Celebrating the Light and Hope of Christmas

 

Summary

Christmas is a time of celebration, not just for the traditions and festivities, but for the profound spiritual truth it represents. Before the world was formed, God had a plan, a plan that included the birth of a Savior, Jesus Christ. This plan was meticulously crafted, knowing the chaos and mess humanity would create. Yet, God chose to send His Son into the world, not in grandeur, but in humility, born to a young virgin named Mary. This act of divine love is what we celebrate during Christmas, a season that reminds us of the light that Jesus brought into a dark world.

The story of Christmas is not just a historical account but a narrative that began before time itself. In the Gospel of John, we learn that Jesus, the Word, was with God from the beginning. He is the light of all mankind, a light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This light is what we celebrate when we see the twinkling lights of Christmas trees and decorations. It is a reminder that Jesus came to illuminate our lives, to drive out darkness, and to offer us the gift of becoming children of God.

Christmas also invites us to embrace a childlike faith. The wonder and awe that children experience during this season reflect the kind of faith we are called to have. Jesus taught that to enter the kingdom of God, we must receive it like a child, with openness and trust. This childlike faith allows us to believe in the miraculous, to see the world with wonder, and to trust in God's promises.

Finally, Christmas is a time when all of creation rejoices. The birth of Jesus was not just a human event but a cosmic one. The stars, the angels, and even the unborn John the Baptist leapt with joy at His coming. If creation can celebrate the birth of Christ, so should we. Christmas is a reminder that God's plan was set in motion to bring salvation to the world, a plan that culminated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This is why we love Christmas, for it is a celebration of the light, hope, and salvation that Jesus brings.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Eternal Plan: Before the world began, God had a plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. This plan was set in motion with the birth of Jesus, who came to bring light into a dark world. His birth was not an accident but a divine orchestration to fulfill God's promise of redemption. [03:37]

2. The Light of the World: Jesus is the true light that shines in the darkness, offering hope and life to all who believe. His presence dispels fear and brings clarity, guiding us through life's challenges. This light is a constant reminder of God's love and faithfulness. [05:35]

3. Childlike Faith: Embracing a childlike faith allows us to experience the wonder and awe of God's works. It is through this faith that we can accept the miraculous and trust in God's promises, even when life tries to rob us of our joy and innocence. [12:19]

4. Creation's Rejoicing: The birth of Jesus was a moment of cosmic celebration, with all of creation rejoicing at His arrival. This reminds us that Jesus' coming was not just for humanity but for the entire universe, affirming His lordship over all creation. [19:46]

5. The Reason for Celebration: Christmas is a celebration of Jesus' birth, life, and the salvation He offers. Despite the hardships and losses we may face, Christmas invites us to focus on the light and hope that Jesus brings, encouraging us to worship and celebrate His presence in our lives. [22:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:37] - God's Eternal Plan
- [05:35] - The Light of the World
- [06:43] - Humility of Christ's Birth
- [08:51] - Fear Not the Darkness
- [10:12] - The Symbolism of Christmas Lights
- [11:23] - Childlike Wonder
- [12:19] - Embracing Childlike Faith
- [13:58] - The Tension of Faith
- [14:31] - Believing the Miraculous
- [15:30] - Faith in God's Consistency
- [16:40] - Remaining a Child of God
- [17:11] - Experiencing Christmas Through a Child's Eyes
- [18:10] - Creation's Rejoicing
- [19:46] - Cosmic Celebration
- [22:01] - The Reason for Celebration
- [23:10] - Worship and Celebration

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Why We Love Christmas

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 1:18-23 - The birth of Jesus and the prophecy of Immanuel.
2. John 1:1-14 - Jesus as the Word and the Light of the world.
3. Luke 18:16-17 - Jesus' teaching on childlike faith.

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 1:18-23, what were the circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth, and how did they fulfill prophecy? [03:37]
2. In John 1:1-14, how is Jesus described in relation to God and creation? What significance does this have for understanding His role as the Light? [05:35]
3. What does Luke 18:16-17 reveal about the nature of faith that Jesus values? How does this relate to the theme of childlike faith mentioned in the sermon? [12:19]
4. How does the sermon describe the cosmic celebration of Jesus' birth, and what role does creation play in this event? [19:46]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of Jesus being born in humility rather than grandeur? How does this reflect God's plan for salvation? [06:43]
2. How does the concept of Jesus as the Light of the world provide hope and guidance according to the sermon? In what ways does this light dispel darkness in our lives? [08:51]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of childlike faith. How does this type of faith enable believers to embrace the miraculous aspects of the Christmas story? [14:31]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the idea that all of creation rejoices at Jesus' birth? What does this imply about the universal impact of His coming? [19:46]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the humility of Jesus' birth. How can you incorporate humility into your own life during this Christmas season? [06:43]
2. In what areas of your life do you need the light of Jesus to dispel darkness? How can you invite His presence into those areas this week? [08:51]
3. Consider the childlike faith described in the sermon. What steps can you take to rekindle a sense of wonder and trust in God's promises? [12:19]
4. How can you celebrate Christmas in a way that acknowledges the cosmic significance of Jesus' birth? What traditions or practices might you adopt or adapt? [19:46]
5. Think about a time when you experienced the joy and awe of Christmas as a child. How can you recapture that sense of wonder in your current faith journey? [14:31]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of worship and celebration. How can you make worship a central part of your Christmas celebration this year? [23:10]
7. Identify one way you can share the light and hope of Jesus with someone in your community this Christmas. What specific action will you take to reach out to them? [22:01]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Eternal Plan Unfolded
Before the world began, God had a plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. This plan was set in motion with the birth of Jesus, who came to bring light into a dark world. His birth was not an accident but a divine orchestration to fulfill God's promise of redemption. The birth of Jesus was a pivotal moment in history, marking the fulfillment of prophecies and the beginning of a new covenant between God and humanity. It was a plan meticulously crafted, knowing the chaos and mess humanity would create, yet God chose to send His Son into the world in humility, born to a young virgin named Mary. This act of divine love is what we celebrate during Christmas, a season that reminds us of the light that Jesus brought into a dark world. [03:37]

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ." (Ephesians 1:7-9, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a time when you felt lost or without direction. How does knowing that God has a plan for your life, just as He did for the world through Jesus, change your perspective today?


Day 2: The Light of the World
Jesus is the true light that shines in the darkness, offering hope and life to all who believe. His presence dispels fear and brings clarity, guiding us through life's challenges. This light is a constant reminder of God's love and faithfulness. The story of Christmas is not just a historical account but a narrative that began before time itself. In the Gospel of John, we learn that Jesus, the Word, was with God from the beginning. He is the light of all mankind, a light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This light is what we celebrate when we see the twinkling lights of Christmas trees and decorations. [05:35]

"For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall." (Psalm 18:28-29, ESV)

Reflection: Think about a current challenge or fear you are facing. How can you invite Jesus, the Light of the World, into this situation to bring hope and clarity?


Day 3: Embracing Childlike Faith
Embracing a childlike faith allows us to experience the wonder and awe of God's works. It is through this faith that we can accept the miraculous and trust in God's promises, even when life tries to rob us of our joy and innocence. Christmas invites us to embrace a childlike faith. The wonder and awe that children experience during this season reflect the kind of faith we are called to have. Jesus taught that to enter the kingdom of God, we must receive it like a child, with openness and trust. This childlike faith allows us to believe in the miraculous, to see the world with wonder, and to trust in God's promises. [12:19]

"Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (Mark 10:15, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where skepticism or doubt has crept in. How can you approach this area with the openness and trust of a child today?


Day 4: Creation's Rejoicing
The birth of Jesus was a moment of cosmic celebration, with all of creation rejoicing at His arrival. This reminds us that Jesus' coming was not just for humanity but for the entire universe, affirming His lordship over all creation. The stars, the angels, and even the unborn John the Baptist leapt with joy at His coming. If creation can celebrate the birth of Christ, so should we. Christmas is a reminder that God's plan was set in motion to bring salvation to the world, a plan that culminated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. [19:46]

"Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy." (Psalm 96:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: Take a moment to step outside and observe the natural world around you. How can you join in creation's celebration of Jesus' birth today?


Day 5: The Reason for Celebration
Christmas is a celebration of Jesus' birth, life, and the salvation He offers. Despite the hardships and losses we may face, Christmas invites us to focus on the light and hope that Jesus brings, encouraging us to worship and celebrate His presence in our lives. The birth of Jesus was not just a human event but a cosmic one. It is a reminder that God's plan was set in motion to bring salvation to the world, a plan that culminated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This is why we love Christmas, for it is a celebration of the light, hope, and salvation that Jesus brings. [22:01]

"And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." (Isaiah 35:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally celebrate the hope and salvation Jesus brings, not just during Christmas, but throughout the year?

Quotes



He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made. Without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness is not overcoming. There was a man sent from God. His name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through Him all might believe. He Himself was not that light. He came only as a witness to that light. And then look at verse 9. I love this verse. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. Hallelujah. [00:04:49] (45 seconds)


He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. Amen. [00:05:35] (21 seconds)


See, it's crazy to think about, but Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, through whom all things were made according to the Scripture, chose when and where He would come as a baby and cry for the first time. God chose the smells that would be around Him, the parents who would raise Him, the city He would be born in, all of it. And this should really humble us as we celebrate Christmas to know that God could have chosen a wealthy, affluent family, but He didn't. He could have came through a priestly lineage, but He didn't. He could have been born to a king of a powerful nation, but He didn't. Amen. [00:06:43] (37 seconds)


Christmas really does bring out a sense of wonder that nothing else does. And I think God intended, even for us adults, to believe in him with the awe and amazement and wonder of a childlike faith. I think one reason we love seeing this in our children is because we've let some of it die within ourselves. Can we all admit that sometimes life has a way of beating some of the childlike faith out of you? [00:11:47] (32 seconds)


Life has a way of kind of robbing some of that innocent joy that we all used to enjoy so much. But Jesus said this, in order to truly accept him, we've got to do it like children. Luke chapter 18, verse 16, then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, let the children come to me. Don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs. To who? Those who are like these children. [00:12:19] (28 seconds)


How can we even believe that a teenage girl, Mary, becomes miraculously pregnant by the Holy Spirit? Without having childlike faith. How else can we believe that the angels had a party and shepherds announced his arrival? That a star shined brightly and navigated them? To the Savior. Amen. How else can we do it unless we have an element of childlike faith? [00:14:54] (26 seconds)


John chapter 1 and verse 12 says, But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. Verse 13, it says, They are reborn. That's one of the places where you hear that term, being born again. They are reborn. What? Not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan. But a birth. A birth that comes from God. [00:15:53] (23 seconds)


And finally, one other reason that we love Christmas. And I'm going to ask the worship team to come. When Jesus came, all of creation rejoiced. Hallelujah. Matthew chapter 2 and verse 2 said, Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose and we have come to worship him. You want to know why I'm sitting in a church on December 22nd, 2024 in Mechanicsville, Virginia is because I came to worship him. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. All of creation, which was made through Christ, including you. And I rejoiced at his birth. Not just the people who celebrated the birth of Christ, but creation himself. The angels sang with heavenly praises. [00:17:55] (58 seconds)


Mary walks in and she's pregnant with Jesus. She walks into the presence of John and his mother. And all of a sudden the Bible says, says when John got close to the unborn baby Jesus, he leapt within his mother's womb. He rejoiced just to be in the unborn presence of Jesus. [00:19:03] (21 seconds)


Creation rejoiced when he came. The apostle Paul said that all of creation was groaning to see the day of Christ. And at Christmas, creation celebrated. And I've got to ask you here today, if the stars can celebrate him, if the trees of the fields can wave their branches, hallelujah. If rocks and rivers and oceans can recognize his voice, hallelujah. If the planets and the solar systems all owe their existence to him, if the sun rises when he tells it to and sets when he says for it to set, if all of creation can acknowledge him, I just want to know if you can stand with me today and give him a praise. Come on, hallelujah. Hallelujah. [00:19:55] (50 seconds)


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Transcript
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