Anticipating the Joy of Christ's Birth
Summary
In the sermon "Christmas Eve at Evolve 2023" delivered by Pastor Jono on December 24th, 2023, the central theme revolves around the anticipation and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Pastor Jono begins by instilling a sense of waiting and eagerness for Jesus' arrival, using the phrase "We wait for you" to cultivate a longing among the congregation. He draws upon the hymn "Oh come, desire of nations, find," to express a yearning for unity and peace, urging the congregation to be prepared for Emmanuel's coming.
The sermon then transitions to a tone of joy and celebration, as Pastor Jono leads the congregation in singing "Joy to the World," proclaiming the reign of the Savior. He emphasizes Jesus' rule with truth and grace, and the wonders of His love and righteousness. The call to worship continues with "O Come All Ye Faithful," inviting all to adore Christ the Lord and join the angels in giving glory to God. The section concludes with a triumphant acknowledgment that the King has come.
Pastor Jono further encourages adoration and praise for Jesus, reflecting on His humble arrival on a dark night in a desert land. He portrays the birth of Jesus as an act of tenderness reaching out to humanity, bringing joy and dispelling darkness. The congregation is reminded of their anticipation for Emmanuel, reinforcing the theme of longing.
The importance of knowing the Father and surrendering to His authority is highlighted, with an invitation to desire God's love and to let it enter every trembling heart. The peaceful and holy nature of the night of Jesus' birth is captured through the lyrics of "Silent Night," describing the shepherds' awe and the pure light and redeeming grace brought by Jesus.
Pastor Jono also touches on the festive aspects of Christmas, singing popular songs like "Jingle Bells" and "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree," before steering back to the profound significance of the holiday—the birth of Jesus and God's love. The congregation is encouraged to prepare their hearts to adore the worthy Lord.
The sermon concludes with the congregation singing "O Come, Let Us Adore Him," expressing deep reverence and worship towards Jesus. The spontaneous nature of this worship segment suggests a heartfelt adoration for Christ, who is acknowledged as the sole recipient of glory and honor.
Key Takeaways:
- The act of waiting for Jesus' arrival is not passive but filled with active anticipation and preparation, as demonstrated by the congregation's repeated calls for Emmanuel. This reflects a spiritual readiness and eagerness to receive Christ into our lives, a practice that should extend beyond the Christmas season.
- The joy of Jesus' birth is not merely a historical event but a present reality that has the power to rule our hearts with truth and grace. Pastor Jono's emphasis on singing "Joy to the World" serves as a reminder that the transformative love and righteousness of Jesus are wonders that we can experience daily.
- The humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, described by Pastor Jono as occurring on a dark night in a barren land, symbolize the light and hope He brings into our darkest situations. This portrayal encourages believers to find solace in the tender approach of Jesus to humanity, especially in times of despair.
- The serene imagery of "Silent Night" captures the essence of divine peace that Jesus' birth ushers into a troubled world. Pastor Jono's inclusion of this hymn invites the congregation to experience the calm and brightness that the Savior's presence brings, a peace that surpasses all understanding.
- The spontaneous worship and adoration of Jesus by the congregation, as narrated by Pastor Jono, exemplify a genuine response to recognizing Christ's worthiness. This unscripted act of giving glory to Christ serves as a model for how our worship should be—a natural outpouring of reverence for the One who is most deserving.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
> "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."
2. Luke 2:10-14 (NIV)
> "But the angel said to them, '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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"
3. John 1:14 (NIV)
> "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What emotions and actions does Pastor Jono encourage the congregation to express while waiting for Jesus' arrival? ([32:16])
2. How does the hymn "Silent Night" describe the night of Jesus' birth? ([01:06:15])
3. What are the key themes in the hymn "Joy to the World" as highlighted by Pastor Jono? ([22:08])
4. How does Pastor Jono describe the birth of Jesus in terms of its impact on humanity? ([29:42])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to actively anticipate and prepare for Jesus' arrival, as opposed to waiting passively? How can this be applied in our daily lives? ([32:16])
2. How does the joy of Jesus' birth, as described in "Joy to the World," influence our understanding of His rule with truth and grace? ([22:08])
3. In what ways do the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, as described by Pastor Jono, provide hope and light in our darkest situations? ([29:42])
4. How does the serene imagery of "Silent Night" help us understand the divine peace that Jesus' birth brings into a troubled world? ([01:06:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep longing for something. How can you channel that same sense of anticipation towards waiting for Jesus' arrival in your life? ([32:16])
2. How can you incorporate the joy and celebration of Jesus' birth into your daily routine, not just during the Christmas season? ([22:08])
3. Think of a dark or challenging situation you are currently facing. How can the humble and tender approach of Jesus' birth provide you with hope and comfort? ([29:42])
4. The hymn "Silent Night" speaks of peace and calm. What practical steps can you take to experience and share this peace in your daily interactions? ([01:06:15])
5. Pastor Jono emphasizes the importance of spontaneous worship and adoration. How can you cultivate a heart of genuine worship in your everyday life? ([01:10:51])
6. How can you prepare your heart to adore Jesus more fully this Christmas season and beyond? ([01:10:05])
7. Reflect on the phrase "We wait for you" used by Pastor Jono. What are some ways you can actively prepare for Jesus' coming in your personal and spiritual life? ([32:16])
Devotional
Day 1: Active Anticipation in Faith
Active waiting for Christ involves preparing our hearts and lives for His presence and guidance. It's a dynamic state of spiritual readiness, where one's faith is expressed through actions that reflect a longing for a deeper relationship with Jesus. This anticipation is not just for the Christmas season but should be a continual posture of the believer's heart. [07:40]
Isaiah 30:18 - "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"
Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of active waiting on the Lord in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to prepare for His guidance?
Day 2: The Present Reality of Jesus' Joy
The joy of Jesus' birth is a transformative power that continues to reign in our hearts today. It is not confined to the past but is a present and active force that brings truth and grace into our lives. This joy is a daily wonder, offering us the opportunity to live in the righteousness of Jesus and to share His love with others. [14:20]
Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embrace and express the joy of Jesus in your everyday interactions and decisions?
Day 3: Light in Our Darkness
The humble circumstances of Jesus' birth remind us that He enters into our darkest moments to bring hope and light. His tender approach to humanity is a source of comfort and joy, especially when we face despair or feel lost. The light of Christ is always reaching out to illuminate our paths and guide us to peace. [21:55]
Micah 7:8 - "Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light."
Reflection: Can you identify a dark area in your life where you need the light of Christ to shine? How can you open up to His tender approach today?
Day 4: Divine Peace in the Savior's Presence
The birth of Jesus brought divine peace into a troubled world, a peace that surpasses all understanding. The calm and brightness of His presence offer solace and redemption. As we reflect on the serene imagery of that holy night, we are invited to experience the same peace in our hearts and lives. [29:30]
Colossians 3:15 - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Reflection: What are some areas of your life where you need to experience Christ's peace more deeply, and how can you actively seek His peace this week?
Day 5: Heartfelt Worship as a Response to Christ
True worship is a spontaneous outpouring of reverence and adoration for Jesus, recognizing His worthiness. It is not scripted or forced but is a natural response to the realization of who Christ is and what He has done for us. Our worship should reflect a deep, heartfelt connection with our Savior. [37:45]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: What does spontaneous and heartfelt worship look like in your daily life, and how can you make space for it today?
Quotes
"He rules the world with truth and grace. And makes the nations prove. The glories of his righteousness. And wonders of his love." [22:43] (Download)
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"Every heart longing for our King will sing. We'll be the church ready for you." [34:13] (Download)
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"We can come to know the Father freely" [57:20] (Download)
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"It's your love that we desire, A prayer of surrender, Come under his authority" [57:20] (Download)
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"It came in the darkest of nights. A desert land. It came tender in the murmur of the newborn. Arms reach." [30:01] (Download)
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