Anticipating Christ: The Joy of Christmas and Hope

 

Summary

The Christmas season is a time of joy, reflection, and anticipation. It is a moment when we gather to celebrate not just a historical event, but a living reality that impacts our daily lives. The message of Christmas is a reminder of how deeply loved we are by Jesus, and it calls us to reflect on the significance of His birth, life, and the promise of His return. As we gather with family and friends, engage in traditions, and enjoy the festivities, we are also invited to ponder the deeper longing that Christmas often stirs within us—a longing for something more, something eternal.

This longing is not just a feeling of nostalgia or a desire for the festivities to last longer. It is a spiritual yearning for the fulfillment of God's promises, for the day when Jesus will return as our King. The Bible assures us that this is not just a distant hope but a certain promise. The second coming of Jesus is mentioned repeatedly throughout the New Testament, emphasizing that it is a central tenet of our faith. As we look forward to this day, we are encouraged to live lives that reflect the hope and joy of His coming.

The promise of Jesus' return is not something to fear but something to eagerly anticipate. It is a promise of a new heaven and a new earth, a place where righteousness dwells, where pain and suffering are no more, and where we will experience the ultimate family reunion. Heaven will be a place of unimaginable beauty, joy, and fulfillment, where we will be rewarded for our faithfulness and where every longing of our hearts will be satisfied.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us also look forward to the day when Jesus will come again. Let this season be a reminder that the best is yet to come, and that our lives are part of a greater story that God is still writing. May we live with anticipation and hope, knowing that Jesus is the light of the world and that He invites us to carry that light wherever we go.

Key Takeaways:

- The Daily Relevance of Christmas: Christmas is not just a historical event but a living reality that impacts our daily lives. It reminds us of how deeply loved we are by Jesus and calls us to reflect on His ongoing presence and promises. [33:32]

- The Promise of Jesus' Return: The Bible repeatedly assures us of Jesus' second coming, a central tenet of our faith. This promise is not something to fear but to eagerly anticipate, as it heralds a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. [44:24]

- Heaven as the Ultimate Fulfillment: Heaven is described as a place of unimaginable beauty, joy, and fulfillment, where every longing of our hearts will be satisfied. It will be a place of great rewards, where Jesus will affirm and reward His followers for their faithfulness. [50:47]

- Living with Anticipation: As we celebrate Christmas, we are invited to live with anticipation and hope, knowing that Jesus is the light of the world and that He invites us to carry that light wherever we go. This season reminds us that the best is yet to come. [59:37]

- The Invitation to Follow Jesus: The greatest decision we can make is to follow Jesus, the King who was born in a stable and who promises to come again. This decision brings us into His family and allows us to look forward to His return with joy and hope. [01:01:28]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [33:32] - Declaration of Faith
- [35:21] - Prayer for the Brokenhearted
- [37:01] - Christmas Traditions and Longings
- [38:27] - The Longing for More
- [40:38] - The Promise of Jesus' Return
- [44:24] - The Second Coming in Scripture
- [45:40] - Looking Forward to Jesus' Return
- [47:27] - A Story of Unexpected Joy
- [48:32] - The Joy of Anticipation
- [50:47] - Heaven: The Ultimate Family Reunion
- [52:12] - The Beauty and Joy of Heaven
- [52:59] - Heaven's Compensation for Pain
- [54:19] - The Rewards of Heaven
- [55:56] - Addressing Skepticism
- [57:43] - God's Timetable and Patience
- [59:37] - The Invitation to Follow Jesus
- [01:01:28] - The Best Christmas Present

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Peter 3:12-14
- John 14:2-3
- Revelation 22:20

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 2 Peter 3:12-14, what are believers encouraged to do as they look forward to the day of God? How does this relate to the promise of a new heaven and a new earth? [45:40]

2. In John 14:2-3, what promise does Jesus make to His followers about His return? How does this promise provide comfort and hope? [40:38]

3. Revelation 22:20 contains a promise from Jesus. What are the last four words of this promise, and how do they emphasize the certainty of His return? [44:24]

4. The sermon mentions that the second coming of Jesus is a central tenet of faith, mentioned 318 times in the New Testament. Why is this repetition significant for believers? [44:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the promise of Jesus' return in 2 Peter 3:12-14 encourage believers to live their lives differently? What does it mean to be "spotless, blameless, and at peace"? [45:40]

2. In what ways does the anticipation of a new heaven and a new earth, as described in the sermon, impact a believer's perspective on current struggles and challenges? [52:59]

3. How does the promise of Jesus' return in John 14:2-3 and Revelation 22:20 shape a believer's understanding of hope and future expectations? [40:38]

4. The sermon suggests that the longing for more during Christmas is a spiritual yearning for the fulfillment of God's promises. How can this longing be redirected towards anticipation for Jesus' return? [38:27]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea that Christmas is not just a historical event but a living reality. How can you incorporate this understanding into your daily life and interactions with others? [33:32]

2. The sermon encourages living with anticipation and hope. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a mindset of eager anticipation for Jesus' return in your daily routine? [59:37]

3. Consider the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. How does this vision of the future influence your current priorities and decisions? Are there specific areas in your life where you need to realign your focus? [45:40]

4. The sermon mentions that heaven will be a place of unimaginable beauty and joy. How can this promise motivate you to persevere through current hardships or disappointments? [52:12]

5. The invitation to follow Jesus is described as the greatest decision one can make. If you have already made this decision, how can you deepen your relationship with Him? If not, what steps can you take to explore this invitation further? [01:01:28]

6. The sermon highlights the importance of carrying the light of Jesus wherever we go. Identify one specific way you can be a light in your community or workplace this week. [01:03:42]

7. Reflect on the idea of heaven as the ultimate family reunion. How can this perspective influence the way you approach relationships and community here on earth? [50:47]

Devotional

Day 1: The Living Reality of Christmas
Christmas is not merely a historical event but a living reality that influences our daily lives. It serves as a reminder of the profound love Jesus has for us and invites us to reflect on His ongoing presence and promises. This season is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, who came to bring light into the world and to remind us of the hope and joy that His presence brings. As we engage in Christmas traditions and gather with loved ones, we are called to remember that Jesus' love is not confined to a single day but is a constant in our lives. This understanding encourages us to live each day with the awareness of His love and the impact it has on our actions and relationships. [33:32]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the reality of Jesus' love into your daily routine this Christmas season, allowing it to transform your interactions and decisions?


Day 2: Anticipating the Promise of Jesus' Return
The promise of Jesus' return is a central tenet of Christian faith, emphasized repeatedly throughout the New Testament. This promise is not something to fear but to eagerly anticipate, as it heralds a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. The Bible assures us that this is not just a distant hope but a certain promise. As believers, we are encouraged to live lives that reflect the hope and joy of His coming, knowing that His return will bring about the fulfillment of God's promises. This anticipation should inspire us to live with purpose and to share the hope of His return with others. [44:24]

"But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:13, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively prepare for Jesus' return, and how can this anticipation shape your daily actions and interactions with others?


Day 3: Heaven as the Ultimate Fulfillment
Heaven is described as a place of unimaginable beauty, joy, and fulfillment, where every longing of our hearts will be satisfied. It is a place where pain and suffering are no more, and where we will experience the ultimate family reunion. The promise of heaven is a source of hope and encouragement for believers, reminding us that our faithfulness will be rewarded. As we celebrate Christmas, we are invited to look forward to the day when we will be united with Jesus in heaven, experiencing the fullness of His love and the joy of His presence. This hope should inspire us to live faithfully and to share the message of heaven with others. [50:47]

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of heaven influence your perspective on current challenges, and how can you share this hope with someone who may be struggling?


Day 4: Living with Anticipation and Hope
As we celebrate Christmas, we are invited to live with anticipation and hope, knowing that Jesus is the light of the world and that He invites us to carry that light wherever we go. This season reminds us that the best is yet to come, and that our lives are part of a greater story that God is still writing. By living with this anticipation, we can bring hope and joy to those around us, reflecting the light of Jesus in our actions and words. This mindset encourages us to be intentional in our relationships and to seek opportunities to share the love and hope of Christ with others. [59:37]

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can carry the light of Jesus into your community this week, bringing hope and joy to those around you?


Day 5: The Invitation to Follow Jesus
The greatest decision we can make is to follow Jesus, the King who was born in a stable and who promises to come again. This decision brings us into His family and allows us to look forward to His return with joy and hope. Following Jesus means embracing His teachings and allowing His love to transform our lives. It is an invitation to be part of His story and to share His message of hope and salvation with others. As we reflect on the significance of Christmas, we are reminded of the importance of this decision and the impact it has on our lives and the lives of those around us. [01:01:28]

"And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'" (Matthew 4:19, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Jesus and to share His message of hope with someone in your life?

Quotes



"Christmas has a way of not only being a time of great joy, but also it highlights maybe what's wrong with the world. That we just go, you know, I wish there were more. I wish there were something better. I wish that whatever the good feelings I have, you know, is that they could last forever." [00:40:14] (24 seconds)


"And you know what the Bible says? I love this. The Bible says, yes, yes, absolutely yes. There's more to look forward to that Christmas is not the end, and that Jesus is still writing a story. And for his followers, there's going to be a day where it will only get better." [00:40:38] (21 seconds)


"Jesus is going to reward every single one of his followers. Here's what you read in 1 Corinthians chapter 4. It says this, at that time, each person, each follower of Jesus will receive their praise from whom? From God. Like, God is going to actually, Jesus is going to give you affirmation if you're one of his followers." [00:54:59] (20 seconds)


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Transcript
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