Celebrating Christ: Love, Service, and Forgiveness This Christmas

 

Summary

In this Christmas gathering, we come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, who dwelt among us. This season is a reminder of God's immense love for us, demonstrated through the sending of His only Son to live, die, and rise again for our salvation. As we gather, we acknowledge the blessings God provides daily—financial, emotional, and spiritual—and we express our gratitude through our tithes and offerings, trusting in His provision and faithfulness.

We also take this time to honor those who serve selflessly within our church community. Their dedication, often unseen, is invaluable in spreading the gospel and supporting the church's mission. We recognize the board members for their leadership and commitment, emphasizing that their work is not driven by personal agendas but by a genuine desire to serve God and the church.

As we partake in communion, we reflect on the significance of this act of remembrance. Communion is not just a ritual but a profound reminder of Jesus' sacrifice. Through His broken body and shed blood, He established a new covenant, offering us redemption and eternal life. This act calls us to remember the reality of His death and resurrection, ensuring we never lose sight of the truth of His love and sacrifice.

Isaiah 53 prophesied the suffering and triumph of Jesus, highlighting that He bore our sorrows, afflictions, and sins. By His stripes, we are healed, and through His death, we are redeemed from the curse of the law. As we take communion, we remember that Jesus paid the ultimate price for our peace, healing, and salvation.

In this season, let us also focus on forgiveness, releasing any grudges or bitterness we may hold. Just as Christ forgave us, we are called to forgive others, allowing His love and grace to flow through us. This Christmas, may our homes be filled with love, joy, peace, and restoration, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and the hope He brings to our lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Provision and Faithfulness: In every season, God is our provider, sustaining us financially, emotionally, and spiritually. We are reminded to trust in His provision, knowing that He supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory. Our offerings are an expression of gratitude and trust in His faithfulness. [06:14]

2. The Importance of Service: The church thrives through the selfless service of its members. Each person's contribution, whether seen or unseen, is vital to the mission of spreading the gospel. God honors those who serve with humility and dedication, and their work is never overlooked in His eyes. [44:45]

3. The Significance of Communion: Communion is a sacred act of remembrance, calling us to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice. It is a reminder of the new covenant established through His blood, offering us redemption and eternal life. As we partake, we proclaim the truth of His death and resurrection. [49:45]

4. The Power of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a central theme of the gospel. As Christ forgave us, we are called to forgive others, releasing any bitterness or grudges. This act of grace allows us to experience true freedom and peace, reflecting the love of Christ in our relationships. [54:02]

5. The Hope of Restoration: This Christmas season, we pray for restoration in our homes, communities, and nation. God's love and peace have the power to heal broken relationships and bring joy and comfort. Let us embrace this season as a time of renewal and hope, trusting in God's promises. [01:00:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [06:14] - Opening Prayer and Offering
- [12:00] - Acknowledging Church Members
- [20:00] - Honoring the Board Members
- [30:00] - The Spirit of Service
- [40:00] - Recognizing Selfless Dedication
- [48:27] - Introduction to Communion
- [49:45] - The Meaning of Communion
- [50:43] - Reflecting on Jesus' Sacrifice
- [52:27] - Isaiah 53 and Jesus' Payment
- [52:57] - The Healing Power of Jesus
- [54:02] - Embracing Forgiveness
- [55:50] - Prayer for the Season
- [01:00:29] - Closing Blessing and Farewell

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:14 - "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."
2. Isaiah 53:4-5 - "Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."

Observation Questions:
1. What does John 1:14 reveal about the nature of Jesus and His mission on earth?
2. According to Isaiah 53:4-5, what did Jesus endure for our sake, and what are the results of His suffering?
3. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, what are the two elements of communion, and what do they symbolize? [49:45]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of church members and board members in supporting the church's mission? [44:45]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "The Word became flesh" in John 1:14 deepen our understanding of God's love and commitment to humanity?
2. What does Isaiah 53:4-5 suggest about the nature of Jesus' sacrifice and its implications for our spiritual and physical well-being?
3. Why is it important to remember Jesus' sacrifice through communion, as described in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, and how does this practice impact our faith? [49:45]
4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of selfless service within the church, and what does this reveal about the values of the church community? [44:45]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in your life. How can you express gratitude for His faithfulness this Christmas season? [06:14]
2. In what ways can you contribute to your church community, even if your efforts go unseen? How does this align with the sermon’s message about service? [44:45]
3. How can participating in communion help you stay focused on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice in your daily life? [49:45]
4. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? How can you take steps towards forgiveness, inspired by the message of Christ's forgiveness? [54:02]
5. What specific actions can you take to foster love, joy, peace, and restoration in your home during this Christmas season? [01:00:29]
6. How can you actively seek restoration in a broken relationship, trusting in God's power to heal and renew? [01:00:29]
7. Consider the blessings in your life. How can you use them to bless others, reflecting the spirit of giving and service emphasized in the sermon? [06:14]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Trusting in God's Provision

In every season of life, God is our provider, sustaining us financially, emotionally, and spiritually. This truth is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles or triumphs. God's provision is not limited to material wealth but extends to the peace and strength we need to navigate life's challenges. As we offer our tithes and offerings, we express our gratitude and trust in His faithfulness, acknowledging that He supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory. This act of giving is a tangible expression of our reliance on Him, knowing that He is faithful to provide for us in every circumstance. [06:14]

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in God's provision? How can you actively choose to trust Him more in this area today?


Day 2: The Value of Selfless Service

The church thrives through the selfless service of its members, each person's contribution being vital to the mission of spreading the gospel. Service is not just about fulfilling duties but is an act of worship and love towards God and others. Those who serve with humility and dedication are honored by God, and their work is never overlooked in His eyes. This reminder encourages us to serve not for recognition but out of a genuine desire to further God's kingdom and support the church community. [44:45]

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)

Reflection: How can you serve someone in your church or community this week in a way that reflects Christ's love and humility?


Day 3: The Depth of Communion

Communion is a sacred act of remembrance, calling us to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice. It is not merely a ritual but a profound reminder of the new covenant established through His blood, offering us redemption and eternal life. As we partake in communion, we proclaim the truth of His death and resurrection, ensuring we never lose sight of the reality of His love and sacrifice. This act invites us to remember the cost of our salvation and the depth of God's love for us. [49:45]

"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'" (Luke 22:19, ESV)

Reflection: As you prepare for your next communion, how can you deepen your understanding and appreciation of this sacred act?


Day 4: Embracing the Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a central theme of the gospel, calling us to release any bitterness or grudges we may hold. Just as Christ forgave us, we are called to forgive others, allowing His love and grace to flow through us. This act of grace allows us to experience true freedom and peace, reflecting the love of Christ in our relationships. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is a powerful step towards healing and restoration in our lives and the lives of others. [54:02]

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today? How can you take a step towards forgiveness and healing in that relationship?


Day 5: The Hope of Restoration

This Christmas season, we pray for restoration in our homes, communities, and nation. God's love and peace have the power to heal broken relationships and bring joy and comfort. Embracing this season as a time of renewal and hope, we trust in God's promises for restoration and healing. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we are reminded of the hope He brings to our lives, encouraging us to seek restoration and peace in every area of our lives. [01:00:29]

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." (Psalm 51:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life or a relationship that needs restoration? How can you invite God's healing and peace into that situation today?

Quotes



"Thank you, Father, if any person is in lack in this season, I thank you, Lord, that you are our provider. Lord, your word says that if we bring our tithe into the storehouse, Father, Lord, you'd open up the windows of heaven and pour out blessing upon us. We have room not enough to receive. Lord, you said that you are our source, not everything else but you, Father. Lord, that you would supply all of our needs according to your riches and glory. We put our hope and we put our trust in you, and we bring an offering to you this morning. In Jesus' name, and everybody said, amen." [00:03:43] (28 seconds)


"I always think it's important to take communion around this time of year because with everything that goes on in these seasons and we get so busy and we're here and there and we're just trying to make each thing as it comes along. You know, we need to take time to do that. We need to take time to do what Paul said that the Lord told him to do is to take communion and do it in remembrance of him. First Corinthians 11, 23 through 26 says this, for I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which he was betrayed took bread." [00:48:44] (32 seconds)


"Do this to call me affectionately to remembrance. Similarly, when supper was ended, he took the cup also saying, the cup is a new covenant ratified and established in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it to call me affectionately to remembrance. For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you're representing and signifying and proclaiming the fact of the Lord's death until he comes." [00:50:45] (31 seconds)


"I like that you're proclaiming the fact because if we ever lose sight that it's fact, that it's truth and that a doubt will create a new covenant, we're going to lose sight of the truth. Whether Jesus was real, whether Jesus really died for us, whether Jesus did what he did and says, when you do this, you put yourself in remembrance of the fact of Jesus's death for us and what that meant." [00:51:56] (23 seconds)


"We're remembering when we take communion, his death and his sacrifice for us in his place. Spiritually, it means that he paid for our eternal security and salvation from what's going to happen to this world and the systems of this world. And it's master, which is Satan." [00:53:18] (21 seconds)


"It also means that he paid for some things that we can benefit from while here on the earth in our flesh and in our mind and our emotions and our will. Because Isaiah prophesied that Jesus and everything that he would come and do in his death in Isaiah 53, it was about six to 800 years prior to the events of the cross." [00:53:59] (21 seconds)


"In Isaiah 53, these are the things that it talks about, that through the death of Jesus, this is what he paid for for us. He paid for our rejection because he was rejected. He paid for our sorrows and griefs. He paid for our afflictions. He paid for our transgressions and iniquities, which are sins. He paid a great price for our peace. The Bible says that by his stripes, he was paying, the stripes that he took on his back, he was paying for our healing." [00:54:56] (30 seconds)


"Let's take that time to say, you know, if Jesus paid for all of my sins and forgave me of everything, then he did that for the person that maybe I'm harboring things towards. No matter how horrible the thing may be, if Jesus forgave me and my sins, he can forgive them and I should forgive them. Because the word of God says that if you can't forgive others, he can't forgive you." [00:54:32] (29 seconds)


"Lord, let your love and your joy and your peace and your mercy rule and reign in their homes throughout this season, Father. Lord, bring comfort where comfort is needed. Lord, bring peace where peace is needed. Bring joy where joy is needed. Let this be just a wonderful time of peace, love, joy, comfort in our homes." [01:00:11] (26 seconds)


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Transcript
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