A Christmas message about the birth of the Savior

Main Bible Texts

• Matthew 2:1-6 (The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the prophecy fulfillment)
• Luke 2:7-15 (Focus on verses 10-11: The angel’s announcement to the shepherds)
• Matthew 15:21-28 (The faith of the Syrophoenician/Canaanite woman)

Theme

The coming of the Savior (the birth of Jesus) brings good news of great joy for all people – not exclusively for the Jews, but for all nations. This is a “Christmas-type” sermon that emphasizes the universal scope of Christ’s mission.

Key Connections in Scripture

1. Luke 2:10-11 The angel declares:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

1. The good news is explicitly “for all people” (all humanity), not limited to one nation.
2. Matthew 2:5-6 (Quoting Micah 5:2)

“…‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

2. Jesus is prophesied as a shepherd/ruler of “my people Israel.”
3. This raises the question: Who are “His people”? Only ethnic Israel, or something broader?
4. Matthew 15:21-28 – The Syrophoenician Woman
   • Jesus initially states His mission focus: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
   • He uses the metaphor: “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
   • The woman responds humbly: “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
   • Jesus praises her: “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”
   • This encounter illustrates that, even while Jesus’ earthly ministry was primarily to Israel, His saving power extends beyond – foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles.

Main Points of the Sermon

• Jesus is the Savior for All People We should emphasize titles like Savior and Christ (the Anointed One) rather than only “Messiah,” which can carry exclusively Jewish expectations. Jesus did not come solely to elevate ethnic Israel but to save humanity from sin.
• God’s Plan is Progressive
  • Jesus’ earthly ministry was focused on the “lost sheep of Israel” (proving Israel itself needed a Savior).
  • Yet signs of broader grace appear: Gentiles (like the Canaanite woman and the Roman centurion in Matthew 8) often show greater faith than many in Israel.
  • Through His death, resurrection, and ascension, the good news fully opens to all nations.
• True Faith Recognizes Who Jesus Really Is The woman’s “great faith” was not merely “naming and claiming” healing (as in prosperity gospel teaching). It was her insight into Jesus’ true identity and mission:
  • She accepted His stated priority to Israel.
  • Yet she humbly trusted that His abundance was sufficient even for “crumbs” to reach Gentiles.
  • Jesus affirms she belongs to His flock through faith – the true “people of God” are those who believe in Him.
• Rejection of False Interpretations
  • Exclusivist Jewish view: The Savior comes only for Jews; Gentiles benefit only indirectly by serving Israel.
  • Judaizing/”Judeo-Christian” error: Elevates ethnic Israel above others, making Jesus subservient to nationalistic expectations.
  • Prosperity gospel error: Reduces the story to “great faith = getting what you demand,” ignoring the woman’s humility and Christ-centered recognition.

Conclusion

The Christmas story reveals Jesus as the Shepherd of God’s true people – beginning with the promised Savior to Israel, yet always intended for all nations. The Syrophoenician woman’s story beautifully illustrates this: even “crumbs” from the Master’s table are enough because Jesus is the Savior of the world. Those who recognize Him by faith – regardless of background – are welcomed into His flock. This is the good news of great joy for all people.