THE FIRST FATHER CHRISTMAS – ABRAHAM

JOHN 8:46-58

Pastor Rick Jackson

“Now wait just a minute. Abraham lived 2000 years before the birth of Jesus- how could he be Father Christmas? He didn’t know anything about Jesus, did he?”

Well, what did Jesus say about that in John 8? What did Paul say about it in Galatians 3 and 4? Turn to Galatians 3 and let us see:

I. The Christmas Gift of Abraham’s Salvation [Gal. 3:1-6]

1. Abraham was Saved by Faith [Gal. 3:1-6]

2. Abraham’s Faith was in the Lord Jesus [Gn. 15:1-6, Jn. 8:56-58]

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

3. Abraham’s Faith in Christ was the source of His Righteousness [Romans 4:1-3]

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

II. The Christmas Gift of Gentile Salvation [Gal. 3:7-14]

1. Gentiles were Prophesied to be Saved the Same Way as Abraham [v. 7-8, Gn. 12:3]

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

2. Jesus was Prophesied to be Saviour by Dying on the Cross [v. 9-13]

3. Christmas was Prophesied to include Gentiles [v. 14, Luke 2:10]

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

III. The Christmas Gift of Jewish Salvation [Gal. 3:15-4:6]

1. God Promised Abraham & Christ Salvation by Faith [v. 15-18]

2. God‘s Purpose in the Law is to Point out the Need for Christ [v. 19-25]

3. God’s Prophesy of Salvation was Fulfilled at Christmas [3:36-4:6]

CONCLUSION:

Think of the other Christmas events & images in Abraham's life- miraculous births, stars, wise men, Egypt, tree/bush of sacrifice, the only begotten son, the shepherds... is there any reason to doubt that Abraham, whose name means "father of many nations" can be considered the first father Christmas?