This sermon uses the familiar language of “’ Twas the Night Before Christmas” and the popular image of Santa Claus to confront a spiritual blind spot that’s common at Christmas: many people either make the season about Santa—or, even in church settings, reduce Jesus to nothing more than “a baby in a manger.” The message calls listeners to examine whether they truly know Christ beyond a seasonal story, stressing that Jesus is not only the One born in Bethlehem—He is the living Son of God who came to save, who still reigns, and who must be personally received and followed.
Moving from the manger to Christ’s ministry, the sermon highlights who Jesus proved Himself to be: the miracle-working Savior who fed the multitudes, healed the sick, cleansed lepers, gave sight to the blind, cast out devils, calmed storms, walked on water, raised the dead, and taught with authority. But the sermon’s focus isn’t merely historical—it presses the listener toward personal response: Do you remember Christ after December ends? Do you worship Him, trust Him, and follow Him, or do you only acknowledge Him as part of a holiday tradition?
Dr. Charles Stover then centers on the cross and the heart of the gospel, explaining that Jesus was rejected, beaten, and crucified—yet His death opened the way for sinners to come directly to God. Emphasis is placed on the new covenant reality: through Jesus Christ, believers have real access to God and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. The sermon closes with a practical and spiritual appeal—don’t leave Christ in the manger and don’t settle for a cultural version of Christianity. Instead, come to Him sincerely, worship Him as Lord, and live in daily dependence on the Savior who is not far away, but present and ready to help with everything you face.