Centering Christmas Around the Presence of Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: The Personal Nature of a Classic Christmas

A classic Christmas is deeply personal, shaped by individual traditions and experiences. Each person's understanding of Christmas is influenced by their unique background, family customs, and personal memories. However, the essence of a classic Christmas transcends these individual differences and is ultimately about the presence of Jesus, who brings meaning and purpose to our celebrations. By focusing on Jesus, we can find a deeper connection to the holiday, one that unites us with others despite our diverse traditions. [06:38]

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one personal Christmas tradition that you can use to focus more on Jesus this year? How can you share this tradition with someone else to bring them closer to Him?

Day 2: Inclusivity in the First Christmas

The first Christmas in Bethlehem was marked by a diverse gathering of people, from humble shepherds to wise men from the East. This diversity reminds us that a classic Christmas is inclusive and open to all, regardless of status or background. The birth of Jesus was a unifying event, bringing together people from different walks of life to witness the miracle of His arrival. This inclusivity is a powerful reminder that the message of Christmas is for everyone, inviting all to come and experience the love and grace of Jesus. [09:48]

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community might feel excluded during the Christmas season? How can you extend an invitation to them to join in your celebrations and experience the love of Christ?

Day 3: The Impact of Jesus' Life and Message

Jesus' life and message have had a profound impact on the world, more than any other historical figure. His teachings and actions have shaped the course of history and continue to influence countless lives today. Recognizing His significance is central to understanding the true meaning of Christmas. By focusing on Jesus and His message, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the holiday and its transformative power in our lives. [13:19]

"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." (Isaiah 9:6, ESV)

Reflection: How has Jesus' message impacted your life personally? What is one way you can share His message with someone else this Christmas season?

Day 4: Appreciating the Fleeting Moments of Christmas

A classic Christmas is a time to appreciate the moment, to recognize the fleeting nature of life, and to seize the opportunity to put Jesus at the center of our lives. While Christmas comes every year, the moments we have with loved ones and the opportunities to grow in our faith are precious and should not be taken for granted. By focusing on the present and making Jesus the center of our celebrations, we can create lasting memories and deepen our relationship with Him. [18:51]

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can be more present and intentional during this Christmas season? How can you use this time to strengthen your relationship with Jesus and those around you?

Day 5: Trusting in Jesus as the Foundation of Christmas

Trusting in Jesus involves recognizing our need, placing our faith in Him, and surrendering our lives to His guidance. This is the essence of a classic Christmas, where Jesus is the focus and foundation of our celebrations. By trusting in Him, we can find peace and purpose in our lives, even amidst the busyness and challenges of the holiday season. Embracing this trust allows us to experience the true joy and meaning of Christmas. [21:31]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust Jesus more fully? How can you take a step towards surrendering this area to Him during this Christmas season?

Sermon Summary

A classic Christmas is a concept that varies from person to person, shaped by personal experiences, traditions, and cultural backgrounds. Growing up in Southern California, my family's Christmas was filled with excitement, traditions, and the anticipation of opening gifts on Christmas morning. However, marrying into a Swedish family introduced me to new traditions, such as celebrating on Christmas Eve, which added a new dimension to my understanding of a classic Christmas. Each generation has its own version of what makes Christmas special, from the toys and gifts to the family gatherings and meals.

Yet, to truly understand a classic Christmas, we must look back to the first Christmas in Bethlehem. This event was marked by the birth of Jesus, a moment that brought together a diverse group of people, from the humble shepherds to the wise men. It was a time of celebration, family, and the miraculous. Despite the complexities and challenges faced by Mary and Joseph, their story reminds us that a classic Christmas is not about perfection but about the presence of Jesus at the center.

Jesus' birth was not just a historical event but a pivotal moment that changed the world. His life, death, and resurrection have had a profound impact on humanity, more than any other figure in history. This classic Christmas story invites us to focus on Jesus, to see Him as the center of our celebrations, and to recognize the significance of His life and message.

A classic Christmas is also a time to appreciate the moment, to recognize that while Christmas comes every year, the moments we have are fleeting. It is a call to put Jesus at the center of our lives, to trust in Him, and to embrace the opportunity to renew our faith. Today is the day to have a classic Christmas by making Jesus the focus of our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. A classic Christmas is deeply personal, shaped by individual traditions and experiences. Yet, it is ultimately about the presence of Jesus, who brings meaning and purpose to our celebrations. [06:38]
2. The first Christmas in Bethlehem was marked by a diverse gathering of people, from shepherds to wise men, reminding us that a classic Christmas is inclusive and open to all, regardless of status or background. [09:48]
3. Jesus' life and message have had a profound impact on the world, more than any other historical figure. Recognizing His significance is central to understanding the true meaning of Christmas. [13:19]
4. A classic Christmas is a time to appreciate the moment, to recognize the fleeting nature of life, and to seize the opportunity to put Jesus at the center of our lives. [18:51]
5. Trusting in Jesus involves recognizing our need, placing our faith in Him, and surrendering our lives to His guidance. This is the essence of a classic Christmas, where Jesus is the focus and foundation of our celebrations. [21:31]
** [21:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:21] - A Classic Santa Barbara Christmas
[00:46] - Childhood Christmas Traditions
[01:28] - Christmas Morning Excitement
[02:21] - Swedish Christmas Traditions
[03:16] - A Memorable Christmas Birth
[04:14] - Generational Christmas Memories
[05:36] - Future Christmas Traditions
[06:26] - Defining a Classic Christmas
[06:38] - The First Christmas in Bethlehem
[07:22] - Complicated Family Dynamics
[08:13] - Celebration and Joy
[08:55] - Inclusion of All in Christmas
[10:22] - Jesus at the Center
[11:22] - The Unique Nature of Jesus
[13:19] - One Solitary Life
[16:04] - The Importance of Jesus' Impact
[17:23] - Appreciating the Moment
[19:15] - Invitation to Trust in Jesus
[21:53] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: A Classic Christmas

Bible Reading:

Matthew 1:22-23 - "So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.'"
Romans 1:3-4 - "Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead."
Mark 8:38 - "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

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Observation Questions:

What were some of the personal Christmas traditions mentioned in the sermon, and how did they change over time? [00:46]
How did the pastor describe the first Christmas in Bethlehem, and what diverse groups of people were present? [06:38]
According to the sermon, what role does Jesus play in the concept of a classic Christmas? [10:22]
What does the pastor say about the fleeting nature of Christmas moments and their significance? [18:51]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the pastor's experience with different Christmas traditions illustrate the personal nature of a classic Christmas? [02:21]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the first Christmas was inclusive and open to all, regardless of status or background? [09:48]
How does the sermon explain the impact of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection on humanity? [13:19]
What does the pastor mean by saying that a classic Christmas is a time to appreciate the moment and put Jesus at the center of our lives? [18:51]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own Christmas traditions. How do they shape your understanding of a classic Christmas, and how can you incorporate the presence of Jesus into them more fully? [00:46]
The sermon highlights the inclusivity of the first Christmas. How can you make your Christmas celebrations more inclusive and welcoming to others, regardless of their background? [09:48]
Consider the impact of Jesus' life on your own. How can you make His teachings and example more central to your daily life, especially during the Christmas season? [13:19]
The pastor speaks about the fleeting nature of Christmas moments. What specific steps can you take to be more present and appreciative of the moments you have with family and friends this Christmas? [18:51]
How can you actively put Jesus at the center of your life this Christmas? Identify one specific area of your life where you can focus more on Jesus and less on distractions. [10:22]
The sermon mentions the importance of trusting in Jesus. What is one area of your life where you need to surrender control and place your trust in Him? [21:31]
Reflect on the pastor's invitation to renew your faith. What does renewing your faith look like for you personally, and how can you take a step towards that renewal this Christmas? [19:52]

Sermon Clips

A classic Christmas actually changes from age to age from place to place from generation to generation, so I think we could all understand if you want a real classic Christmas where do you got to go you got to go back to Bethlehem, you got to go back to the first Christmas where Jesus was born as a baby in Bethlehem. [06:26]

A classic Christmas has a special place for family. Isn't that what Christmas was all about? I mean it wasn't just Mary but it was Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus and even though they were a little family even though they were separated from their family up north in Nazareth there they were a little family experiencing the birth of that firstborn son in a very special way. [07:22]

A classic Christmas is for the down-and-out. Isn't that what the shepherds were? You and I might have sort of an iconic vision of what a shepherd was like in biblical times. We think just of King David of reciting that great psalm the Lord is my shepherd and it's true that's part of what it means to be a shepherd. [09:03]

Everybody can take part in what we would call a classic Christmas down-and-out high and mighty, young and old they were all there at a classic Christmas. But look you know I haven't even touched on the most obvious thing have I? What is it that has to be at the center of a classic Christmas? It's Jesus the Christ himself. [10:07]

A classic Christmas is focused on Jesus and well it should be. Ladies and gentlemen as Christians or maybe I should say simply I as a Christian make an astounding claim. The claim is simply this that Jesus Christ was different than every person who has ever lived on this earth and ever will live. [11:13]

Jesus the Christ Jesus of Nazareth was more than a man that he was and he is God with humanity added to his deity. Now I have to admit that that's an astounding claim isn't it? It really is shocking to claim such a thing about a historical personage nevertheless it is exactly what the Bible itself tells us. [11:35]

It's not only his wonderful birth in Bethlehem that establishes his credentials especially it's his empty tomb in Jerusalem some 33 years later so when we consider Jesus it's not like asking for your opinion about Alexander the Great or Abraham Lincoln or some other notable man from the history of the world. [12:56]

History has seen many great men and many great women but it has only seen one god man Jesus the Messiah and I know that that's an amazing some people would even say a crazy thing to say about a man but this great man Jesus the Messiah has impacted and changed the world more than any other human being. [13:24]

A classic Christmas is a time to appreciate the moment. Now what do I mean by that? Well listen Christmas is sort of a strange thing because for us it comes every year doesn't it? We know when it's coming we see it on the calendar we prepare for it that the retailers prepare for it the school's prepare for it the church is prepared for it everybody prepares for Christmas. [17:23]

Today is the day today is the day for you to genuinely have a classic Christmas and to put Jesus at the center of your life in a few moments I'm gonna pray a prayer and I'm gonna invite you to put your trust in Jesus Christ in who he is and especially what he did for you on the cross as a sin bearing substitute. [19:23]

There is no one formula for putting your trust in Jesus but it does involve at least three elements you need to see your need you need to set your faith upon Jesus and not upon yourself and thirdly there has to be an aspect of surrendering your life unto Him this is what God wants you to do. [21:31]

I thank you for every person here this afternoon I thank you for the beauty of this venue and the goodness of celebrating Jesus and his birth for us we thank you that Jesus came in the ultimate classic Christmas and that not only he was born but he lived he died and he rose again. [21:53]

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Centering Christmas Around the Presence of Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: The Personal Nature of a Classic Christmas

Day 2: Inclusivity in the First Christmas

Day 3: The Impact of Jesus' Life and Message

Day 4: Appreciating the Fleeting Moments of Christmas

Day 5: Trusting in Jesus as the Foundation of Christmas

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Centering Christmas Around the Presence of Jesus

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