Christmas Worship: Honoring Christ's True Essence
Summary
In the sermon titled "Christmas Is... Worship - Part 2 - 11:00 AM ET," the pastor, whose name is not provided in the title, delivers a message centered on the theme of worship during the Christmas season. The pastor begins by calling the congregation to unite in prayer, with the hope that every seat will be filled and that their Christmas message will reach people globally, including those unfamiliar with the Christmas story. The congregation is asked to pray for those who will sit in the chairs in front of them, that they may have a transformative encounter with Jesus.
The pastor shares an anecdote about a professor who tasked students with observing a fish to illustrate the importance of spending time to truly see and understand. This concept is applied to worship, encouraging the congregation to take time to focus on God and recognize Him as their Savior, Lord, friend, King, source, creator, sustainer, and provider.
The excitement for the upcoming Christmas services at Water's Edge Church is conveyed, with an emphasis on the experience being a highlight of the celebration. The congregation is encouraged to invite others to join, turning their homes into a campus for the event. The pastor stresses the opportunity to give the gift of Jesus, hope, and peace to someone in need.
The sermon addresses the challenge of focusing on Jesus amidst the busyness of the season. The pastor urges the audience to go beyond a glance at Jesus and to have a revelation of who He is by setting aside time to focus on Him. The importance of worship is underscored by referencing the shepherds and angels who glorified and praised God during the first Christmas, emphasizing that Christmas is not truly celebrated if Christ is not worshipped.
The pastor invites anyone who has not accepted Jesus to do so and leads a prayer for those beginning their relationship with Him. The significance of Jesus in the Christmas story is highlighted, with references to biblical passages that describe Jesus as the Word who was with God from the beginning and became flesh to dwell among humanity.
The pastor emphasizes the importance of remembering Jesus' sacrifice, using the practice of communion as a way to honor His body and blood. The congregation is encouraged to see Jesus through life's circumstances and respond to Him in worship.
The sermon concludes with a focus on the angels' role in the first Christmas, praising God and proclaiming peace on earth. The pastor expresses gratitude for the congregation's support and generosity, especially in relief efforts and church initiatives. The lack of focus on Jesus in Christmas celebrations is critiqued, with the pastor calling for a return to the true essence of Christmas, which is to worship Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Worship during Christmas is an act of glorifying God for who He is and what He has done, as demonstrated by the angels and shepherds during the first Christmas. The pastor emphasizes that amidst the festivities, it is crucial to prioritize worship and recognize the divine nature of Jesus, which demands a response of honor and praise. [32:01]
- The pastor encourages the congregation to spend time observing and understanding who God is, much like the professor's assignment to observe a fish. By dedicating time to see God, believers can deepen their worship and recognize the many facets of God's character, leading to a more profound and meaningful worship experience. [49:11]
- Inviting others to Christmas services is not just about filling seats but about sharing the transformative power of Jesus. The pastor urges the congregation to extend the gift of hope and peace by inviting someone to experience the message of Christmas, thereby participating in the great harvest of souls. [16:53]
- The pastor calls for a personal revelation of Jesus, suggesting that believers set aside time to focus on Him during the Christmas season. By engaging in devotionals, storytelling, and worship, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of Jesus, which is essential for true worship. [46:01]
- Communion is presented as a significant act of worship, reminding believers of Jesus' sacrifice. The pastor leads the congregation in remembering Jesus' body and blood, symbolized by bread and wine, and calls for a response of glorification and acknowledgment of Jesus' sovereignty. [57:11]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 2:8-20 (NIV)
> "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' 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.' When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.' So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."
2. John 1:1-14 (NIV)
> "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 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 has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 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—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the shepherds when the angel appeared to them and announced the birth of Jesus? (Luke 2:8-9)
2. How did the shepherds respond after visiting Jesus in the manger? (Luke 2:17-20)
3. According to John 1:14, how does John describe Jesus' incarnation and its significance?
4. What did the angels proclaim during the first Christmas, and how does this relate to the theme of worship? (Luke 2:13-14) [30:32]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the shepherds were chosen to receive the announcement of Jesus' birth? What does this tell us about God's message and its intended audience? (Luke 2:8-9)
2. How does John 1:1-14 help us understand the divine nature of Jesus and the concept of "glory" as described in the sermon? [41:53]
3. The pastor mentioned that Christmas is often celebrated without focusing on Christ. How does the story of the shepherds and angels challenge this modern approach to Christmas? [28:48]
4. What does the practice of communion symbolize, and why is it significant in the context of worship during Christmas? [57:11]
#### Application Questions
1. The pastor emphasized the importance of inviting others to Christmas services. Who is someone in your life that you can invite to experience the message of Christmas this year? How will you approach them? [16:53]
2. Reflect on the concept of "glory" as described in the sermon. How can you incorporate the practice of glorifying God in your daily life, especially during the Christmas season? [33:09]
3. The sermon highlighted the need to set aside time to focus on Jesus amidst the busyness of the season. What specific steps can you take this week to ensure you are spending quality time in worship and reflection? [46:01]
4. The pastor shared an anecdote about observing a fish to illustrate the importance of truly seeing and understanding God. What are some practical ways you can deepen your observation and understanding of God's character? [49:11]
5. How can you use the practice of communion to remember and honor Jesus' sacrifice during this Christmas season? What does this look like for you personally? [57:11]
6. The sermon mentioned the shepherds glorifying and praising God after seeing Jesus. How can you share the message of Jesus with others in your community, similar to how the shepherds spread the word? [31:53]
7. Consider the distractions that often take your focus away from Jesus during Christmas. What is one specific distraction you can minimize or eliminate this week to better focus on worshiping Christ? [45:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Worship as Divine Recognition
True worship during Christmas involves a deliberate focus on the divine nature of Jesus, acknowledging Him as the center of the celebration. It is a time to reflect on His birth, which brought hope and salvation to the world. This season, let the heart be stirred by the same wonder and praise that filled the shepherds and angels on that first Christmas night. Worship is not just a part of the Christmas tradition; it is the heart of Christmas itself. [32:01]
Luke 2:13-14 - "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.'"
Reflection: How can you make worship the central focus of your Christmas celebration this year?
Day 2: The Intentionality of Observing God
Observing God requires intentional time set aside to understand His character and works. Like the professor who asked students to study a fish, believers are called to study and know God. This deep observation leads to a richer worship experience, as one begins to see God as the Savior, Lord, friend, King, source, creator, sustainer, and provider. [49:11]
Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can set aside time daily to observe and understand God more deeply?
Day 3: Sharing the Gift of Hope and Peace
Inviting others to Christmas services is an act of sharing the transformative power of Jesus. It is an opportunity to extend the gifts of hope and peace that come from knowing Christ. This act of invitation is a participation in the harvest of souls, offering others the chance to experience the true message of Christmas. [16:53]
1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from the hope and peace of Jesus this season, and how can you invite them to experience it?
Day 4: Personal Revelation of Jesus
A personal revelation of Jesus is essential for true worship. It requires setting aside time during the busy Christmas season to focus on Him. Engaging in devotionals, storytelling, and worship helps believers gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and the significance of His birth. [46:01]
Ephesians 1:17 - "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better."
Reflection: What steps can you take this Christmas to seek a deeper revelation of Jesus and His love for you?
Day 5: Communion as Worshipful Remembrance
Communion is a profound act of worship that calls believers to remember Jesus' sacrifice. It is a time to reflect on His body and blood, given for humanity, and to respond with glorification and acknowledgment of His sovereignty. This act of remembrance is a central part of worship, especially during the Christmas season. [57:11]
1 Corinthians 11:24-25 - "And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
Reflection: How does participating in communion deepen your worship and connection to Jesus, especially during the time of Christmas?
Quotes
"And one moment with him is all it takes for somebody's life to be forever radically changed." [21:51] (Download)
"This isn't all shame on you. This is all of us finding ourselves in a season that's meant to focus on him actually being very distracted from him. That somehow in a season that is supposed to showcase Jesus, we find ourselves not even seeing him." [47:01] (Download)
"Glancing at him won't get you there. You're going to need more than that if you're going to truly worship him. You're going to have to make sure you've got some time set aside so that you don't take your eyes off of him and you don't get distracted by what's happening around you." [47:56] (Download)
"But that the longer you look, the more you will see. And if you really want to learn the how of glorifying God, the how of worshiping Him, then you've got to look longer. You've got to spend more time seeing Him." [50:23] (Download)
"If you looked at Him long enough, you'd see He's my source. He's my creator, my sustainer, my beginning and my end. He's my provider. He's the supplier. He's the giver of all good things in my life." [51:21] (Download)
"Glory isn't really a word designed for you and I. Glory is a word reserved for God." [38:26] (Download)
"You have the opportunity to extend a gift that somebody in your life desperately needs this Christmas, the gift of Jesus, the gift of hope, the gift of peace." [19:33] (Download)
"I'm praying that it is truly the highlight of your Christmas celebration to be present in the room, joining us online, present and engaging with us in the chat, present and encountering what Jesus has for you." [18:15] (Download)
"If you're not careful, you'll celebrate a lot at Christmas. But you won't celebrate Christ because you haven't seen Him." [53:07] (Download)
"Christmas is worship. And I just think that's all it takes this Christmas. Just to take the time to truly see Him. And when you do, you'll worship Him." [53:48] (Download)
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