Celebrating the True Meaning of Christmas

 

Summary

Summary:

As we approach Christmas, it's a time filled with joy, traditions, and most importantly, celebration. This season is not just about the festivities but about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. We recently experienced a remarkable moment of generosity through our Christmas for Christ offering, where we raised over $157,000 to rebuild orphanages in Myanmar, far surpassing our initial goal. This is a testament to God's ability to do more than we can imagine and a reason to celebrate His goodness and provision.

Celebration is more than just a party; it's about marking significant events with joy and gratitude. Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus, and amidst the busyness of the season, it's crucial to remember the reason for our celebrations. We can use various elements of the holiday, like Santa Claus and Christmas trees, to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas and to teach our children about generosity and the everlasting life in Christ.

We celebrate three key aspects during Christmas: prophecies, presence, and peace. The fulfillment of prophecies surrounding Jesus' birth is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness. His presence, symbolized by the name Emmanuel, means God is with us, offering us unlimited access to Him. Lastly, the peace that Jesus brings reconciles us with God and empowers us to mend our relationships with others.

Even in difficult times, we can celebrate because of the hope and presence of Jesus in our lives. This season, let's focus on celebrating Jesus, remembering His birth, and the profound impact it has on our lives. As we close, I invite you to ensure your relationship with God is strong, and if you haven't yet, to accept His gift of salvation.

Key Takeaways:

- Celebration Beyond Festivities: Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus, not just through parties but by marking His birth with joy and gratitude. It's essential to focus on the reason for the season amidst the busyness and distractions. [44:48]

- Fulfillment of Prophecies: The birth of Jesus fulfilled numerous prophecies, showcasing God's faithfulness and the reliability of His promises. This reminds us that God's word is true and will come to pass in our lives. [56:46]

- God's Presence with Us: Christmas celebrates God's presence with us, symbolized by Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." We have unlimited access to God through Jesus, who walks with us daily, offering guidance and comfort. [01:00:32]

- Peace and Reconciliation: Jesus' birth brings peace between humanity and God, reconciling us and enabling us to mend our relationships with others. This peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God in our lives. [01:06:29]

- Celebrating Amidst Challenges: Even in difficult times, we can celebrate because of the hope and presence of Jesus. Our circumstances may not be perfect, but we can find joy in knowing God is with us, guiding us through every situation. [01:13:14]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [37:40] - Introduction to Christmas Celebration
- [41:59] - Community Outreach and Generosity
- [44:48] - Understanding Celebration
- [46:34] - Staying Focused on Jesus
- [48:24] - Redeeming Holiday Traditions
- [49:37] - The Significance of Christmas Trees
- [52:50] - Celebrating Prophecies Fulfilled
- [56:46] - The Improbability of Prophecy Fulfillment
- [59:01] - God's Presence Among Us
- [01:00:32] - Unlimited Access to God
- [01:05:00] - Peace Through Reconciliation
- [01:06:29] - Repairing Relationships
- [01:10:53] - The Power of Reconciliation
- [01:13:14] - Celebrating in Difficult Times
- [01:15:41] - Invitation to Relationship with God
- [01:17:27] - Closing and Snow Day Celebration

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 1:22-23 (NIV) - "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel' (which means 'God with us')."
2. Luke 2:13-14 (NIV) - "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. Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV) - "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."

Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of the Christmas for Christ offering mentioned in the sermon, and how did it reflect the theme of celebration? [37:40]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between a party and a celebration, particularly in the context of Christmas? [44:48]
3. What are some of the elements of the Christmas season that the sermon suggests can be redeemed to remind us of Jesus? [48:24]
4. According to the sermon, what are the three key aspects we celebrate during Christmas, and how are they connected to the birth of Jesus? [49:37]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the fulfillment of prophecies about Jesus' birth strengthen the reliability of God's promises in our lives today? [56:46]
2. In what ways does the concept of "Emmanuel" or "God with us" change the way we perceive God's presence in our daily lives? [01:00:32]
3. How does the peace that Jesus brings differ from the worldly understanding of peace, and what implications does this have for our relationships? [01:06:29]
4. How can the act of celebrating Jesus amidst challenges serve as a testimony of faith to others around us? [01:13:14]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current Christmas traditions. How can you incorporate elements that focus more on celebrating Jesus and His birth? [46:34]
2. Consider a prophecy or promise from the Bible that has been significant in your life. How has its fulfillment (or anticipation of fulfillment) impacted your faith journey? [52:50]
3. Identify a situation in your life where you need to experience God's peace. What steps can you take to invite His peace into that situation? [01:05:00]
4. Think about a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation. What practical steps can you take to initiate healing and peace in that relationship? [01:10:53]
5. In what ways can you remind yourself of God's presence throughout your daily routine, especially during the busy holiday season? [01:00:32]
6. How can you use the story of Jesus' birth to share hope and encouragement with someone who is going through a difficult time this Christmas? [01:13:14]
7. Reflect on the generosity shown through the Christmas for Christ offering. How can you practice generosity in your community this season? [37:40]

Devotional

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

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Day 1: Celebrating Jesus Amidst the Festivities
Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus, not just through parties but by marking His birth with joy and gratitude. It's essential to focus on the reason for the season amidst the busyness and distractions. In the midst of holiday preparations, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, losing sight of the true meaning of Christmas. This season is a reminder to pause and reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, the ultimate gift to humanity. By centering our celebrations around Him, we can experience a deeper sense of joy and gratitude, recognizing the profound impact of His birth on our lives. [44:48]

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate moments of reflection and gratitude for Jesus' birth into your holiday celebrations this year?


Day 2: Trusting in God's Faithfulness
The birth of Jesus fulfilled numerous prophecies, showcasing God's faithfulness and the reliability of His promises. This reminds us that God's word is true and will come to pass in our lives. The fulfillment of these prophecies is a testament to the divine orchestration of events, affirming that God is in control and His promises are trustworthy. As we reflect on these fulfilled prophecies, we are encouraged to trust in God's word and His plans for our lives, knowing that He is faithful to bring them to fruition. [56:46]

2 Peter 1:19 (ESV): "And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."

Reflection: What is one promise from God that you are holding onto? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?


Day 3: Embracing God's Presence
Christmas celebrates God's presence with us, symbolized by Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." We have unlimited access to God through Jesus, who walks with us daily, offering guidance and comfort. This profound truth assures us that we are never alone, as God is always with us, providing strength and direction in every situation. Embracing His presence allows us to experience His peace and guidance, transforming our daily lives and deepening our relationship with Him. [01:00:32]

Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV): "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."

Reflection: In what ways can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life? How can this awareness change the way you approach your day?


Day 4: Experiencing Peace and Reconciliation
Jesus' birth brings peace between humanity and God, reconciling us and enabling us to mend our relationships with others. This peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God in our lives. Through Jesus, we are offered a peace that surpasses understanding, empowering us to extend forgiveness and reconciliation to those around us. This season, we are invited to reflect on the peace that Jesus brings and how it can transform our relationships, fostering unity and healing. [01:06:29]

Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation? How can you take a step towards peace and healing in that relationship today?


Day 5: Finding Joy in Difficult Times
Even in difficult times, we can celebrate because of the hope and presence of Jesus. Our circumstances may not be perfect, but we can find joy in knowing God is with us, guiding us through every situation. This assurance allows us to face challenges with a sense of hope and resilience, trusting that God is working all things for our good. By focusing on His presence and promises, we can experience joy and peace, even amidst trials and uncertainties. [01:13:14]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing? How can you find joy and hope in the presence of Jesus as you navigate this situation?

Quotes



"Anna, Simeon, they're both in the temple. You can read about it. They waited their whole life and God promised they would see the Messiah, the child be born. It's this amazing moment of celebration. We see that all throughout the Christmas story. And when it comes to prophecy and these promises of God, I wanted to show you eight specific prophecies surrounding Jesus' birth, just his birth that he fulfilled." [00:54:34] (24 seconds)


"Now, if you just multiply that to 16 prophecies, that'd be one to the 45th power, which is too big to even put on the screen. I didn't even bother. But Jesus didn't fulfill eight or 16. He fulfilled 300 throughout his life. The odds of that are, I don't even know. Someone can have fun doing the math on that, but it's impossible, right? That's why the angel, when he appears, he says, nothing will be impossible for God." [00:56:46] (25 seconds)


"God is who he says he is. And if he says he's gonna bring it to pass, he's gonna bring it to pass. And it's not just for the Old Testament. It's not just like, that's cool. God was able to say that when Jesus was gonna be born. No, that means that today it's true for you. The things that God has spoken to you in your life are gonna come to pass. Every single word of this, of the Bible is true." [00:57:24] (21 seconds)


"Peace, so the prophecies, presence, and peace. Luke 2, check this out. Suddenly, a company of the heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, praising God and saying glory to God in the highest heaven on earth, earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests. On earth, peace to those whom his favor rests. Colossians 1, for God was pleased." [01:04:37] (24 seconds)


"We have access to him, but he's made peace with us. The word the Bible uses is reconciled, reconciliation, right? It's this big, powerful word. What does it mean? Well, here's kind of what it means. The fact is we're all sinful, right? Everyone, everyone that's ever walked the planet, we have sin, we have mistakes, we have problems that separate us from God, right? So we need forgiveness." [01:06:03] (23 seconds)


"Just though we all, man, we all have those relationships where at some point something happened and there's a distance. There's a relationship that needs to be repaired, right? And it's like, I can't do it. They sure don't want to do it, right? How do we reconcile? Well, Jesus came to bring peace, peace on earth, right? And truly, if we all would live in that, if we all would reconcile with one another, there would be no more wars, right?" [01:07:41] (23 seconds)


"Whether it's loss, you know, whether it's loss of a job or a loss of a loved one or the memory of someone, like there's so many things that could be for you. But here's the reality. We can still celebrate, not because our circumstances are great, right, not because everything's fixed, but because we know Jesus, because we know we're gonna be able to see those loved ones again because of what he did on the cross, if they know Jesus, right? There's hope in that." [01:13:58] (24 seconds)


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Transcript
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