Christmas: The Heart of God's Redemptive Plan

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound message of Christmas, emphasizing that it is not merely a season or a holiday but a pivotal part of the gospel story. Christmas represents God's eternal plan for human redemption, a plan that was set in motion long before the creation of the world. This divine narrative is not just about the birth of Jesus but about His life, death, and resurrection, which are central to God's redemptive work. The story of Christmas is a testament to God's love and His desire to reconcile humanity to Himself through Jesus Christ.

We explored the origins of the gospel message, tracing it back to Genesis, where God first announced the coming of a Savior. This plan was not a reaction to human sin but was established before time began, highlighting God's omniscience and sovereignty. The birth of Jesus was not an afterthought or a plan B; it was always God's plan A. This underscores the centrality of Jesus in the gospel narrative, as He is both the eternal Son of God and the Son of Man, fulfilling the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament.

The purpose of Christmas, and indeed the gospel, is to glorify God through the exaltation of Jesus Christ. While we are beneficiaries of this divine plan, the ultimate aim is the glory of God. As believers, we are called to live in obedience to Christ, reflecting His glory in our lives. This season, we are challenged to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, making it about Jesus and His glory rather than the commercial and cultural trappings that often overshadow its significance.

Key Takeaways:

- Eternal Plan of Redemption: Christmas is not just a holiday but the beginning of God's eternal plan for redemption. This plan was established before creation, demonstrating God's omniscience and love for humanity. Understanding this helps us see the depth of God's love and His desire for reconciliation with us. [33:36]

- Centrality of Jesus: Jesus is the central figure of the gospel, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. His birth, life, death, and resurrection are the core of God's redemptive work. Recognizing Jesus as the focal point of the gospel helps us align our lives with His purpose and glory. [54:15]

- Purpose of Christmas: The ultimate purpose of Christmas is the glory of God through the exaltation of Jesus Christ. While we benefit from salvation, the focus is on God's glory. This perspective shifts our focus from ourselves to living a life that honors and glorifies God. [58:03]

- Obedience and Faith: The gospel calls us to obedience and faith, reflecting the transformation that comes from knowing Christ. Our lives should demonstrate the change that the gospel brings, living in a way that honors God and points others to Him. [01:03:52]

- Benefits of the Gospel: The benefits of the gospel, including grace and peace, are given to those who are called to be His. This assurance of salvation and reconciliation with God is a profound gift that should inspire gratitude and worship. [01:08:46]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[21:02] - Advent Reading and Child Dedication
[24:17] - Prayer and Community Updates
[33:36] - Understanding Christmas as the Gospel's Beginning
[35:20] - God's Eternal Plan for Redemption
[36:27] - Jesus: Appointed for Glory
[40:10] - Paul's Transformation and Calling
[42:38] - The Gospel's Divine Origin
[44:24] - The Effectual Call of God
[50:04] - The Purpose of Jesus' Birth
[51:50] - The Importance of the Old Testament
[54:15] - Jesus: The Center of the Gospel
[55:24] - Jesus' Dual Nature: Divine and Human
[57:12] - The True Hero of the Story
[58:03] - The Purpose of Christmas
[01:03:52] - Making Christmas About Jesus
[01:08:46] - The Benefits of the Gospel
[01:10:41] - Invitation to Respond to the Gospel
[01:15:08] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 1:1-7
- Genesis 3:15
- Ephesians 1:4

---

Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 1:1-7, how does Paul introduce himself and what does he say about his calling? [42:38]

2. In Genesis 3:15, what is the significance of the promise made by God, and how does it relate to the Christmas story? [33:36]

3. How does Ephesians 1:4 describe God's plan for redemption, and what does this reveal about the nature of God's plan? [35:20]

4. What are the key elements of the gospel message as outlined in Romans 1:1-7, and how do they relate to the Christmas story? [44:24]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding that Christmas is part of God's eternal plan for redemption change the way one views the holiday season? [33:36]

2. What does it mean for Jesus to be both the Son of God and the Son of Man, and how does this dual nature fulfill Old Testament prophecies? [54:15]

3. How does the sermon explain the purpose of Christmas as being for the glory of God, and what implications does this have for believers? [58:03]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the gospel calls believers to obedience and faith, and how should this be reflected in their lives? [01:03:52]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea that Christmas is not just a holiday but the beginning of God's eternal plan for redemption. How can this perspective influence your celebrations this year? [33:36]

2. The sermon emphasizes the centrality of Jesus in the gospel narrative. How can you make Jesus the focal point of your life, especially during the Christmas season? [54:15]

3. Consider the purpose of Christmas as the exaltation of Jesus Christ. What specific traditions or practices can you incorporate into your holiday celebrations to honor this purpose? [58:03]

4. The sermon challenges believers to live in obedience to Christ. Identify one area of your life where you can demonstrate greater obedience and faith. What steps will you take to make this change? [01:03:52]

5. The benefits of the gospel, including grace and peace, are highlighted in the sermon. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for these gifts in your daily life? [01:08:46]

6. The sermon calls for believers to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. What distractions or cultural trappings might be overshadowing the significance of Christmas in your life, and how can you address them? [01:03:52]

7. Reflect on the idea that the gospel message is not about us but about God's glory. How can this understanding shape your interactions with others and your approach to sharing the gospel? [57:12]

Devotional

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

---

Day 1: God's Eternal Plan for Redemption
The message of Christmas is not just about a holiday but the beginning of God's eternal plan for redemption. This plan was established before the creation of the world, demonstrating God's omniscience and His profound love for humanity. Understanding this helps us see the depth of God's love and His desire for reconciliation with us. Christmas is a reminder that God's plan was not a reaction to human sin but a preordained path to bring humanity back to Himself. This eternal plan underscores the significance of Jesus' birth as the fulfillment of God's promise to save His people. [33:36]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: How does knowing that God's plan for redemption was established before creation change your perspective on your own life and purpose today?


Day 2: Jesus: The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus is the central figure of the gospel, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. His birth, life, death, and resurrection are the core of God's redemptive work. Recognizing Jesus as the focal point of the gospel helps us align our lives with His purpose and glory. The story of Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger but about the Savior who came to fulfill God's promises and bring salvation to the world. This understanding calls us to see Jesus as the fulfillment of God's plan and to live in a way that reflects His glory. [54:15]

Isaiah 9:6-7 (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. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."

Reflection: In what ways can you align your daily actions and decisions with the purpose and glory of Jesus, recognizing Him as the fulfillment of God's promises?


Day 3: The Glory of God Through Christmas
The ultimate purpose of Christmas is the glory of God through the exaltation of Jesus Christ. While we benefit from salvation, the focus is on God's glory. This perspective shifts our focus from ourselves to living a life that honors and glorifies God. Christmas is a time to reflect on the greatness of God and His plan for humanity, reminding us that our lives are meant to point to His glory. As we celebrate this season, let us remember that the true purpose of Christmas is to exalt Jesus and bring glory to God. [58:03]

1 Peter 4:11 (ESV): "Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: How can you intentionally shift your focus from the commercial aspects of Christmas to living in a way that honors and glorifies God during this season?


Day 4: Living in Obedience and Faith
The gospel calls us to obedience and faith, reflecting the transformation that comes from knowing Christ. Our lives should demonstrate the change that the gospel brings, living in a way that honors God and points others to Him. As believers, we are called to live in obedience to Christ, reflecting His glory in our lives. This season, we are challenged to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, making it about Jesus and His glory rather than the commercial and cultural trappings that often overshadow its significance. [01:03:52]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to live out your faith in obedience to Christ, reflecting His transformation in your life?


Day 5: Embracing the Benefits of the Gospel
The benefits of the gospel, including grace and peace, are given to those who are called to be His. This assurance of salvation and reconciliation with God is a profound gift that should inspire gratitude and worship. As we reflect on the message of Christmas, we are reminded of the incredible gift of grace that God has given us through Jesus Christ. This gift is not just for our benefit but is meant to inspire us to live lives of gratitude and worship, pointing others to the hope and peace found in the gospel. [01:08:46]

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: How can you express gratitude for the grace and peace you have received through the gospel, and how can you share this gift with others in your life today?

Quotes



"Meaning even before he even created mankind, he knew the conclusion. He knew man would fall into sin. And according to Paul in Ephesians chapter one, where it says God chose us or elected us at the foundations of the world, the point there, what Paul's communicating to us is that the beginning of the gospel, it began even before creation." [00:35:26] (20 seconds)


"Listen, when I read that, I've been studying this all week. I've practiced my sermon a couple of times so far. Guys, I still get goosebumps when I read that. We've got the messenger of God here telling us to bow the knee to the King of glory. Telling us to obey his rule, to submit to his right to reign." [01:06:26] (25 seconds)


Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 23, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?