation to receive Jesus and experience a transformative “Christmas” with sanctification and glorification.