Embracing the Relationship: The True Meaning of Christmas
Summary
Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. It's a season filled with lights, music, and family gatherings, but amidst all the festivities, it's crucial to remember the profound story of Christmas. This story is not just about the birth of Jesus but also about the ordinary people who were part of extraordinary events. Each character in the Christmas narrative has a backstory that enriches our understanding of the miracle of Jesus' birth. This year, I encourage you to delve deeper into these stories to gain a fuller appreciation of who Jesus is and what His birth signifies.
The announcement to Mary by the angel Gabriel marks the beginning of the Christmas story for many. This moment is not just the start of a new story but the fulfillment of an ancient promise. The prophecy of a virgin birth, as foretold in Isaiah, was a sign of hope and a testament to God's faithfulness. This promise was given during a time of fear and uncertainty for the kingdom of Judah, under King Ahaz. Despite the threat of invasion and destruction, God assured Ahaz through the prophet Isaiah that His promises would stand firm.
Ahaz's story is a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God. When faced with fear and uncertainty, God invites us to stand firm in our faith. He offers us signs of His presence and calls us into a relationship with Him. However, like Ahaz, we often respond with reluctance, choosing religious rituals over genuine relationship. God desires more than our religious observance; He seeks a personal relationship with each of us.
The birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," is the ultimate sign of God's desire for relationship. Jesus came not just to fulfill prophecy but to invite us into a personal relationship with God. This Christmas, I urge you to lean into this relationship, to listen to God's whispers, and to respond with faith and trust. Whether you're new to faith or have been walking with God for years, there's always an invitation to deepen your relationship with Him.
Key Takeaways:
- The Christmas story is about ordinary people caught in extraordinary events, reminding us that God uses the ordinary to fulfill His extraordinary plans. [41:23]
- The prophecy of Jesus' birth was a promise of hope given during a time of fear and uncertainty, showing God's faithfulness to His promises. [46:43]
- Faith requires us to stand firm, even when faced with fear and uncertainty. God calls us to trust Him and His promises, just as He called Ahaz. [53:12]
- God desires a personal relationship with us, not just religious observance. He invites us to lean into this relationship and experience His presence in our lives. [58:39]
- Jesus, Emmanuel, is the ultimate sign of God's desire for relationship. This Christmas, embrace the invitation to deepen your relationship with God and trust Him fully. [01:02:56]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[41:23] - The Start of Christmas
[46:43] - Prophecy of Hope
[48:18] - Fear and Conflict
[49:35] - Ahaz's Dilemma
[51:33] - Stand Firm in Faith
[53:12] - A Test of Faith
[55:22] - God's Invitation
[56:14] - Ahaz's Missed Opportunity
[57:52] - The Sign of Emmanuel
[58:39] - Relationship Over Religion
[01:01:38] - God With Us
[01:02:56] - Embracing Relationship
[01:05:51] - Leaning In
[01:09:50] - Invitation to Baptism
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 1:26-33: The announcement to Mary by the angel Gabriel.
- Isaiah 7:1-14: The prophecy of the virgin birth and the sign of Emmanuel.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the angel Gabriel's message to Mary, and how did she initially react to it? ([41:23])
2. In Isaiah 7, what was the political situation that King Ahaz faced, and how did God respond to his fear? ([48:18])
3. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 connect to the announcement made to Mary in Luke 1? ([46:43])
4. What was Ahaz's response to God's invitation to ask for a sign, and what does this reveal about his faith? ([57:52])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Mary and the prophecy in Isaiah illustrate the theme of God using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes? ([41:23])
2. What does Ahaz's reluctance to ask for a sign tell us about the difference between religious observance and genuine faith? ([58:39])
3. How does the name "Emmanuel" deepen our understanding of Jesus' role and mission? ([01:01:38])
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God desires a personal relationship with us over mere religious rituals? ([58:39])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was inviting you into a deeper relationship. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? ([01:05:15])
2. Consider the ordinary aspects of your life. How might God be using them for His extraordinary purposes? ([41:23])
3. Ahaz was given a chance to ask for a sign but chose not to. Is there an area in your life where you are hesitant to seek God's guidance or confirmation? ([57:52])
4. How can you actively lean into a relationship with God this Christmas season, rather than just going through the motions of religious observance? ([58:39])
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith during times of fear and uncertainty. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith in challenging times? ([53:12])
6. How can you create space in your daily routine to listen for God's whispers and respond with trust? ([01:05:51])
7. Identify one way you can share the message of "God with us" with someone in your life this Christmas. What specific action will you take to do this? ([01:02:56])
Devotional
Day 1: God Uses the Ordinary for Extraordinary Purposes
The Christmas story is a profound reminder that God often chooses ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary plans. The narrative of Jesus' birth is filled with individuals who, despite their humble circumstances, played pivotal roles in the unfolding of divine events. This truth encourages us to see the potential for God's work in our own ordinary lives. By examining the lives of those in the Christmas story, we can gain a deeper appreciation for how God uses the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His purposes. This perspective invites us to be open to God's calling, no matter how ordinary we may feel. [41:23]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt too ordinary to be used by God. How can you open yourself to His extraordinary plans today?
Day 2: God's Promises Stand Firm in Uncertainty
The prophecy of Jesus' birth was given during a time of fear and uncertainty, yet it was a promise of hope and a testament to God's faithfulness. The story of King Ahaz and the prophecy delivered by Isaiah serves as a powerful reminder that God's promises remain steadfast, even in the face of adversity. When we are confronted with fear and uncertainty, we are invited to trust in God's unwavering faithfulness. This trust is not passive but requires us to actively stand firm in our faith, believing that God's promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. [46:43]
Isaiah 7:14 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you currently facing fear or uncertainty? How can you actively stand firm in God's promises today?
Day 3: Faith Calls Us to Stand Firm
Faith is not merely a belief but a call to action, especially when faced with fear and uncertainty. The story of Ahaz illustrates the challenge of standing firm in faith when circumstances seem overwhelming. God calls us to trust Him and His promises, even when the path is unclear. This call to faith is an invitation to rely on God's strength rather than our own understanding. By standing firm in faith, we open ourselves to experiencing God's presence and guidance in our lives, allowing Him to work through us in ways we may not fully comprehend. [53:12]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: Identify a specific situation where you are struggling to trust God. What steps can you take today to stand firm in your faith?
Day 4: God Desires Relationship Over Ritual
God's desire for a personal relationship with us surpasses any religious observance or ritual. The story of Ahaz highlights the danger of prioritizing religious rituals over a genuine relationship with God. God invites us to lean into a personal relationship with Him, where we can experience His presence and love in our lives. This invitation is not about following rules but about engaging in a dynamic and transformative relationship with our Creator. By embracing this relationship, we can experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. [58:39]
Micah 6:6-8 (ESV): "With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Reflect on your current spiritual practices. Are they drawing you closer to God or merely fulfilling a ritual? How can you deepen your relationship with Him today?
Day 5: Embrace the Invitation to Deepen Your Relationship with God
Jesus, Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," is the ultimate sign of God's desire for a personal relationship with us. This Christmas, we are invited to embrace the opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and trust Him fully. Whether we are new to faith or have been walking with God for years, there is always room to grow closer to Him. By responding to this invitation, we can experience the transformative power of God's love and presence in our lives, leading us to a deeper understanding of who He is and what His birth signifies. [01:02:56]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to draw nearer to God and deepen your relationship with Him?
Quotes
Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love every bit of it. The candy, the music, the lights, the family time. But one of the things that often gets lost in the shuffle is the story of Christmas. And all of us are familiar with the story of Christmas at some level. But have you ever wondered the backstory behind each one of the characters at Christmas? [00:22:32] (20 seconds)
God has something that he wants to say to you and my hope is that your heart's posture would just be open to receive it because if you were willing to hear him he has something to share with you now let me just open up in a word of prayer and then we'll get started on study the scriptures Jesus thank you for being a living messiah not somebody that we just read about but someone that wants an authentic relationship with us today and thank you for being here and God I pray that as we study your word I pray that your voice would speak powerfully to everyone who's hearing my voice whether they're here in this room or watching us on the screen somewhere God I pray that your voice would speak and that we would listen it's in the name of Jesus we pray amen [00:41:23] (53 seconds)
There had been a whisper, a promise from God that one day the Messiah would come, and the way that you would know who he was is that his birth was going to be different than any other birth. You could point to the baby because his father was God, that there was a virgin birth. And so what I want to do today is go back to the very first time this promise was whispered to the people. [00:46:12] (32 seconds)
And the language that is used is so powerful. The scriptures tell us that the people trembled like trees in a forest shaking in the winds. Now in October, October 6th, we all saw the trees shaking, didn't we? I remember standing outside my kitchen window looking in my backyard and watching the trees. Just shake when Hurricane Helene came. You remember that? How could you forget? The trees were just going and blowing. I probably shouldn't have been standing by the window. I should have probably been hiding in my safe space in my house. But I couldn't help myself. The wind was blowing and the trees were swaying back and forth and saw some trees go down in my yard. It was terrifying. That's the language that the Bible uses about the heart of the people. [00:51:20] (56 seconds)
If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all. God says these countries will be gone. And I'm telling you, they will not conquer you. And you need to stand firm in your faith. See, this is a test. It was an opportunity for him to be faithful and to show his faith in God. And by the way, this verse 9 is a powerful verse. I don't know if you've ever seen it before. But what God says to Ahaz should be something that you should hear today. That you are to stand firm in your faith. [00:53:12] (36 seconds)
And if you don't have faith today, if you're somebody who does not know Jesus, if you have not had a relationship with God, today might be the day that God wants you to take that very first step of faith, which is to say, God, I need to trust you with my life. And God invites Ahaz into a relationship. Look with me in verse 10. It says, then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, ask for a sign from the Lord your God. [00:54:23] (34 seconds)
God's not asking for a test or to be religious. God's inviting Ahaz into a relationship with the living God. God wants Ahaz to lean in to a relationship with God. And Ahaz responds with the living God. God wants Ahaz to lean in and serve Him. Amen. Religion is doing the right things and knowing the right things so that God will love you. A relationship is saying, I'm already loved, therefore I act and do things different. It's placing a relationship with God first rather than obedience. Obedience. [00:58:39] (45 seconds)
God is sending a sign. And it's not two moons. It's not the peanut butter and jelly. He's sending a sign that he's with us. By sending himself, coming in the form of a baby to live a perfect life, to ransom people and bring them home. This is what the gospel is all about, is the fact that people, you, me, all of us, have said, God, we don't want you in our life. We want your stuff or we want you to do things for us. We want you to be kind of like a genie in a bottle when we need you. But we don't want a relationship. [01:02:56] (35 seconds)
And God says, I'm showing you what I'm all about. I'm a relational God. I've always wanted a relationship with people. With Adam and Eve in the garden. God walked with them in the cool of the day. Why? Because he wanted a relationship with them. When God revealed. Reveals himself to Abraham. He talks to him. Why? Because he wanted a relationship with him. When God shows up to Moses at the burning bush. He appears. Why? Because he wants a relationship with Moses. In fact, Moses is known as God's friend. When God sends Jesus, why does he come as a baby? Because he wants a relationship with you. [01:03:34] (43 seconds)
And as we enter into Christmas, I don't know any better way than for us to say, God, I want the relationship. I want to lean in. See, God's been whispering to us this whole time. He's been inviting us in. He's been whispering promises that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. He's been whispering in your life since you were a child. You heard the Bible story. I may be removed by it. What happens when somebody whispers? Well, you have to lean in. You see, I can shout and you may lean back. But when you whisper, and I say this, do you hear God's voice? You have to get still and you have to lean in to hear what God wants to say to your life. [01:05:51] (59 seconds)
Because the promise of Emmanuel that God is with us is not just to us, to the world, but it's to you, that God is with you. I invite you to take that very first step to say, God, I'm leaning in. I'm leaning in with all I got. And the way you do that is simply by telling him that. So if you've never... given your life to the Lord, or maybe you gave your life to the Lord a long time ago, but you need to rededicate your life to the Lord, which simply means that you've been running from a long time, and now, today, you're going to take it serious. [01:08:29] (41 seconds)
We won't settle for religion, but that we'll want the real thing, which is to be known as the children of God. [01:10:05] (10 seconds)
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