Celebrating the True Meaning of Christmas in Christ

 

Summary

In this season of celebration, it's crucial to focus on what truly matters: worshiping our Savior, Jesus Christ. Despite the challenges and distractions that may arise, we are reminded that victory is ours through Jesus. The devil may try to disrupt our peace, but he is a liar, and we claim victory in the name of Jesus. This victory is not just for today but is a promise that extends into the new year and beyond. As we reflect on the arrival of Jesus, we are reminded of His pre-existence, presence, and purpose. Jesus was there from the beginning with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, and His purpose is woven throughout the scriptures.

The Christmas season often leads us into a cycle of debt and materialism, overshadowing the true meaning of Christmas. The Christmas Club account, introduced in 1909, was designed to help people save throughout the year to avoid debt during the holiday season. However, the real focus should be on the spiritual dividends we receive through Jesus Christ. We must be cautious of pseudo-sufficiency, where we place our trust in things that cannot truly sustain us. Our jobs, health, and possessions are temporary, but our relationship with Jesus is eternal.

Christmas is a call to worship, a time to remember that Jesus came to make worshipers out of rebels. The Gospel of Matthew affirms Jesus as the Messiah, born of a virgin, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. The proper response to His birth is worship. We must ask ourselves what we are giving Jesus for His birthday. The greatest gift we can offer is our sin, for that is what He came to take away. Understanding the promise, purpose, and provision of salvation helps us stay focused on the true reason for the season.

The promise of salvation is wrapped in prophetic fulfillment and sacrifice. Jesus' birth fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, and His name signifies His role as our Savior. The purpose of salvation is deliverance from sin, and through Jesus, we have redemption and reconciliation with God. The provision of salvation is grace through faith, a gift from God that cannot be earned. Our faith is evidenced by our works, but it is not the basis of our salvation.

As we celebrate this season, let us remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. He is the light of the world, our deliverer, and our redeemer. Let us give Him our lives, our burdens, and our worship. In doing so, we find joy, hope, peace, and love in His name.

Key Takeaways:

1. Victory in Jesus: Despite life's challenges, we are reminded that victory is ours through Jesus Christ. The devil may try to disrupt our peace, but he is a liar, and we claim victory in the name of Jesus. This victory is not just for today but extends into the new year and beyond. [46:34]

2. True Meaning of Christmas: Christmas is a call to worship, a time to remember that Jesus came to make worshipers out of rebels. The proper response to His birth is worship, and we must ask ourselves what we are giving Jesus for His birthday. The greatest gift we can offer is our sin, for that is what He came to take away. [01:04:55]

3. Promise of Salvation: The promise of salvation is wrapped in prophetic fulfillment and sacrifice. Jesus' birth fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, and His name signifies His role as our Savior. Understanding this promise helps us stay focused on the true reason for the season. [01:10:22]

4. Purpose of Salvation: The purpose of salvation is deliverance from sin. Through Jesus, we have redemption and reconciliation with God. This deliverance is not just for our past mistakes but is an ongoing process that restores our relationship with God. [01:17:43]

5. Provision of Salvation: The provision of salvation is grace through faith, a gift from God that cannot be earned. Our faith is evidenced by our works, but it is not the basis of our salvation. Assurance of eternal life is wrapped up in what God gives us, providing security in Christ and hope for the future. [01:23:50]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[45:03] - The Devil is a Liar
[46:34] - Claiming Victory in Jesus
[48:31] - Evidence of Victory
[49:36] - Thanksgiving and Praise
[50:40] - The Arrival Series
[51:13] - The Christmas Savings Account
[58:45] - Symbols of the Season
[01:00:36] - Pseudo-Sufficiency
[01:01:53] - The Real Meaning of Christmas
[01:03:25] - Worship as a Response
[01:04:55] - The Call to Worship
[01:06:20] - Prophetic Fulfillment
[01:08:04] - Giving Jesus a Gift
[01:09:22] - Jerome's Dream
[01:10:22] - Promise of Salvation
[01:12:17] - Personal Father and Savior
[01:14:39] - Significance of Jesus' Name
[01:16:17] - Deliverance from Sin
[01:17:43] - Redemption and Reconciliation
[01:19:23] - Love for Him
[01:20:33] - Restoration and Forgiveness
[01:21:53] - Adoption into God's Family
[01:22:38] - Grace Through Faith
[01:23:50] - Assurance of Eternal Life
[01:30:38] - Who is Jesus?
[01:36:40] - The Gift of Your Life
[01:37:29] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[01:38:13] - Closing and Celebration

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 1:21: "And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
- Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
- Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Matthew 1:21 reveal about the purpose of Jesus' birth? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on Jesus as our Savior? [01:12:17]

2. In Isaiah 7:14, what is the significance of the prophecy about a virgin giving birth to a son named Immanuel? How does this prophecy connect to the Christmas story? [01:06:20]

3. According to Romans 3:23, what is the universal condition of humanity? How does this verse relate to the need for salvation through Jesus? [01:17:43]

4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "pseudo-sufficiency," and what are some examples given? [01:00:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the promise of salvation through Jesus fulfill Old Testament prophecies, and why is this significant for understanding the true meaning of Christmas? [01:10:22]

2. What does the sermon suggest is the proper response to Jesus' birth, and how does this challenge common cultural practices during the Christmas season? [01:04:55]

3. How does the concept of "victory in Jesus" provide hope and assurance for believers, especially in the face of life's challenges? [46:34]

4. What role does faith play in the provision of salvation, and how does this differ from the idea of earning salvation through works? [01:23:50]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea of "pseudo-sufficiency" mentioned in the sermon. Are there areas in your life where you might be relying on temporary things rather than your relationship with Jesus? How can you shift your focus? [01:00:36]

2. The sermon emphasizes giving Jesus our sin as the greatest gift. What does this mean for you personally, and how can you practice this in your daily life? [01:08:04]

3. How can you make worship a central part of your Christmas celebration this year, in light of the sermon’s message that Christmas is a call to worship? [01:04:55]

4. Consider the promise of salvation and its significance in your life. How does understanding this promise help you stay focused on the true reason for the season? [01:10:22]

5. The sermon speaks about the victory we have in Jesus. How can you claim this victory in a specific area of your life where you are currently facing challenges? [46:34]

6. How can you ensure that your Christmas celebrations reflect the true meaning of Christmas, as described in the sermon, rather than getting caught up in materialism and debt? [01:03:25]

7. Reflect on the role of faith in your life. How can you strengthen your faith to better understand and accept the gift of grace through Jesus? [01:23:50]

Devotional

Day 1: Victory Through Christ's Eternal Promise
In the midst of life's challenges, believers are reminded of the victory that is assured through Jesus Christ. This victory is not a fleeting moment but a continuous promise that extends into the new year and beyond. The devil may attempt to disrupt peace and sow doubt, but his lies are powerless against the truth of Christ's triumph. This victory is rooted in the eternal nature of Jesus, who was present from the beginning with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. As believers, embracing this victory means living with the assurance that no matter the circumstances, Jesus has already secured the ultimate triumph over sin and death. [46:34]

"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." (1 John 5:4, ESV)

Reflection: What specific challenge are you facing today where you need to claim victory in Jesus? How can you actively trust in His promise of triumph over this situation?


Day 2: Worship as the Heart of Christmas
Christmas is a profound call to worship, a time to remember that Jesus came to transform rebels into worshipers. The true meaning of Christmas is often overshadowed by materialism and debt, but the essence lies in worshiping Jesus for who He is—the Messiah, born of a virgin, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. The proper response to His birth is worship, and believers are encouraged to consider what they are offering Jesus for His birthday. The greatest gift one can offer is their sin, for that is what He came to take away. This season, let worship be the central focus, acknowledging Jesus as the Savior who deserves all honor and praise. [01:04:55]

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe." (Hebrews 12:28, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally shift your focus from materialism to worship this Christmas season? How can you offer your sin to Jesus as a gift of surrender?


Day 3: The Prophetic Fulfillment of Salvation
The promise of salvation is intricately wrapped in prophetic fulfillment and sacrifice. Jesus' birth was not a random event but a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, signifying His role as the Savior. Understanding this promise helps believers stay focused on the true reason for the season. Jesus' name itself signifies His mission to save humanity from sin. This prophetic fulfillment is a testament to God's faithfulness and His plan for redemption. As believers reflect on this promise, they are reminded of the depth of God's love and the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ. [01:10:22]

"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the prophetic fulfillment of Jesus' birth deepen your appreciation for God's plan of salvation? What specific prophecy about Jesus resonates with you, and why?


Day 4: Redemption and Reconciliation Through Jesus
The purpose of salvation is deliverance from sin, offering redemption and reconciliation with God. Through Jesus, believers experience a restoration of their relationship with God, not just for past mistakes but as an ongoing process. This deliverance is a transformative journey that brings believers closer to God, allowing them to live in the freedom and grace that Jesus provides. Redemption is not a one-time event but a continuous invitation to walk in the light of God's love and forgiveness. Embracing this purpose means acknowledging the need for Jesus' saving grace daily. [01:17:43]

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to experience Jesus' redemption and reconciliation today? How can you actively seek His forgiveness and embrace His grace in this area?


Day 5: Grace Through Faith: The Gift of Salvation
The provision of salvation is a gift of grace through faith, something that cannot be earned by human effort. While faith is evidenced by works, it is not the basis of salvation. Assurance of eternal life is wrapped up in what God gives, providing security in Christ and hope for the future. This grace is a reminder of God's unmerited favor and love, inviting believers to rest in the certainty of His promises. As believers reflect on this provision, they are encouraged to live out their faith with gratitude, knowing that their salvation is secure in Christ. [01:23:50]

"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." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you live out your faith in a way that reflects gratitude for the gift of grace? What specific action can you take today to demonstrate your trust in God's provision of salvation?

Quotes


Victory in the name of Jesus. Victory is mine. Victory is mine. I told Satan, you get behind. Victory today, not tomorrow. Victory today, right. Microphone, give me a problem. The devil is busy, but he's not a winner. We claim victory in the name of Jesus. In the blood of Jesus. [00:47:13] (53 seconds)


But thank God we're about to close this year and walk into a new one. With victory on our lips. With victory in our hands. With victory. And our feet with victory and our hearts with victory and our Master, we thank you. Because God, you. You're giving us victory. Over defeat. We are the victor. And not the victims. [00:49:36] (50 seconds)


Theologian Arthur A. W. told us, he wrote, Jesus was born of a virgin, suffered under Pontius Pilate, died on the cross, and rose from the grave to make worshipers out of rebels. That's why he came. The Gospel of Matthew proclaims Jesus to be the Messiah King in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. [01:05:36] (24 seconds)


The proper response to the birth of Jesus is to worship him, as king. Can I ask you a question this morning? What are you giving Jesus for his birthday? What have you decided to give him? Now, you would be offended if you were given a birthday celebration and folks showed up with a gift for everybody but you. [01:08:04] (34 seconds)


Not only is the promise of our salvation wrapped in the prophetic fulfillment and sacrifice, but also we get a personal father and Savior. Matthew 1, 21, says, and she will have a son, and you ought to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sin. [01:12:17] (29 seconds)


Because here it is, and we like saying this. We've all said it. Jesus is the reason for the season. Right? Jesus is the season. He is the season. But not only do we see the promise of salvation, we also see the purpose of salvation. It is deliverance. Deliverance from sin. [01:17:43] (23 seconds)


Jesus 117, one and seven says in him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to his riches, the riches of his grace, salvation is in him. Do you believe that this is the same him who saved you from your past? I just think you need a reminder for a moment. [01:19:23] (28 seconds)


Galatians 4 and 5 says, But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. The adoption is a powerful word and process. Because when you deal with adoption, some contractual things are put in place. [01:21:53] (25 seconds)


Ephesians 2 8 9 says for by grace you've been saved through faith and this is not of your own doing thank god because you would have messed it up i would have messed it up but yet god said you can't work for this you have to have faith and believe and then you will receive it says it is the gift of god not a result of works so that no one may boast. [01:23:50] (31 seconds)


Assurance of eternal life is wrapped up in what god gives us there's security in christ and there's hope for the future john 10 the lord jesus says uh if you are saved you're in my father's hand and no one can pluck you out of my father's hand that means that no matter where you are what you do no matter where you're tracking god still has and he holds you and this too will pass. [01:30:38] (37 seconds)


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Transcript
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