THERE IS NO GREATER JOY THAN THAT WHICH THE PRINCE OF PEACE GIVES, BUT SATAN TRIES TO SNATCH IT AWAY

1. Christmas is the season that should bring the greatest joy of all the year, but Satan snatches it away
2. John stresses the sweetness of abiding in Christ, & the joy of the Agape-Love - Fellowship
3. But with all this there is the heartbreak of those who abandon the Joy of God, chasing the wisp of worldly pleasure promised by the Anti-Christ- !

Do you abide, or abandon?

I.- "HE THAT SAYETH " I John 1:6 & Whole World cries "Merry Christmas"!

John the Beloved faces plainly the fact that things are not as they ought to be, nor said to be

A.- THERE IS A GREAT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MAN'S TALK AND A MAN'S ACTION

1. John echoes in 1:6,8, and 10 "If we say "we have fellowship, no sin, not sinned- " 
2. Then John writes "He that Sayeth" in 2:4,6, & 9- "I know Him, Abide in Him,- in the light
3. So because of the loud-mouth "saying" - many who should speak up are prevented from speaking

B.- JOHN CONTRASTS THE JOY OF THE PERSON WHO REALLY HAS THE LORD, NOT JUST SPEAKING, BUT ABIDING! 

1. 1:7 If we walk in the Light-we have fellowship - if you ARE a Christian- not just saying it
2. 1:9-If we confess -The honesty of the Christian about his sin opens the door to forgiveness
3. 2:1- If we sin- our needs are so great we have an advocate to plead our cause. -Jesus Christ

C.- THE DIFRERENCE BETWEEN SAYING AND KNOWING CHRIST IS THE DIFRERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH

1. Saying and not obeying - is lying - John speaks tenderly, plainly Obedience is right answer
2. Claiming to Abide is proven by the Walk-2:6- Say you are a Christian- prove it with your walk.
3. God's light leads to Love, and Love shows itself by a person abiding in Christ -obedience

Two types of persons are shown- both claiming to be of God- but their lifestyles differ!

II.- "BUT THEY WENT OUT" I John 2:19 Most Christmas crowd aren't Saved!

Those who say they are celebrating Christmas will be tested by their works- & God's Word

A.- JOHN STATES "THEY WENT OUT FROM US", 19a -They did not accept John's authority as Apostle

1. Their departure was doctrinal and moral -They claimed Christ, but followed the World
2. Christmas carols are sung in Bars, Taverns, drunken Office Parties, Playboy clubs, etc.
3. Thought Christmas a good excuse to run to what they love- I John 2:15,6 draws unsaved

B.- BUT JOHN KNOWS "THEY WERE NOT OF US" 19b -These people are not a part of God's Family

1. The "Love of the Father is not in him-" 15b They are not born again, not in God's family
2. A person can say "I love God"- but if he hates his Brother-4:20, apply this to YOUR life.
3. How can we overcome the World's hate- 5:4 -by being Born of God- This is why Jesus Came-

C.- JOHN PLAINLY SAYS "THEY MADE MANIFEST THAT THEY WERE NOT ALL OF US" - 19c Truth will out

1. Jesus said-"By their fruits ye shall know them" -Paul said- "Examine yourselves"-of the faith
2. Some may be full of Christmas spirit-charity, fun, excitement,-but soon settle down to sinful
3. The world may observe Christ's birthday,-but they way they celebrate shows Satan is their God

Even a "surprise" birthday party sooner or later invites the one with the birthday-do you?

III.- "BUT HE ABIDETH FOREVER" I John 2:17b The real Christmas present

"The World passes away" But God has a special Christmas present for those who will come to Him

A.- "THE WORD OF GOD ABIDETH IN YOU" I John 2:17b This is the only way to be strong!

1. It is the Word of God-sown in your heart- that brings forth life! Don't Xmas it away! (X = Unknown Factor)
2. I Peter 1:23,25-The Word of God is the Abiding Seed -Listen to the Word in the Carols!
3. If you let the Word abide in your heart-it will produce new birth-then you Abide in Him

B.-THEN THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN ABIDE IN YOU, AND WILL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS 2:27

1. When you are Born Again- you receive a new Spirit- the Holy Spirit abides within to guide
2. Do not grieve, vex, or quench the Holy Spirit-and you shall continue in the Son-2:24b
3. Let the Holy Spirit teach you- and you will abide in Christ -in His will, commandments

C.- "YE SHALL ABIDE IN HIM"* 2:27b, 28a THE PROMISE AND THE COMMAND -Christmas forever in your heart

1. John used the word "Abide" often- John 15:4-12 the reason- That your joy might be full
2. Jesus appeared in Bethlehem's manger- and the Shepherds had great joy- We can have it today
3. But the real time to have Joy is when He comes again- Abide in Him, and have confidence when He appears - 2:28b

Only in abiding can you overcome the Wicked One- outlive the World

SOME MAKE GREAT CELEBRATION AT CHRISTMAS, BUT ONLY THE SAVED CAN BE FILLED WITH JOY THE YEAR ROUND

1. Let this Christmas be a time centering in Jesus Christ- make sure He abides in your heart
2. Resolve in your heart that you will OBEY His commandments, walk in His love, no Xmas sin
3. Make a special effort to lead your family to full enjoyment of a Christian Christmas.