Christmas Character Preaching Guide: Top Sermons and Resources for the Christmas Season
Our Christmas Character Preaching Guide includes sermon outlines, illustrations, and resources that can help pastors like you craft thoughtful holiday messages. Each sermon outline is designed to shed light on the lives and lessons of these Christmas story characters, making it easier to create sermons that speak to the heart of the holiday season.
Each character—whether you’re focusing on Mary, the shepherds, or the wise men—offers unique lessons. Their faith, humility, and devotion resonate powerfully during the Christmas season and throughout the rest of the year.
By exploring these key Christmas characters, pastors can offer fresh insights and relatable stories that inspire audiences, fostering a meaningful reflection on the significance of Christ’s birth.
Popular Sermon Outlines:
Joseph - A Christmas Story
by Ron Clarkson
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 1:18-25Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
The Main Point:
Joseph's role in the Christmas story highlights obedience, trust, and the quiet strength of following God's plan despite fear.
Summary:
Ron Clarkson explores Joseph's perspective, bringing to light his unique position and the incredible trust he placed in God during uncertain times. This sermon emphasizes the often-overlooked strength and humility of Joseph.
The Forgotten Personality Of Christmas
by Dr. Ed Young
Scripture Reference:
Luke 2:1-20And everyone went to their own town to register.So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
The Main Point:
Dr. Ed Young emphasizes Joseph's character, his faith, and his role as a righteous man who listened to God's guidance during critical moments.
Summary:
This sermon reflects on Joseph's pivotal yet quiet role in the Christmas story. Dr. Ed Young provides insights into Joseph's deep faith and commitment to God's will, showcasing him as a model of quiet strength and righteousness.
Christmas through the Eyes of Joseph (1 of 3)
by Dave Gustavsen
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 1:18-25But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.
The Main Point:
This sermon explores Joseph's perspective on the events leading up to Jesus’ birth, highlighting his obedience and faith.
Summary:
Dave Gustavsen sheds light on the often-overlooked perspective of Joseph, showing how his quiet strength and faithfulness played a crucial role in the Christmas story. It serves as an encouragement for believers to trust in God's plan.
Christmas Characters: Jesus (6 of 6)
by Jerry Vines
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 1:21-25She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
The Main Point:
The birth of Jesus is central to the Christmas story, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise of a savior.
Summary:
This sermon focuses on Jesus, emphasizing His birth as the cornerstone of the Christmas narrative. The message explores the significance of the names given to Jesus and how they reflect His divine mission.
You May Also Be Interested in Sermons On:
Scriptures about Christmas Characters:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them...Matthew 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph...Luke 1:26-38
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph...Matthew 2:1-12
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem...
Sermon Illustrations On Christmas Characters:
The Word Made Flesh
The eternal Word of God, who created time itself, entered time and took on human frailty. The One who holds the stars became an infant, the Bread of Life hungered, the Fountain thirsted, and the Judge was judged. Christ endured these indignities to free us, not because we deserved it, but because of His boundless love.
Mary Had The Little Lamb
This piece beautifully captures the full scope of Christ’s mission, from His humble birth to His victorious second coming, reimagining the familiar "Mary had a little lamb" nursery rhyme to tell the story of Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Additional Sermon Illustrations On:
Sample Blessings & Prayers to End a Sermon On Christmas Characters:
1. As we reflect on the characters of the Christmas story, may the humble faith of Joseph, the courageous trust of Mary, and the joyful wonder of the shepherds and Wise Men inspire us. May their example guide us to respond to God’s call with obedience and love. In this season of celebration, may we experience the deep peace of knowing that God is with us—Immanuel—working His perfect plan through ordinary people, and bringing light to our world. May the birth of Jesus fill our hearts with hope, joy, and an overwhelming sense of His presence.
2. Heavenly Father, as we celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus, we thank You for the lives of those who played such important roles in the Christmas story. We are grateful for Joseph’s quiet strength and obedience, for Mary’s faith and willingness to trust in Your plan, and for the shepherds and Wise Men, who sought and worshiped Your Son. Lord, help us to be like them—faithful, humble, and open to Your will. May we recognize Your presence in our lives, even in unexpected ways, and respond with hearts full of joy and praise. As we remember the birth of Jesus, may we be filled with the wonder of Your love and share that love with those around us. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
