Embracing the Gift of Jesus This Christmas
Summary
In this Christmas message, we celebrate the profound gift of Jesus Christ, who came into the world not to judge but to save. The story of Jesus' birth, as recounted in Matthew's Gospel, reminds us of the miraculous and humble beginnings of our Savior. Joseph, despite his initial doubts, embraced God's plan, demonstrating faith and obedience. This narrative sets the stage for understanding Jesus as both Savior and Emmanuel—God with us.
The essence of Christmas is encapsulated in John 3:16, where God's immense love for the world is expressed through the giving of His only Son. This act of divine generosity is mirrored in our tradition of gift-giving, symbolizing the ultimate gift of salvation and eternal life through Jesus. The testimonies shared during the service highlight the transformative power of Jesus in bringing love, hope, peace, and joy into our lives. These are not mere emotions but profound experiences that Jesus offers to those who believe in Him.
Jesus is our Emmanuel, present in every moment of our lives, whether in joy or sorrow, certainty or doubt. His presence assures us that we are never alone, and His faithfulness remains even when our faith falters. The invitation is extended to all to receive Jesus as Savior and Emmanuel, to experience His love and the hope of eternal life. This Christmas, the call is to open our hearts to Jesus, allowing His peace and joy to fill our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Gift of Jesus: Christmas is a celebration of God's love manifested in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. This gift is not just for the holiday season but is an eternal offering of salvation and relationship with God. Embracing this gift means accepting Jesus as Savior and experiencing the fullness of life He brings. [01:13:08]
2. Jesus as Emmanuel: The name Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," signifies Jesus' constant presence in our lives. Whether in moments of triumph or trial, Jesus is with us, offering comfort and guidance. This assurance of His presence is a source of strength and peace. [01:14:58]
3. Transformative Love: Jesus' love is transformative, offering acceptance and belonging. This love is not conditional but is freely given, inviting us into a deeper relationship with God and with one another. It is a love that changes lives and communities. [01:16:09]
4. Hope and Peace in Christ: In a world filled with uncertainty, Jesus offers hope and peace. This hope is not just for this life but extends into eternity, providing assurance of a future with God. His peace transcends understanding, calming the storms of life. [01:17:24]
5. Joy as Strength: The joy of the Lord is a profound strength for believers. It is a joy that is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the presence of Jesus in our lives. This joy is a testament to the life and vitality that Jesus brings. [01:22:25]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Opening Prayer and Worship
- [01:15] - Celebrating Christmas Together
- [02:00] - The Birth of Jesus
- [03:45] - Jesus as Savior
- [05:30] - The Gift of Christmas
- [07:00] - Jesus as Emmanuel
- [08:30] - Testimonies of Transformation
- [10:00] - Experiencing Love, Hope, Peace, and Joy
- [11:30] - Invitation to Receive Jesus
- [13:00] - Prayer of Commitment
- [14:00] - Celebration and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 1:18-25
2. John 3:16-17
3. 2 Timothy 2:13
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Observation Questions:
1. How did Joseph initially react to the news of Mary's pregnancy, and what changed his mind? [01:13:08]
2. What does the name "Emmanuel" mean, and how is it significant in the context of Jesus' birth? [01:14:58]
3. According to John 3:16, what motivated God to send His Son into the world? [01:16:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the impact of Jesus' presence in our lives, especially during difficult times? [01:17:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Joseph's obedience to God's plan, despite his initial doubts, teach us about faith and trust in God's promises? [01:13:08]
2. How does the concept of Jesus as "Emmanuel" provide comfort and assurance to believers in their daily lives? [01:14:58]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' love is transformative for individuals and communities? [01:16:09]
4. How does the promise of eternal life in John 3:16 influence a believer's perspective on life and death? [01:17:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced doubts or fears. How can Joseph's response to God's message inspire you to trust in God's plan for your life? [01:13:08]
2. In what specific ways can you acknowledge and experience Jesus as "Emmanuel" in your current circumstances, whether they are joyful or challenging? [01:14:58]
3. How can you actively demonstrate the transformative love of Jesus in your relationships and community this week? [01:16:09]
4. Consider the hope and peace that Jesus offers. How can you cultivate these qualities in your life, especially in moments of uncertainty or stress? [01:17:24]
5. The sermon mentions the joy of the Lord as a source of strength. Identify one area in your life where you need to experience this joy and discuss practical steps to embrace it. [01:22:25]
6. How can the tradition of gift-giving during Christmas serve as a reminder of the ultimate gift of Jesus? What are some ways you can incorporate this understanding into your holiday celebrations? [01:16:09]
7. Reflect on the testimonies shared in the sermon. How can you share your own experiences of Jesus' love, hope, peace, and joy with others in your community? [01:14:58]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Eternal Gift of Jesus
The celebration of Christmas is a profound reminder of God's love, manifested through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. This gift is not confined to the holiday season but is an eternal offering of salvation and a relationship with God. Embracing this gift means accepting Jesus as Savior and experiencing the fullness of life He brings. The act of divine generosity is mirrored in our tradition of gift-giving, symbolizing the ultimate gift of salvation and eternal life through Jesus. As we reflect on this, we are invited to open our hearts to the transformative power of Jesus, allowing His love to fill our lives. [01:13:08]
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12 ESV)
Reflection: Consider how you can embrace the gift of Jesus in your daily life. What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Him and experience the fullness of life He offers?
Day 2: Emmanuel, God With Us
The name Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," signifies Jesus' constant presence in our lives. Whether in moments of triumph or trial, Jesus is with us, offering comfort and guidance. This assurance of His presence is a source of strength and peace, reminding us that we are never alone. His faithfulness remains even when our faith falters, inviting us to trust in His unwavering presence. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are encouraged to lean on Jesus, our Emmanuel, and find solace in His companionship. [01:14:58]
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of Jesus' presence? How can you actively seek His guidance and comfort in those moments today?
Day 3: Transformative Love
Jesus' love is transformative, offering acceptance and belonging. This love is not conditional but is freely given, inviting us into a deeper relationship with God and with one another. It is a love that changes lives and communities, encouraging us to extend the same love to those around us. As we experience the transformative power of Jesus' love, we are called to be agents of change, reflecting His love in our interactions and relationships. [01:16:09]
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." (1 John 4:7 ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to experience the love of Jesus. How can you intentionally show them His love today through your words and actions?
Day 4: Hope and Peace in Christ
In a world filled with uncertainty, Jesus offers hope and peace. This hope is not just for this life but extends into eternity, providing assurance of a future with God. His peace transcends understanding, calming the storms of life and offering a sense of stability amidst chaos. As we anchor our hope in Christ, we are invited to rest in His peace, trusting in His promises and finding comfort in His presence. [01:17:24]
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to experience the hope and peace of Christ? How can you invite Him into that situation today and trust in His promises?
Day 5: Joy as Strength
The joy of the Lord is a profound strength for believers. It is a joy that is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the presence of Jesus in our lives. This joy is a testament to the life and vitality that Jesus brings, empowering us to face challenges with resilience and grace. As we cultivate this joy, we are reminded of the strength it provides, enabling us to navigate life's ups and downs with a steadfast spirit. [01:22:25]
"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory." (1 Peter 1:8 ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did the joy of the Lord sustain you during that time? How can you continue to cultivate this joy in your daily life?
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Quotes
"We give gifts to each other to show how much we love each other and how much God loves us. But in the scripture, it also says that Jesus is our Emmanuel. So it's another name of Jesus, our Emmanuel, that God is with us. God, and we saw this in all the testimonies, God is with you. You, God is with you, whether you know it or not. Every step of the way, he knows your situation. He knows everything about you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. God is present. He is active in your life. He is involved." [01:13:08] (36 seconds)
"Maybe you need to really know joy. Or maybe, maybe love, like Matt talked about, this love that he's finding in God and even in this community, that we accept him, we love him. It's Christ in us, that together we're one family. Whatever you've done, wherever you've come from. Amen. Amen. It's hope, like Susie talked about, in the midst of the pain and the not knowing what to do and what's going to happen. There's hope. There's hope. Or maybe peace, like Eva talked about, the peace of, I never found peace, he said. I didn't know where to find, I was looking for it, but I didn't find it. And then she met Jesus. He is the prince of peace. As he came, she allowed him to come into her life and was changed forever." [01:14:03] (48 seconds)
"He's with us when we have all the answers or whether we only have questions. He's always there. He will never leave you nor forsake you. You know he's fighting for you. He's loving you, even if you don't know it. He's empowering you. Angels are working overtime to bring you into a relationship. They're working overtime to bring you into a relationship with God. Jesus is our Emmanuel. He's my Emmanuel. Can you say it to yourself? Say, Jesus, you are my Emmanuel. You are with me in my darkest moment, Lord. In my brightest day. When I feel you and when I don't feel you. When I see you and when I don't see you. When I'm sad or happy, Lord. You are always there. And this is comforting for me. In my struggles. In the tragedies of life. In the pain. You are there for me." [01:15:02] (55 seconds)
"Even when I have no faith left. You heard the Eva. No faith left. He's there. It says in 2 Timothy. And I'll finish with this. If we are faithless, he remains faithful. Because he cannot disown himself. Because he cannot disown himself. God is always faithful. God is always faithful. See, when your faith is gone. When your joy is gone. When your hope is gone. When your peace is gone. There's a promise. Jesus is our love. Jesus is our hope. Jesus is our peace. Jesus is our joy. It's who he is. It's who he is. Look to Jesus. Look to Jesus." [01:16:08] (45 seconds)
"So we saw today in the scripture. In the face of Jesus. We see him as Savior. Savior. But also in the face of Jesus. We see him as Emmanuel. God is with us. God is with us. He's not far away. He's close. He's close. As close as breath. He's our Emmanuel. What do you need today? There's two things on offer here today. Two things. One is do you need a Savior? Well Jesus came as the Savior of the world. I mean Christmas is all about this. Come. The Savior of the world. We celebrate this. Because it's good news. Because he paid the price for our sins." [01:17:23] (43 seconds)
"can be forgiven and we can come back into right relationship with god you just need to receive the gift just receive the gift of jesus christ the only thing you need is faith say yes jesus i believe in you come into my life and it'll come into your life or maybe you need him to be emmanuel today god with me i need him in my circumstance and i need him close in my pain i need him close right now like the four testimonies that we saw god wants to encounter you today maybe you want to experience the job love god is love he's pure love when he comes to into your life you'll experience a love that you've never experienced before it's just amazing what about about the hope he said man i i'm so i find this world and my situation is so hard he said well christ the bible says guys it's the hope of glory it's the hope of eternity it's the hope of that this life is not all there is there's actually a life after this life it's called eternity and jesus gives us that hope and that love what about peace like eva's man i'm struggling i can't find this peace he's called the prince of peace and he wants to come into your storm your storm in life and bring you a supernatural peace you can't even understand it sometimes it's just he is peace and when he brings peace in your heart it's a supernatural thing or my favorite is the joy the bible says the joy of the lord is my strength as a christian we have joy live inside of us it's actually not fair to the world really they're trying to find joy everywhere so well i got joy i got joy i've got joy but maybe you don't have this joy yet jesus is joy he is the gift of life he is the gift of life he is the gift of life christmas father we thank you for who you've sent jesus to be father thank you that you sent jesus into the world to be joy for us and to be peace for us and to be hope for us and to be love for us oh jesus we love you so much that you were so humble so humble that you would lay down your glory and you would come as a little vulnerable baby and that you would love on us like the song says let every heart make him room" [01:17:44] (148 seconds)
"every eye closed right now i wonder this this gift is on offer this morning it's been there for the last 2 000 years and the gift is that god so loved you that he gave his son jesus you to die a cruel death on the cross to took the sin of the world your wrongdoing your selfishness your wayward life and he took it upon himself and he died and he brought even to hell itself but then on the third day we celebrate this at easter he rose victoriously and he is alive forevermore and anyone who will put their trust in christ they will also be resurrected from the inside you will become born again born of the son of god and you will be born again spirit of god and he will come inside of you and with him will come the joy and the peace and the hope and the love is there anybody today say gideon i need jesus today this christmas come on christmas 2024 this is your moment to receive the most beautiful gift that has ever been presented to humanity is there anybody here today if you do can you please lift up your hands right now and say gideon this is me i want to receive this gift and then i'll pray with you in a moment anybody here come on lift up your hand don't be shy this is the more one of the more powerful moments in your life i did it when i was 10 years old 10 years old and i've never looked back he's been so beautiful in my life is anybody here thanks very much is anybody else god is knocking at the door of your heart and he wants to come in like the beautiful song says will every will your heart make him room if you confess jesus with your mouth that he is lord and you believe that god the father raised him from the dead you will be saved and you will be saved and you will be saved anybody else they may i need jesus i need jesus lift the height i could pray i can see your hand anybody else" [01:19:54] (118 seconds)
"Thank you very much. Thank you very much. The best decision you've ever made. Guys, can we please pray together with these people a prayer of commitment of receiving this gift in Jesus' name, shall we? Say, Jesus, you're awesome. And today, I receive you to my heart. I receive your forgiveness. I receive your life. I receive your love, hope, peace, and joy. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Today, I make you Lord of my life. And I will serve you for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name." [01:21:52] (38 seconds)
"Come on, let's celebrate with these people who said yes to Jesus. Such a wonderful thing. God bless you so much. I think we're going to have some more worship in a minute. But come on, Catherine. Give it up for my lovely wife, Catherine. Everybody, Merry Christmas." [01:22:30] (17 seconds)
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