Celebrating the Birth and Hope of the Savior
Summary
The Christmas Eve service at Lexington Park Baptist Church was a heartfelt celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the hope brought by the Savior. The evening began with a warm welcome to all attendees, both in-person and online, and a call to reflect on the significance of the Christmas story. The service highlighted the prophecy from Micah 5:2, which foretold the birth of a ruler from Bethlehem, and the fulfillment of this prophecy in the birth of Jesus, the Messiah.
The lighting of the Christ candle by the McCombs family symbolized the rise of the Savior, a central theme of the evening. The message focused on the profound truth that Jesus' birth was not just a historical event but a divine intervention that brought light into the darkness. The sermon explored the significance of Jesus' birth, emphasizing that the rise of the Savior is not only about His coming to earth but also about His resurrection, which offers eternal life to believers.
The narrative of Joseph and Mary was revisited, highlighting Joseph's righteousness and the divine nature of Jesus' conception. The sermon underscored the importance of understanding Jesus as both fully God and fully man, a mystery that is central to the Christian faith. The message also addressed the purpose of Jesus' coming: to save humanity from sin, a truth that distinguishes Christianity from other religions.
The service concluded with an invitation to receive the indescribable gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on their relationship with Christ and to embrace the hope and joy that His birth brings. The evening ended with a candlelight ceremony, symbolizing the light of Christ spreading among the congregation, and a call to leave with joy in their hearts, celebrating the Savior's birth.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Fulfillment of Prophecy: The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfills ancient prophecies, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises. This fulfillment assures us that God will also keep His promises to us, including the promise of salvation. [30:38]
2. The Dual Nature of Christ: Jesus is both fully God and fully man, a divine mystery that is central to the Christian faith. This dual nature is essential for understanding the significance of His birth, life, death, and resurrection. [49:36]
3. The Purpose of the Savior: Jesus came to save humanity from sin, offering a path to eternal life. This distinguishes Christianity from other religions, as it emphasizes God's initiative in reaching out to humanity. [01:02:23]
4. The Power of Salvation: The power of Jesus' resurrection is the foundation of the Christian hope for eternal life. His victory over death assures believers of their own resurrection and eternal life with God. [01:05:54]
5. The Indescribable Gift: Salvation through Jesus is the greatest gift, available to all who call upon His name. This gift is not earned by human effort but is freely given by God's grace. [01:08:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Opening Prayer
- [01:30] - Lighting of the Christ Candle
- [03:00] - The Rise of the Savior
- [05:00] - Prophecy and Fulfillment
- [10:00] - The Story of Joseph and Mary
- [15:00] - The Dual Nature of Christ
- [20:00] - The Purpose of the Savior
- [25:00] - The Power of Salvation
- [30:00] - Invitation to Receive the Gift
- [35:00] - Candlelight Ceremony
- [40:00] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
- [45:00] - Dismissal with Joy
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Micah 5:2
- Matthew 1:18-25
- 2 Corinthians 9:15
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Observation Questions:
1. What prophecy from the Old Testament is highlighted in the sermon as being fulfilled by the birth of Jesus? How does this prophecy relate to the location of Jesus' birth? [30:38]
2. How does the sermon describe the dual nature of Jesus, and why is this significant to the Christian faith? [49:36]
3. What role does Joseph play in the narrative of Jesus' birth, and how is his character described in the sermon? [58:56]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the Christ candle being lit during the service? [39:38]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth demonstrate God's faithfulness, and what implications does this have for believers today? [58:56]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that understanding Jesus as both fully God and fully man is essential for comprehending the purpose of His life and mission? [49:36]
3. How does the sermon explain the purpose of Jesus' coming to earth, and how does this purpose distinguish Christianity from other religions? [01:02:23]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the power of Jesus' resurrection and its impact on the hope for eternal life for believers? [01:05:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth encourage you to trust in God's promises today? [58:56]
2. The sermon emphasizes the dual nature of Christ. How does understanding Jesus as both fully God and fully man affect your personal relationship with Him? [49:36]
3. Consider the purpose of Jesus' coming as described in the sermon. How does this understanding influence the way you view your own purpose and mission in life? [01:02:23]
4. The sermon highlights the power of Jesus' resurrection. How does this assurance of eternal life impact your daily decisions and priorities? [01:05:54]
5. The sermon concludes with an invitation to receive the gift of salvation. Have you embraced this gift in your life? If not, what steps can you take to explore this further? [01:08:11]
6. Reflect on the candlelight ceremony as a symbol of spreading the light of Christ. How can you be a light in your community and share the hope of Jesus with others? [01:14:13]
7. The sermon mentions the indescribable gift of Jesus. How can you express gratitude for this gift in your daily life, especially during the Christmas season? [40:51]
Devotional
Sure, here is the 5-day devotional based on the key takeaways from the sermon summary:
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Day 1: God's Faithfulness in Fulfilled Prophecy
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is a profound testament to God's faithfulness, as it fulfills the ancient prophecy found in Micah 5:2. This event is not just a historical occurrence but a divine assurance that God keeps His promises. The prophecy foretold a ruler from Bethlehem, and Jesus' birth is the realization of that promise, demonstrating that God is true to His word. This fulfillment is a reminder that just as God kept His promise of a Savior, He will also keep His promises to us, including the promise of salvation. Believers can find comfort and hope in knowing that God's word is reliable and His promises are sure. [30:38]
Micah 5:2 (ESV): "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you are holding onto today? How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth strengthen your trust in God's promises for your life?
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Day 2: The Mystery of Christ's Dual Nature
Understanding Jesus as both fully God and fully man is central to the Christian faith. This dual nature is a divine mystery that underscores the significance of His birth, life, death, and resurrection. Jesus' humanity allows Him to empathize with our weaknesses, while His divinity assures us of His power to save. This unique nature is essential for the work of salvation, as only someone who is both God and man could bridge the gap between humanity and God. Embracing this mystery deepens our appreciation for the incarnation and the lengths to which God went to redeem us. [49:36]
Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."
Reflection: How does the understanding of Jesus' dual nature impact your relationship with Him? In what ways can you seek to know Him more fully as both God and man?
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Day 3: The Savior's Mission to Save
Jesus' purpose in coming to earth was to save humanity from sin, offering a path to eternal life. This mission sets Christianity apart, as it emphasizes God's initiative in reaching out to humanity. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the means by which salvation is made available to all who believe. This divine intervention is a gift of grace, not something earned by human effort. Understanding the purpose of the Savior's coming invites us to respond to His offer of salvation and to live in the freedom and hope that it brings. [01:02:23]
1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV): "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost."
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of Jesus' mission to save. How does this understanding shape your view of salvation and your response to God's grace in your life?
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Day 4: The Hope of Resurrection
The power of Jesus' resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope for eternal life. His victory over death assures believers of their own resurrection and eternal life with God. This hope is not just for the future but impacts how we live today, giving us strength and courage to face life's challenges. The resurrection is a reminder that death is not the end, and that through Christ, we have the promise of new life. Embracing this hope transforms our perspective and empowers us to live with purpose and joy. [01:05:54]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: How does the hope of resurrection influence your daily life and decisions? In what ways can you live out this hope in your interactions with others?
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Day 5: Embracing the Gift of Salvation
Salvation through Jesus is the greatest gift, freely given by God's grace to all who call upon His name. This indescribable gift is not earned by human effort but is a result of God's love and mercy. Receiving this gift involves acknowledging our need for a Savior and accepting the grace offered through Jesus Christ. As we embrace this gift, we are invited to live in the joy and freedom that comes from being reconciled to God. This gift of salvation is a source of hope and a call to share the light of Christ with others. [01:08:11]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Have you fully embraced the gift of salvation in your life? How can you share this indescribable gift with someone in your life today?
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Quotes
The greatest gift that was ever given, the scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:15, that the greatest gift ever given is the indescribable gift of Jesus Christ. And we need to be thankful to God for him. So as we go to the Lord in prayer over these offerings, will you please join me as we praise God and thank God for Jesus. [00:39:41]
The rise of the Savior is not just he came to earth; the rise of the Savior is that he is the risen Lord. So you can't talk about Christmas without looking to Easter. If Jesus just came and was born, he was this little baby and he lived a good life and a spotless life even and he died but he didn't conquer the grave, then he cannot give you or I eternal life. [00:51:06]
The promise of the Savior is that God keeps his promise. Do you know this? But 722 years before Jesus' birth, the scripture that's on the front of your program from Micah 5:2 was spoken. Also, at the same time, Isaiah is saying the same thing in Isaiah 7 and Isaiah 9. He's telling us, for unto us a child will be born, a son will be given, his name will be Emmanuel. [00:57:49]
All these prophecies were spoken back when Assyria, if you've been coming to the church, you've heard this, back when Assyria was invading the northern kingdom. These are all historic facts. You can go read these things. You can go read this history. This really took place. And Isaiah and Micah are saying these things. Isaiah's saying it from the southern kingdom, and Micah's saying it from the northern kingdom, and they're predicting that this Messiah would come. [00:58:10]
The promise is not that things will be perfect here. The promise is that we have a Savior who will give us eternal life. Amen? Maybe say yes to that tonight. The second point is the purpose of the Savior, the rise of the Savior, is that he saves us from our sins. Listen, this doesn't preach well in our culture. You're a sinner. I'm a sinner. Welcome to Christmas. [01:01:23]
We're all a bunch of grinches until our hearts grow with Christ. We are void. We are depraved. We are in sin. And we are separated from God. That is not a place that any of us should want to stay. And here's the promise that God makes to us. See, Jesus makes it so simple. Every other religion is about... How I can get to God. God came to us. That's Christmas. [01:02:25]
The power of the Savior is that he has eternal salvation to give you. The power is because he conquered death by the power of God, he can now extend to you the gift of salvation, the greatest gift ever given. You see, he will save. That is not up for debate in my book. He will save. And if you call upon his name, the promise is he will save you. [01:05:54]
In Philippians chapter two, this song in the first century, it would have been a choral piece that the first century would have sang about this Christ. It says that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father. Tonight, have you bowed and needed this Jesus? Have you confessed his name? [01:06:38]
John 3, 16 tells us this. God so loved the world, that's you and me, that he sent Jesus, that if we believe in him, we will not perish, but have everlasting life. That is the gift you can open tonight. If you decide to, listen to what, listen to what, the Hebrew writer was writing in Hebrews 7, 25, therefore, he is able to save completely all those who come to God through him, through him is Jesus, since he always lives to intercede for them. [01:08:11]
May tonight we receive all three of those into our lives. May we receive your salvation. May we receive forgiveness of our sins. And may we hold on to you. And may we hold certain to the promise and the hope that we have in Christ Jesus alone. Lord, you are able to save us completely. I pray in this moment, if someone doesn't know you as Lord and Savior, you'll draw them to your side. [01:09:54]
May we know that the light has come into the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. May we know that you are that light that gives light and you are the light of men. And Lord, on that night long ago, we celebrate right now in this silent moment the promise of the Messiah. The hope of eternal life. And we thank you, Lord Jesus, that you came to earth. [01:20:50]
We thank you that you're our savior. In Jesus name we pray these things. Amen. You are dismissed. But also if you want to sit around and play the song lights back up. Let's leave with great joy in our hearts. Amen. [01:22:05]
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