Embodying Christ's Light: The True Meaning of Christmas
Summary
The sermon delivered at the Apostolic Church Dallas during the Advent Christmas Event focuses on the profound implications of Jesus' birth and presence in the lives of believers. The speaker, whose name is not discernible from the video title, begins by highlighting the significance of Jesus coming to earth as a servant. Jesus, being both fully God and fully man, left the comfort of His heavenly throne to live among us, making God accessible and relatable to our human struggles. The speaker points out that Jesus' arrival brings hope that transcends this life and marks three distinct comings of the Lord: His birth, His promise to come to His disciples, and the filling of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
Moving beyond the superficial elements of the Christmas season, the speaker urges believers to embody the body of Christ and shine His light in a dark world. The congregation is encouraged to let the light of the world within them shine daily, as exemplified by a song that calls believers to not hide their light. The speaker shares a personal experience of feeling the darkness while watching a Christmas movie, which served as a reminder that Christmas is not about the distractions and cares of life that can cloud our view.
The sermon also emphasizes the ongoing presence and impact of God in the lives of believers. Christmas is not just a retrospective celebration but a recognition that the King now lives within each individual. The speaker uses the imagery of tongues of fire to illustrate the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the indwelling of God's presence, challenging believers to be the light in their family gatherings and social functions.
The concept of God becoming a child to redeem humanity is discussed, with the speaker noting that individuals must become like children to access the lifestyle and presence God offers. The birth of Jesus, though humble, was marked by extraordinary signs and fulfilled prophecy. The congregation is encouraged to lift their voices in prayer, expressing their love and honor for God as His children. The speaker addresses misconceptions about God based on experiences with earthly fathers, reassuring that God is a good father who desires to love them.
The importance of sharing personal experiences with God is underscored, with the speaker using the metaphor of a candle to encourage the audience to let their light shine and share their experiences, which can have a powerful impact. Lastly, the speaker reminds the congregation that Jesus' arrival was the arrival of a king, urging them not to let the cuteness of the Christmas story overshadow the transformative reality that God came to us, allowing us to become His children.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' incarnation as both God and man demonstrates a profound humility and accessibility, offering us a model of servanthood and empathy. His life on earth allows us to understand that God is intimately familiar with our human experiences and struggles, providing us with hope that extends beyond our earthly existence. [01:00:44]
- The essence of Christmas is not found in the festive trappings but in the opportunity for believers to manifest the light of Christ in a world shrouded in darkness. This season calls for a reflective and intentional approach to living out our faith, resisting the distractions that can obscure the true meaning and purpose of Christmas. [01:07:49]
- The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers signifies that the celebration of Christmas is an ongoing experience of God's presence. As temples of the living King, Christians are empowered to bring light and transformation to every environment they enter, embodying the continuous presence of the King throughout the year. [01:05:24]
- Embracing a childlike nature is essential to experiencing the fullness of God's kingdom. Just as Jesus came as a child, we are called to adopt a posture of simplicity, trust, and openness to fully engage with the lifestyle and presence that God offers us. [54:56]
- Sharing personal testimonies of God's work in our lives is a powerful tool for witness and encouragement. As believers share their experiences with others, they not only illuminate their own path but also light the way for others to encounter the transformative power of God's love. [01:10:59]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 1:21-23 (NKJV)
> "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 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.”"
2. Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV)
> "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."
3. Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV)
> "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the name "Immanuel" mean, and how does it relate to the birth of Jesus? (Matthew 1:23)
2. How did Jesus demonstrate humility according to Philippians 2:5-8?
3. What significant event took place on the Day of Pentecost as described in Acts 2:1-4?
4. According to the sermon, what are the three distinct comings of the Lord mentioned? [01:02:49]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus came to earth as both fully God and fully man? How does this dual nature impact our understanding of His mission? [01:01:25]
2. How does the concept of Jesus as a servant challenge our own attitudes and behaviors towards servanthood and humility? (Philippians 2:5-8)
3. What does the filling of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost signify for believers today? How does this event relate to the ongoing presence of God in our lives? (Acts 2:1-4)
4. The sermon mentions that believers are called to be the light in their family gatherings and social functions. How can this be practically lived out in our daily lives? [01:05:57]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a profound way. How did that experience impact your faith and actions? How can you share this experience with others to encourage them? [01:10:59]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not letting the distractions of life cloud our view of the true meaning of Christmas. What specific distractions do you need to address in your life to focus more on Jesus during this season? [01:08:46]
3. How can you embody the servanthood of Jesus in your interactions with others this week? Identify one specific act of service you can perform for someone in need. (Philippians 2:5-8)
4. The speaker mentioned the importance of becoming like children to access the lifestyle and presence God offers. What childlike qualities do you need to cultivate in your relationship with God? [51:42]
5. Think about your upcoming family gatherings or social functions. How can you intentionally be a light in those settings? What practical steps can you take to reflect Christ's love and presence? [01:05:57]
6. The sermon encourages believers to share their personal testimonies. Identify one person you can share your testimony with this week. How can you approach this conversation in a way that is natural and impactful? [01:10:59]
7. Reflect on the idea that Jesus' arrival was the arrival of a king. How does this perspective change the way you view the Christmas story and its significance in your life? [01:00:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Humility in Divine Incarnation
Jesus' birth as God and man exemplifies humility, teaching us to serve and empathize with others. His earthly life assures us that God understands our struggles, offering hope that surpasses our mortal lives. [01:00:44]
Philippians 2:6-8 - "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
Reflection: How can you demonstrate humility and servanthood in your interactions with others this week?
Day 2: Christmas Beyond Festivity
The true spirit of Christmas lies in reflecting Christ's light, not in the holiday's external celebrations. This season is a call to live out faith authentically, avoiding distractions that mask the essence of Christ's coming. [01:07:49]
1 John 1:5-7 - "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
Reflection: What distractions can you minimize to better focus on the light of Christ this Christmas season?
Day 3: Living Temples of the King
The Holy Spirit's indwelling transforms believers into living temples, carrying the King's presence into every aspect of life. This empowers Christians to be agents of change and light wherever they go. [01:05:24]
1 Corinthians 3:16 - "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?"
Reflection: In what ways can you actively bring God's light into your home, workplace, or community today?
Day 4: Childlike Access to the Kingdom
Embracing a childlike heart is key to experiencing God's kingdom. Jesus' humble birth as a child invites us to trust and openness, allowing us to engage fully with God's presence. [54:56]
Matthew 18:3-4 - "And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
Reflection: What aspects of a childlike nature can you cultivate to deepen your relationship with God?
Day 5: Testimonies as Beacons of Hope
Sharing personal encounters with God illuminates our journey and guides others towards His transformative love. Our stories can become beacons of hope and encouragement in a world seeking light. [01:10:59]
Psalm 107:2 - "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe."
Reflection: Can you think of a recent experience where you saw God at work in your life? How can you share this story to inspire someone today?
Quotes
"The effect of the Christmas season is that a world that is in present Darkness can be lit up because you have decided to let the light of the world not just come once but the light of the world comes in you every single day." [01:07:10 <7S5e-eAFVrc>] (Download)
"The Advent, that coming and the arrival of Christ into the world, was so that Christ could live in you and that you would so let your light shine before men and so that they would know him." [01:07:49 <7S5e-eAFVrc>] (Download)
"There are so many things, cares of this life, that distract us, that weigh on us, that cloud our view from really letting the light shine." [01:09:30 <7S5e-eAFVrc>] (Download)
"God is your father and he is ready to love you like a good father does. You know a lot of times I think we have a misconception or a bad view of who God is maybe because you had an Earthly father that didn't quite measure up." [50:09 <7S5e-eAFVrc>] (Download)
"God knows what it's like to walk in your shoes; he's not an unrelatable God, he's an accessible God. Why is he an accessible God? Because he became like you." [01:02:05 <7S5e-eAFVrc>] (Download)
"A world without Christ is a world without hope, but we have hope because the king came. So the effect of the king's arrival is special; because Christ came, we now have hope beyond this life." [01:02:49 <7S5e-eAFVrc>] (Download)
"We don't just celebrate Christmas because we look back and we say the king came; we celebrate Christmas and we say that because the king came, now the king is living in me." [01:04:12 <7S5e-eAFVrc>] (Download)
"When you receive the light of the world in you, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, and you were filled with the light of God, you receive the down payment of The Inheritance." [01:05:57 <7S5e-eAFVrc>] (Download)
"The kingdom of God is not here or there; the kingdom is within you, why? Because the king lives in you." [01:05:57 <7S5e-eAFVrc>] (Download)
"For God to redeem man he had to become a child but then once he is grown he says except you become a child you cannot walk into the lifestyle that I'm giving to you." [52:54 <7S5e-eAFVrc>] (Download)
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