Embracing God's Nearness: The True Christmas Story

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's Nearness

In the midst of life's burdens and busyness, we are called to open our hearts to God's presence and say yes to His plans. This act of surrender invites us into a deeper relationship with Him, where we can find peace and rest. God's nearness is not just a comforting thought but a transformative reality that can change how we live and make decisions. By trusting that His ways are better than ours, we allow His presence to guide us through life's challenges and uncertainties. [34:54]

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." (Psalm 145:18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel burdened or overwhelmed? How can you invite God's presence into that area today?

Day 2: The Reality of the Christmas Story

The story of Jesus is not a fictional tale but a reality that informs every decision in our lives. It is a story of redemption and satisfaction, inviting us to find our deepest contentment in Christ. As we reflect on the true story of Christmas, we are reminded that Jesus' birth is the culmination of God's pursuit of humanity, offering us forgiveness and a new way of living. This season, let us embrace the reality of Jesus' story and allow it to shape our lives. [38:12]

"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." (2 Peter 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' story influence your decisions and priorities during this Christmas season?

Day 3: Exploring the Mystery of the Trinity

God's triune nature is a profound mystery that we are invited to explore throughout eternity. Understanding the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit enriches our faith and deepens our relationship with Him. The mystery of the Trinity is not something to be fully comprehended but rather embraced as a beautiful aspect of God's infinite wisdom. As we delve into this mystery, we are drawn closer to God and gain a greater appreciation for His work in our lives. [40:24]

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19, ESV)

Reflection: How can you explore the mystery of the Trinity in your personal study and prayer time this week?

Day 4: The Gift of Redemption and Satisfaction

Jesus, the pure and spotless Lamb, offers us redemption and satisfaction beyond mere forgiveness. This season reminds us that true contentment is found in Christ alone, not in material gifts or temporary pleasures. The gift of redemption is an invitation to experience a deep and abiding joy that transcends our circumstances. As we reflect on this gift, let us seek satisfaction in Christ and allow His presence to fill our hearts with peace and joy. [44:36]

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways are you seeking satisfaction in things other than Christ? How can you shift your focus to find contentment in Him alone?

Day 5: An Invitation to Freedom

We are invited to say yes to God, stepping into the light and experiencing freedom from sin, addiction, and bitterness. This ongoing surrender leads to greater freedom and joy in our lives. By embracing God's invitation, we can break free from the chains that hold us back and walk in the fullness of His love and grace. This Christmas season, let us accept this invitation and experience the transformative power of God's freedom. [01:02:43]

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to experience God's freedom? How can you take a step towards that freedom today?

Sermon Summary

In this gathering, we explored the profound truth of God's nearness and the transformative power of the Christmas story. We began by acknowledging the busyness and burdens many of us carry, and the need to open our hearts to God's presence. This season, often filled with stories and traditions, invites us to reflect on the ultimate story—the true story of Jesus Christ. Unlike fictional tales, the story of Jesus is a reality that shapes our lives and decisions.

We delved into the significance of John 1, which reveals the eternal nature of Jesus, the Word, who was with God and is God. This passage reminds us of the triune nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and the mystery of His infinite wisdom. We are invited to explore this mystery throughout eternity, as God draws near to us, offering redemption and satisfaction beyond our understanding.

The narrative of God's nearness is woven throughout the Bible, from the Garden of Eden to the sacrificial system, and through the prophets. Each part of the story points to the coming of Jesus, the pure and spotless Lamb, who takes away the sins of the world. This is not just a story of forgiveness but of deep satisfaction and contentment found in Christ alone.

As we approach Christmas, we are reminded that God is not distant but draws near to us, especially in times of loss and longing. The entire Bible tells the story of God's pursuit of humanity, culminating in the birth of Jesus, who overcomes darkness and brings life. This season, we are invited to say yes to God, to step into the light, and to experience the freedom and joy that come from being reconciled to the Father.

Key Takeaways

1. God's Nearness and Our Response: In the midst of life's burdens, we are called to open our hearts to God's presence and say yes to His plans, trusting that His ways are better than ours. This act of surrender invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. [34:54]
2. The True Story of Christmas: Unlike fictional tales, the story of Jesus is a reality that informs every decision in our lives. It is a story of redemption and satisfaction, inviting us to find our deepest contentment in Christ. [38:12]
3. The Mystery of the Trinity: God's triune nature is a profound mystery that we are invited to explore throughout eternity. This understanding enriches our faith and deepens our relationship with Him. [40:24]
4. The Gift of Redemption: Jesus, the pure and spotless Lamb, offers us redemption and satisfaction beyond forgiveness. This season reminds us that true contentment is found in Christ alone, not in material gifts or temporary pleasures. [44:36]
5. An Invitation to Freedom: We are invited to say yes to God, stepping into the light and experiencing freedom from sin, addiction, and bitterness. This ongoing surrender leads to greater freedom and joy in our lives. [01:02:43]
** [62:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:08] - Opening Prayer
[34:54] - Courage to Say Yes
[36:08] - Love for Christmas
[38:12] - The True Christmas Story
[40:24] - Understanding the Trinity
[42:43] - The Gift of Time
[44:36] - Finding Satisfaction in Christ
[47:13] - The Story of Redemption
[49:19] - Moses and the Law
[50:32] - The Sacrificial System
[52:46] - Prophets and Promises
[54:34] - John the Baptist's Role
[56:22] - Jesus, the Light of the World
[58:36] - Reconciliation with the Father
[62:43] - Invitation to Freedom
[69:11] - Closing Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does John 1:1-5 reveal about the nature of Jesus and His relationship with God? How is this foundational to understanding the Christmas story? [40:24]
How does the sermon describe the significance of the sacrificial system in the Old Testament, and how does it point to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice? [50:32]
What role does John the Baptist play in the narrative of Jesus' coming, according to the sermon? [54:34]
How does the sermon illustrate the concept of God's nearness throughout the Bible, from the Garden of Eden to the birth of Jesus? [47:13]

Interpretation Questions

In what ways does the sermon suggest that the story of Jesus is different from other stories or myths? How does this impact a believer's life? [38:12]
How does the sermon explain the mystery of the Trinity, and why is it important for believers to explore this mystery? [40:24]
What does the sermon imply about the nature of true contentment and satisfaction in Christ, especially during the Christmas season? [44:36]
How does the sermon describe the process of being reconciled to the Father, and what does it mean for a believer's daily life? [58:36]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt burdened or distant from God. How can you open your heart to His presence and say yes to His plans today? [34:54]
The sermon emphasizes the reality of the Christmas story. How can you incorporate this truth into your daily decisions and interactions with others? [38:12]
Consider the mystery of the Trinity. How can you deepen your understanding and relationship with God through this mystery in your personal study or prayer life? [40:24]
What are some ways you can find true satisfaction in Christ this Christmas, rather than in material gifts or temporary pleasures? [44:36]
The sermon invites us to step into the light and experience freedom. Identify an area in your life where you need to say yes to God and experience His freedom. [01:02:43]
How can you actively participate in God's story of redemption in your community or family this season? [54:34]
Reflect on the concept of God's nearness. How can you remind yourself and others of His presence, especially in times of loss or longing? [47:13]

Sermon Clips

"We're making the confession that your ways are not our ways, your thoughts are not our thoughts, but we know that you're a God that draws near and makes those clear to us. So open our hearts now to what you're doing, Jesus." [00:35:39] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"But what I love most, hopefully what you love most about December, is I love the Christmas story. And I'm hesitant to even, as I was writing this, I'm hesitant to even use the language of story, because I do not want you to think I'm putting John McClane into the same category as Jesus. One's fictional, highly entertaining and violent. The other is true and more violent, but informs every decision for our life." [00:37:30] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Behold, pointing to Jesus. Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He's not just a pure and spotless Lamb that takes away the sin for a generation or for a year, like the high priest in Israel would do. No, anybody that would place their faith in Jesus, the pure and spotless Lamb, their sins would be wiped away forever." [00:55:10] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Jesus comes in a landed invasion to destroy the works of the enemy and to set us free. This is what John continues by saying in verse 4. He says, in him was life. Why do we need life? Because we're dead. In our sins and our transgressions. Jesus, in his coming, did not come to make you better." [00:55:37] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"You're reconciled to the Father, and you're put in a family because you're born. But here's the thing. Here's the thing about being born. When you were born, you had nothing to do with it. born had something to do with two other people. On a do with being born. What makes you think that you have anything to do with you being born into the family of God?" [00:58:45] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"And when we surrender, it's always beautiful and reciprocal. When we give in and we give up, he always gives us more freedom. We find ourselves more free than we were before. So today, the opportunity is to say yes in another way. God's inviting you into freedom over addiction." [01:02:42] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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