Embracing Christmas: Gifts, Freedom, and Shalom

 

Summary

Summary:

Welcome to this sacred gathering at John Wesley Methodist Church on this blessed Christmas Eve. As we light the Advent Christ candle, we are reminded of the profound peace and beauty that Christmas brings into our lives. Despite the storm outside, we are grateful for your presence, both in person and online. We invite you to join us regularly, especially for our upcoming "Soul of Music" series, which connects secular music with divine truths.

Tonight, we reflect on the gifts brought to Jesus by the wise men: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts are not random; they tell a story of Jesus as our King, High Priest, and Sacrificial Savior. Gold symbolizes Jesus' kingship, reigning in our hearts and bringing shalom. Frankincense represents worship, as Jesus is our High Priest who reconciles us with God. Myrrh foreshadows Jesus' sacrificial death, demonstrating God's profound love for all creation.

The Christmas story is more than shepherds and angels; it is a proclamation of freedom and shalom in a world gripped by fear. Fear of failure, inadequacy, and the unknown can be overwhelming, but Christmas speaks directly to these fears with the message of "fear not." Jesus' birth brings freedom from sin and fear, breaking the chains of oppression and offering us a new life empowered by His Spirit.

Shalom, or peace, is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness and completeness. Jesus offers us this peace, restoring our minds, bodies, and souls. As we sing "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night," let us claim the freedom and shalom of Christ. May these songs be our faith response, embracing the light of Jesus and sharing it with the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Gifts of the Wise Men: The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize Jesus' roles as King, High Priest, and Sacrificial Savior. Gold represents His kingship, reigning in our hearts and bringing shalom. Frankincense signifies worship, as Jesus reconciles us with God. Myrrh foreshadows His sacrificial death, demonstrating God's love. [46:08]

2. Freedom from Fear: Christmas proclaims freedom and shalom in a world gripped by fear. Fear of failure, inadequacy, and the unknown can be overwhelming, but Jesus' birth brings the message of "fear not," offering us freedom from these fears. [48:49]

3. The Gift of Shalom: Shalom, or peace, is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness and completeness. Jesus offers us this peace, restoring our minds, bodies, and souls, and bringing harmony to our lives. [55:23]

4. Breaking the Chains of Oppression: Jesus' birth breaks the chains of oppression and the power of sin, allowing us to live a new life empowered by His Spirit. This freedom is a gift of Christmas, leading us into the promises of God. [54:03]

5. Embracing the Light of Christ: As we light our candles and sing "Silent Night," we are reminded that Jesus is the light of the world. His light is to be shared, spreading His love, peace, hope, and joy to others. [01:27:20]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Advent Christ Candle
[02:00] - Invitation to Join
[03:30] - Soul of Music Series
[05:00] - Passing the Peace
[06:30] - Christmas Hymns Medley
[44:48] - The Gifts of the Wise Men
[46:08] - Jesus as King and High Priest
[47:29] - The Gift of Myrrh
[48:49] - Freedom and Shalom
[49:57] - Overcoming Fear
[52:02] - The Dual Gifts of Christmas
[54:03] - Breaking Chains of Oppression
[55:23] - The Gift of Shalom
[56:42] - Embracing the Light of Christ
[01:01:38] - Communion
[01:27:20] - Silent Night and Candle Lighting
[01:28:30] - Closing Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 2:1-12 - The Visit of the Wise Men
2. John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
3. Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the symbolic meanings of the gifts brought by the wise men to Jesus, and how do they relate to His roles? [46:08]

2. How does the sermon describe the concept of "shalom" and its significance in the Christmas story? [55:23]

3. What fears are mentioned in the sermon that people commonly experience, and how does the Christmas message address these fears? [48:49]

4. How does the lighting of the Advent Christ candle symbolize the message of Christmas according to the sermon? [01:27:20]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the gift of gold reflect Jesus' kingship, and how does this kingship differ from earthly kingship? [46:08]

2. How does the sermon explain the role of Jesus as our High Priest, and why is this significant for our relationship with God? [47:29]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between fear and sin, and how does Jesus' birth offer a solution to this cycle? [52:02]

4. How does the concept of "shalom" as described in the sermon challenge or expand your understanding of peace? [55:23]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the fears mentioned in the sermon. Which of these fears resonate with you, and how can the message of "fear not" from the Christmas story help you address them? [48:49]

2. Consider the symbolic gifts of the wise men. How can you incorporate the values of kingship, worship, and sacrifice into your daily life? [46:08]

3. The sermon speaks of breaking the chains of oppression. What are some "chains" in your life that you feel need breaking, and how can you seek Jesus' help in this process? [54:03]

4. How can you actively pursue "shalom" in your relationships and community, going beyond the absence of conflict to achieve wholeness and completeness? [55:23]

5. As you light a candle this Christmas, how can you be a light in your community, spreading the love, peace, hope, and joy of Christ? [01:27:20]

6. The sermon invites us to embrace the light of Christ. What practical steps can you take to share this light with others in your daily interactions? [01:27:20]

7. Reflect on the upcoming "Soul of Music" series mentioned in the sermon. How can you use music or other forms of art to connect with divine truths and share them with others? [03:30]

Devotional

Day 1: The Symbolic Gifts of the Wise Men
The gifts of the wise men—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are deeply symbolic, each representing a significant aspect of Jesus' identity and mission. Gold, a precious metal, signifies Jesus' kingship, highlighting His authority and reign over our hearts and lives. Frankincense, often used in worship, points to Jesus as our High Priest, the one who bridges the gap between humanity and God, offering reconciliation and a path to divine communion. Myrrh, a substance used in embalming, foreshadows Jesus' sacrificial death, underscoring the profound love and sacrifice He would make for all of creation. These gifts are not mere tokens but are rich with meaning, inviting us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of Christ's role in our lives. [46:08]

Isaiah 60:6 (ESV): "A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord."

Reflection: Consider which aspect of Jesus' identity—King, High Priest, or Sacrificial Savior—resonates most with you today. How can you honor that aspect in your daily life?


Day 2: Freedom from Fear
In a world often dominated by fear—fear of failure, inadequacy, and the unknown—Christmas brings a powerful message of liberation. The birth of Jesus is a divine proclamation of "fear not," offering freedom from the chains of fear that can bind us. This freedom is not just a temporary reprieve but a profound transformation, inviting us to live boldly and confidently in the light of Christ's love and grace. By embracing this message, we are empowered to confront our fears, knowing that we are not alone and that Jesus walks with us, offering strength and courage. [48:49]

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Reflection: Identify a specific fear that has been holding you back. How can you invite Jesus into that fear today, trusting Him to guide you through it?


Day 3: The Gift of Shalom
Shalom, often translated as peace, is a rich and profound concept that goes beyond the mere absence of conflict. It encompasses a state of wholeness, completeness, and harmony in all aspects of life. Jesus offers us this gift of shalom, restoring our minds, bodies, and souls, and bringing balance and tranquility to our lives. This peace is a divine gift that transforms our inner world, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. As we embrace the shalom of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, sharing this gift with others and fostering a world of harmony and unity. [55:23]

Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need Christ's shalom? How can you actively pursue and cultivate this peace today?


Day 4: Breaking the Chains of Oppression
The birth of Jesus signifies the breaking of chains—chains of oppression, sin, and fear. His arrival heralds a new era of freedom, where the power of sin is dismantled, and we are invited to live a life empowered by His Spirit. This freedom is not just personal but communal, calling us to work towards justice and liberation for all. As followers of Christ, we are invited to participate in this transformative work, advocating for those who are oppressed and marginalized, and embodying the love and justice of God in our actions and relationships. [54:03]

Isaiah 58:6 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?"

Reflection: Who in your community is experiencing oppression or injustice? How can you be an agent of Christ's freedom and justice in their life today?


Day 5: Embracing the Light of Christ
As we light our candles and sing "Silent Night," we are reminded of the profound truth that Jesus is the light of the world. His light dispels darkness, bringing hope, peace, and joy to all who embrace it. This light is not meant to be hidden but shared, illuminating the lives of those around us and spreading the love and grace of Christ. As we embrace the light of Christ, we are called to be His light-bearers, reflecting His love and truth in our words, actions, and relationships, and inviting others to experience the transformative power of His presence. [01:27:20]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: How can you intentionally share the light of Christ with someone in your life today? What specific action can you take to reflect His love and grace?

Quotes

"We want to welcome everyone to the House of the Lord here at John Wesley Methodist Church. I'm Marty Dunbar, one of the pastors. Great to see everybody. I want to just say Merry Christmas. And I want to thank the Ingram family for lighting our Advent Christ candle. And so here in just a minute at the end of our service, we will take the light from the Christ candle and pass it throughout this entire room at the end. And we will sing Silent Night. It's going to be a beautiful sight to behold. And it's always a peaceful, peaceful moment in the lives of each and every one of us as we move into Christmas Day." [00:22:30] (34 seconds)


"But there's something profound in just the question of the gifts to the Christ child. They weren't random. They tell a story. Christmas tells a story for us, doesn't it? And it tells a story. It tells a story to all people. It doesn't even matter if you have faith or not. It doesn't even matter if people out there have faith or not. It still tells God's story. God has a story that he's trying to tell. Now, let's think about those gifts. Gold, okay? That was one of the first gifts. And it's a gift of the king." [00:45:52] (38 seconds)


"Jesus, we believe, is king of kings. That's what we believe one of his titles is, a king of kings. And he reigns in people's hearts. He was never born into this world to reign over an earthly nation at all. He's supposed to reign in people's hearts. And he takes away our very brokenness that we cannot fix ourselves. That desire that we have in our lives, it seems very natural to live outside of God's design. So, Jesus was... He was a spiritual warrior king who brought the gift of shalom to the souls of people. That's our king." [00:46:08] (47 seconds)


"Then there was frankincense. This was a gift of worship or a gift for worship. So, you have this high-quality oil or incense that was burned. And when frankincense was burned, it was symbolic of the prayers. And the praise that are rising to God. Jesus, we believe, as Christians, is also what we would call our high priest. We don't need a high priest on earth. We have a high priest in heaven. And he reconciles and repairs humanity, brings this shalom to our relationship with God." [00:46:55] (42 seconds)


"Now, he is the only one also worthy of worship and praise. Then there was myrrh. Myrrh was a gift of sacrifice or for sacrifice. It was a spice that they used to anoint dead bodies. This was that foreshadowing of the story of that sacrificial death that Christ would make for us on a cross. God displaying his true love on a cross. So, there was this depth of love for all of creation. There was part of that Christmas story." [00:47:57] (38 seconds)


"But first, let me talk about how the story is more than shepherds and angels and wise men. The story is a story of freedom and shalom. It proclaims freedom and shalom or peace into a world that seems to be gripped by fear all the time. Fear is this universal experience for all of us. We have fear of failure in our lives. We have fear of not being enough, not even close to what we want. We have fear of failure in our lives. We have fear of not being even being enough for God. We have a fear of being alone. We have a fear of being unknown." [00:48:49] (41 seconds)


"We have a fear of the future. We have a fear of not being in control of life. We even have a fear of God. We've talked about that a couple weeks ago. We have this fear, an unhealthy fear of God. But fear makes us then fear the wrong things. The Christmas story has fear included in it, doesn't it? Because Mary and Joseph, they probably had a lot of fear about their future. And the shepherds, they had a lot of fear about from the angelic messengers that came and showed up. They were freaked out by that. But Christmas speaks directly to fear." [00:49:57] (40 seconds)


"How does it do that? It's just proclamation, a declaration of fear not. Do not be afraid. We heard it. Pastor Trish read it to us. It makes us chase the wrong things a lot of times. We tend to want to chase power or perfection. We hear in our world that we need to chase approval. Or maybe it's just safety or comfortableness or happiness or status. But we chase. This chase can leave us empty. It can leave us isolated. It can leave us fearful, actually. Fear can be exhausting, can't it? I've been there." [00:50:05] (42 seconds)


"And it leaves us tired. It leaves us longing for more, desiring some sort of true peace deep down. And that's what I love about Christmas Eve. We kind of get a glimpse of that true peace and shalom that God wants for all of us. Especially later on when we sing Silent Night, the room is dark and faces are lit up with candles. And there's just sort of this peace that our souls feel, our spirits feel. See, God's gift of Christmas addresses the real things, the root things that we should be fearful of." [00:50:38] (41 seconds)


"Fear, as we've been talking about in the last few weeks, disrupts spiritual peace. It disrupts shalom in our life. And fear actually feeds sin, and then sin feeds fear, and it's sort of this vicious cycle. There's fear and sin are these great oppressors that enslave us. They actually stop us from truly living life to the fullest, because we are fearful, or we don't want to move out into the world. They're great occupiers of space in our life as well. They create this space that disconnects us from God." [00:51:10] (42 seconds)


"So, there's these dual gifts of Christmas, and they're not the gifts, you know, given by the wise men. They're given to all by God, and that's freedom, and that is shalom. So, these gifts speak of the good news. These gifts speak of the mission of Christmas, which is God is constantly trying to demonstrate his love and acceptance towards you. Now, the first gift, if we think about it, is freedom. This is often one we don't think about. Christmas time, we think, well, Marty, that's for July 4th, you know, that's for another time in our year." [00:52:06] (42 seconds)


"But sin and fear, friends, are great oppressors. They're enslavers. People tend to make Christmas only about forgiveness a lot of times. And forgiveness just brings people back to zero. Covenant, actually, the sacrificial system did that. But Christmas is a gift of freedom. That Jesus came for more than forgiveness. Jesus is the new and the greater Joshua, if you know your biblical stories. He leads God's people into freedom, into the promises of God. He is the spiritual warrior that defeats sin, not with a sword, but with sacrificial love." [00:52:49] (49 seconds)


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