Embracing God's Presence: Hope and Salvation This Christmas
Summary
The sermon delivered on December 17th focuses on the presence of God in our lives, particularly during the Christmas season. The speaker, whose name is not discernible from the title, emphasizes that God is with us through our difficulties, joys, and sorrows, and encourages the congregation to remember God's perspective and not get caught up in our circumstances. The church is called to be a vessel for God's message of hope and to help others come to know Him and walk in new life with Christ.
The speaker reflects on the significance of sitting under the teaching of the word and the importance of communion as a time to pause and ponder the message. They discuss the need to shift our focus from selfish expectations and entitlement during Christmas, reminding us that the story is about God's work in history and in the hearts of people. The sermon highlights that Jesus' origin story begins in eternity, not Bethlehem, and that the Word became flesh to reveal God's glory.
Different types of people that God uses to share His message are discussed, including angels, Simeon, Anna, and shepherds. The speaker encourages listeners to share the message of hope with those in their lives, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus as the Messiah and surrendering to Him for salvation from sin, rather than worldly circumstances.
The speaker addresses the problem of sin and our relationship with God, stating that prioritizing this relationship is crucial during the holiday season. They share the good news that confession and alignment with God lead to forgiveness and cleansing, with no condemnation for those in Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder that communion is for believers, serving as a memorial of Jesus' sacrifice and a proclamation of His resurrection.
The good news of Christmas is that God is always working, even when circumstances may not seem like it. The speaker focuses on Simeon's encounter with baby Jesus in Luke 2, recognizing Him as the light to reveal God to the nations. The sermon also discusses the hope that God is working and cares for us, as demonstrated by the angelic announcement to the shepherds of Jesus' birth.
The significance of Jesus coming to save humanity is highlighted, with the story of Joseph's encounter with an angel reassuring him of Jesus' divine conception. The speaker uses the analogy of turning on a light to illustrate Jesus' purpose in the world, revealing God and offering salvation. The challenging aspect of the Christmas story is the belief in the existence and goodness of God, with evidence provided by angelic visitations and the fulfillment of prophecy.
The speaker acknowledges the tension and anxiety of the Christmas season, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a heart and mindset focused on worshiping God. They discuss the concept of peace on Earth, explaining that it refers to the right relationship with God through Jesus, which brings internal peace despite external challenges.
Finally, the speaker discusses the significance of God's presence in our lives, drawing parallels to their own experiences as a parent and emphasizing that God's presence makes a difference in our lives. They reflect on a personal story of someone who found peace in God's presence despite a cancer diagnosis, challenging the audience to trust in God's plan and find peace in His provision.
Key Takeaways:
- God's presence in our lives is a constant, transcending our circumstances and inviting us to view life from His perspective. This presence is a source of hope and strength, and as believers, we are called to be conduits of this hope to others, sharing the message of Christ's transformative power. [01:03:33]
- The Christmas story is a profound narrative that shifts our focus from self-centeredness to the divine intervention of God in human history. It challenges us to comprehend and accept the simplicity yet depth of God's plan, which began long before Bethlehem, as Jesus existed in eternity past. [32:42]
- God's choice of messengers, from angels to humble shepherds, underscores that He uses willing vessels to proclaim His message, regardless of societal status or personal limitations. This serves as an encouragement for us to share the gospel with those around us, recognizing that God's qualifications are availability and obedience. [57:40]
- The essence of the Christmas message is the offer of salvation and the invitation to a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This relationship brings peace that transcends understanding, not by altering our external circumstances but by transforming our internal reality. [45:56]
- The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder that God's presence is akin to a light that reveals truth and provides security. In the midst of life's challenges, we are encouraged to lean into the reality of God's presence, which offers peace and assurance, and to actively participate in sharing this truth with the world. [59:51]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:1, 14, 17-18 (NIV)
> "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was 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... For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known."
2. Luke 2:8-14 (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.'"
3. Matthew 1:20-23 (NIV)
> "But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does John 1:1 tell us about the nature and origin of Jesus?
2. According to Luke 2:10-11, what is the good news that the angel brings to the shepherds?
3. In Matthew 1:21, what is the specific mission of Jesus as described by the angel to Joseph?
4. How does the sermon describe the significance of Jesus being called "Immanuel" (God with us)? [58:16]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of Jesus existing from eternity past (John 1:1) challenge or deepen your understanding of the Christmas story? [32:09]
2. What does the angel's message to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11 reveal about the inclusivity of Jesus' mission?
3. How does the sermon explain the difference between peace as the world gives and the peace that Jesus offers? [45:22]
4. Why is it significant that Jesus came to save us from our sins rather than from our external circumstances, according to the sermon? [37:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a challenging situation. How did it change your perspective or provide peace? [47:13]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of hope with others. Who in your life needs to hear this message, and how can you share it with them this week? [54:12]
3. During the Christmas season, it’s easy to get caught up in materialism and self-centeredness. What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on worshiping God and sharing His love? [29:48]
4. The sermon discusses the tension and anxiety that can come with the holiday season. What are some specific ways you can maintain a heart and mindset focused on worshiping God amidst the busyness? [29:14]
5. How can you remind yourself daily that Jesus is "Immanuel" (God with us) and let that truth impact your actions and decisions? [58:16]
6. The sermon mentions that God uses all kinds of people to share His message, regardless of their background or status. How can you be more open to being used by God in your current circumstances? [55:55]
7. Think about the areas in your life where you are seeking peace. Are you looking for peace in your circumstances or in your relationship with God? How can you shift your focus to find true peace in Him? [45:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Hope Through God's Presence
God's unchanging presence offers a steadfast hope that anchors the soul in every season of life. This hope is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the eternal character of God. It is a call to view life from His perspective, recognizing that His presence is a source of strength and comfort. [01:03:33]
Hebrews 6:19 - "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a daily awareness of God's presence to strengthen your hope in Him?
Day 2: Divine Intervention in History
The Christmas narrative invites reflection on God's masterful intervention in human history. It is a story that began in eternity and unfolded in Bethlehem, challenging us to look beyond our self-centered perspectives to the grandeur of God's redemptive plan. [32:42]
Micah 5:2 - "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus this Christmas season to celebrate and meditate on God's divine intervention in your life?
Day 3: God's Messengers Are Everywhere
God's message of hope is carried by those He chooses, often using the most unexpected people as His messengers. This truth serves as an encouragement to be open to God's call, knowing that He values availability and obedience over status or ability. [57:40]
1 Corinthians 1:27-28 - "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are."
Reflection: Who in your life could you share the message of hope with today, and how can you demonstrate willingness and obedience to God's call?
Day 4: Peace Beyond Circumstances
The true peace of Christmas is found in a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This peace is internal, transcending external circumstances, and is available to all who surrender to Jesus and accept His salvation. [45:56]
Colossians 1:19-20 - "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
Reflection: What internal changes can you make to experience God's peace more fully, regardless of the external challenges you face?
Day 5: The Light of God's Presence
God's presence in our lives is like a light that dispels darkness and reveals truth. It provides security and peace, even in the midst of life's most daunting challenges. We are called to lean into this reality and to share the light of this truth with others. [59:51]
2 Peter 1:19 - "We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."
Reflection: How can you more actively seek and acknowledge God's presence in your daily life, and in what ways can you be a bearer of His light to those around you?
Quotes
"God with you in your difficulty, God with you in your joy, God with you in your sorrow. Emmanuel with us, a good reminder that we see right in the opening pages of the gospels." [01:03:33] (Download)
"My prayer is that we would continue to be a church that reminds each other of His perspective, not to get caught up in our circumstance, but to encourage each other to look to Him, Emmanuel with us." [01:04:13] (Download)
"Let's be a people that are mindful of God even in the midst of tension, that we would see Him and worship Him, and be a part of what He's doing because what He's doing matters for eternity." [01:04:47] (Download)
"The greatest problem in this world is us in our sin, which is what God has come to save us from." [39:23] (Download)
"Do I believe that God exists, that He is working, that even though I can't see Him, there are evidences of His reality?" [40:00] (Download)
"God is not holding any sin over our head; He's not trying to have us live in guilt and condemnation. In Romans, it talks about there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ." [40:42] (Download)
"God's biggest thing isn't our health, isn't our relationship status, it's not our economy or our government, it's how we're relating to Him, what He's most concerned about as we do the Christmas season with people, is that do they know Him." [01:02:19] (Download)
"Are there some areas of your life that you're having some anxiety? Are you praying and giving that to the Lord to be able to have His perspective in the midst of the challenge?" [01:02:53] (Download)
"The good news of this message of Christmas is that God is working even when things in our circumstance don't seem like he is." [50:08] (Download)
"Jesus came to bring God's light to this world, and his light helps us live in reality, it helps us see what's really happening." [51:56] (Download)
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