Embracing the Joy and Transformation of Christmas

 

Summary

In this Christmas gathering, we celebrate the joy and love that the season brings, focusing on the timeless story of Jesus' birth. The festivities are filled with laughter, connection, and the warmth of community, as we come together to experience the love of Jesus in a profound way. The Christmas story, though familiar, holds deep nuances that reveal significant truths about our lives and faith. Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and upbringing in Nazareth, both small and seemingly insignificant towns, remind us that our past or origins do not determine our future or the purpose God has for us. The manger, a humble feeding trough, symbolizes how Jesus is the bread of life and the living water, offering us sustenance and fulfillment beyond our earthly needs.

The narrative of Jesus' birth in a stable, amidst the mess and chaos, illustrates that no mess in our lives is too daunting for the Savior. Jesus embraces us in our imperfections and guides us towards a life of purpose and redemption. The Christmas story is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus, who meets us where we are but loves us too much to leave us there. This season, we are reminded that the greatest gift is not found under a tree but in the eternal life offered through a relationship with Jesus. As we reflect on this story, we are invited to submit our lives to Him, acknowledging that true fulfillment and peace come from His love and sacrifice.

Key Takeaways:

1. Insignificance Transformed: Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and upbringing in Nazareth, both small and overlooked towns, highlight that our past or origins do not limit the purpose and power God has for our lives. Our significance is not determined by where we come from but by the divine purpose we are called to fulfill. [48:42]

2. The Manger's Message: The manger, a feeding and watering trough, symbolizes Jesus as the bread of life and the living water. Just as the manger provided sustenance for animals, Jesus offers us spiritual nourishment and fulfillment, reminding us that He is all we need for true satisfaction and joy. [54:33]

3. Embracing the Mess: Jesus' birth in a stable, amidst the mess and chaos, illustrates that no mess in our lives is too daunting for the Savior. He meets us in our imperfections, offering grace and transformation, and walks with us on a journey of redemption and growth. [58:11]

4. A New Beginning: The Christmas story invites us to see that our past does not dictate our future. Through Jesus, we are offered a new beginning, where old things pass away, and all things become new. This transformation is rooted in His love and the promise of eternal life. [01:03:14]

5. The Greatest Gift: The true essence of Christmas is not found in material gifts but in the eternal life offered through a relationship with Jesus. By submitting our lives to Him, we find fulfillment, peace, and purpose, experiencing the profound love that transforms our lives. [01:05:41]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [23:19] - Christmas Festivities and Offerings
- [41:55] - Christmas Movies and Traditions
- [44:56] - The Debate Over Die Hard
- [45:51] - Discovering New Details in Classics
- [48:42] - The Significance of Bethlehem and Nazareth
- [50:57] - Skepticism and Invitation
- [52:32] - The Power of Purpose Over Past
- [54:33] - The Symbolism of the Manger
- [58:11] - Jesus in the Stable
- [59:55] - Embracing the Mess
- [01:01:07] - The Unexpected Spotlight
- [01:03:14] - A New Beginning in Christ
- [01:05:41] - The Greatest Gift of Christmas
- [01:07:02] - Closing and Invitation to Connect

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 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."
2. John 1:46 - "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip.
3. John 6:35 - "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'"

Observation Questions:
1. What does Micah 5:2 reveal about the significance of Bethlehem in the prophecy of Jesus' birth? How does this relate to the sermon’s point about insignificance being transformed? [48:42]
2. In John 1:46, Nathanael questions the potential of Nazareth. How does this skepticism reflect the sermon’s message about our past not dictating our future? [50:57]
3. According to John 6:35, what does Jesus mean when He refers to Himself as the "bread of life"? How does this connect to the symbolism of the manger discussed in the sermon? [54:33]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the prophecy in Micah 5:2 challenge our understanding of significance and purpose in our own lives? What does this suggest about how God views our potential? [48:42]
2. Nathanael's skepticism in John 1:46 is met with an invitation to "come and see." How does this invitation reflect the sermon’s call to experience Jesus personally, despite doubts or preconceived notions? [50:57]
3. The sermon describes the manger as a symbol of Jesus providing spiritual nourishment. How does this interpretation deepen our understanding of Jesus' role in our lives as described in John 6:35? [54:33]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt insignificant or overlooked. How can the story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem encourage you to see your own potential and purpose differently? [48:42]
2. Nathanael's initial doubt about Nazareth was overcome by an invitation to experience Jesus. How can you invite others to "come and see" Jesus in your own life, especially those who may be skeptical? [50:57]
3. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus meets us in our mess. What is one area of your life that feels messy or chaotic, and how can you invite Jesus into that space for transformation? [58:11]
4. Consider the symbolism of the manger as a place of sustenance. In what ways can you seek spiritual nourishment from Jesus this week, and how can this impact your daily life? [54:33]
5. The sermon highlights the idea of a new beginning through Jesus. What is one aspect of your life where you desire a fresh start, and how can you take a step towards that new beginning with Jesus' help? [01:03:14]
6. Reflect on the greatest gift of Christmas being a relationship with Jesus. How can you prioritize this relationship in your life, especially during the busy holiday season? [01:05:41]
7. The sermon invites us to submit our lives to Jesus for true fulfillment. What is one area of your life where you struggle to let go of control, and how can you practice surrendering it to Jesus this week? [01:03:14]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Purpose Beyond Origins
In the story of Jesus' birth, we see that He was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, both small and seemingly insignificant towns. This aspect of His life serves as a powerful reminder that our past or origins do not limit the purpose and power God has for our lives. Our significance is not determined by where we come from but by the divine purpose we are called to fulfill. This truth encourages us to look beyond our circumstances and trust in the greater plan that God has for us. No matter how overlooked or insignificant our beginnings may seem, God can transform them into something extraordinary. [48:42]

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." (Micah 5:2, ESV)

Reflection: What aspects of your past or origins have you allowed to define your sense of purpose? How can you begin to see them as part of God's greater plan for your life today?


Day 2: Spiritual Nourishment in the Manger
The manger, a humble feeding and watering trough, symbolizes Jesus as the bread of life and the living water. Just as the manger provided sustenance for animals, Jesus offers us spiritual nourishment and fulfillment, reminding us that He is all we need for true satisfaction and joy. This symbolism invites us to seek sustenance beyond our earthly needs and to find our deepest fulfillment in a relationship with Him. In a world that often leaves us feeling empty, Jesus provides the spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies. [54:33]

"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'" (John 6:35, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking fulfillment outside of Jesus? How can you turn to Him for spiritual nourishment and satisfaction today?


Day 3: Embracing Imperfections with Grace
The narrative of Jesus' birth in a stable, amidst the mess and chaos, illustrates that no mess in our lives is too daunting for the Savior. Jesus meets us in our imperfections, offering grace and transformation, and walks with us on a journey of redemption and growth. This aspect of the Christmas story reassures us that we do not need to be perfect to be embraced by Jesus. He loves us as we are and desires to guide us towards a life of purpose and redemption. [58:11]

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15, ESV)

Reflection: What imperfections or messes in your life have you been hesitant to bring to Jesus? How can you invite Him into these areas and allow His grace to transform them?


Day 4: A New Beginning in Christ
The Christmas story invites us to see that our past does not dictate our future. Through Jesus, we are offered a new beginning, where old things pass away, and all things become new. This transformation is rooted in His love and the promise of eternal life. As we reflect on this truth, we are encouraged to let go of past burdens and embrace the new life that Jesus offers. His love provides the foundation for a fresh start, filled with hope and purpose. [01:03:14]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What past burdens or regrets are you holding onto that prevent you from embracing a new beginning in Christ? How can you release them and step into the new life He offers?


Day 5: The Eternal Gift of Relationship with Jesus
The true essence of Christmas is not found in material gifts but in the eternal life offered through a relationship with Jesus. By submitting our lives to Him, we find fulfillment, peace, and purpose, experiencing the profound love that transforms our lives. This season, we are reminded that the greatest gift is not under a tree but in the eternal life and relationship with Jesus. As we reflect on this truth, we are invited to deepen our relationship with Him and experience the transformative power of His love. [01:05:41]

"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus today to experience the true essence of Christmas? What steps can you take to prioritize this eternal gift in your daily life?

Quotes



What you've been in and what you've done in your life, the addiction you've gone through, the divorce you've gone through, the pain you've gone through, the doubt you've gone through, the hurt you've gone through, all that stuff does not dictate the promise and the purpose God has on your life. It's not about the size of your past. It's about where you're going in your future that matters. [00:51:45] (22 seconds)


Nobody in the room today. We'd look and go, you know what? I don't feel insignificant at times. And the reality is, is Jesus, the Savior of the universe, the one that would give his life so that we could be redeemed and restored back to a relationship with God. Watch this. He was born in a town that was so small that it couldn't fight for the well-being of its nation. [00:52:32] (22 seconds)


And so there's power in the nuances. He's from Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth. And then you know this part, right? In Luke, in Luke chapter 2, Luke chapter 2, in verses 4 through 7, my kids read the whole thing earlier and all this. And it says that she, verse 7 says, She wrapped him in cloths and laid him. In a what? You know the story. Come on, you don't have to be skeptical. It's okay. We're in church. We like to talk back. He laid him in a, in a manger. They laid him in a, in a manger. Here's the truth about a manger that's interesting. A manger is not a crib. [00:53:14] (33 seconds)


Feeding and watering trough for animals. It wasn't sanitary. It wasn't. It wasn't clean. It wasn't good. It was only there to feed and water the animals. And so whenever somebody, the animals, y 'all know how animals are. If you got a dog or a cat or anything, when you fill up their bowl with food, what do they do? Bam, I'm going to eat. It's the same thing for them. When they saw a human putting something in their feeding trough, they ran to go get the food they needed for sustainment or the water they needed for long-term sustainment. Now watch. This is interesting. If you flip over to John. [00:53:58] (34 seconds)


And then he says in John chapter 4 in verse 14. Here's what he says. He says, But whoever drinks of the water, that I will give him shall never thirst. But the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life. So watch this. You've got to see what's happening. The baby was laid in something that was meant to feed and water for the sustainment of an animal's soul. An animal's life. And Jesus comes along and he goes, Hey, I was born in something that provided everything that those animals needed. And now I died on the cross to become everything. [00:54:56] (38 seconds)


I give you the sustainment. I give you the fulfillment. The manger was a foreshadowing, I believe, of the life of Jesus for us. That he will be the bread of life and he will be the water that never runs dry. And I don't have to live off the acceptance of everyone else in my life. I can live off the sacrifice of his life for me, no matter who I am, no matter what I've done. Because my past does not dictate my future. It's only his love for me that does. And he laid in that thing as a baby, but he died as the fulfillment of it all. [00:55:34] (33 seconds)


And what the stable is, there's two types of stables in that day. One was in a cave. That's not what this one is. And two was in the basement of a house. And what would happen is, is the animals would come in to that place to stay warm, to get food and to have a place of safety to sleep that is away from the elements. And so when it says that he stayed in a stable, he stayed in an inn. Can I tell you that the king of kings was not born in dignitaries to where dignitaries stay. The king of kings, the king of kings, did not have a card that you swipe to get to the executive suite at the top of the room. The lord of lords did not stay where the best of the best stayed. The lord of lords was in a place where literally animals went to sleep. [00:58:06] (38 seconds)


Nothing about a mess intimidates the savior. Nothing about your past, nothing about your present, nothing about what you go through, nothing about your divorce, nothing about your mourning, nothing about your sadness, nothing about your celebration, nothing about your addiction, nothing about your questions, nothing about your confusion, none of your mess intimidates Jesus. [00:59:31] (23 seconds)


And we like to say it like this around here, that God loves us right where we are, but way too much to leave us there. And he takes us on a journey of getting better with him and going to more with him. The Savior was exposed to any kind of disgusting thing that you could think of, and I'm here to tell you that there's nothing disgusting in your life that turns him away. [01:00:00] (21 seconds)


There should have been no spotlight, but yet he allows us to have peace and rest in the midst of chaos in this life. There should have been no spotlight yet. He protects us from any. And. And everything that we could ever go through because he's willing to embrace the mess with us. That is Jesus. And here's what I want you to know today is this Christmas, you may feel like that I need to hide some of the things in my life. I need to hide this and I need to hide that. And I can't show this to God and I can't show this and I are that, and I can't be a part of this thing. And I need you to know that no matter where you are, no matter if you're in the midst of mourning or in the midst of celebration, no matter if you're in the midst of a relationship with him or you haven't yet. Get entered into that no matter if you're in a place to where addiction is overcoming your life or it's not. I just need you to know he will find you where you are, but he will not leave you there because he embraces the mess. And it is not too intimidating for the savior, the king of kings and the Lord of lords to take everything that stinks to you. [01:01:41] (61 seconds)


And the greatest decision that any of us can make any of us, and it doesn't matter if you were raised in church or not, the greatest thing that we could do is look at Jesus and go, that is what I need in my life because I've tried to be my own savior. [01:03:14] (16 seconds)


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Transcript
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