Embracing the Transformative Joy of Christmas
Summary
In reflecting on the profound meaning of Christmas, we delve into the opening verses of 1 John, which echo the themes found in the Gospel of John. These passages do not merely recount the events of Christmas but rather illuminate their significance. Christmas is not just a nostalgic time filled with warmth and memories; it is a profound declaration of what it means for God to become human. The incarnation of Jesus Christ signifies that salvation is by grace, not by our works. Unlike other religions where the founder points the way to eternal life, Jesus embodies the way, the truth, and the life. He is not merely a prophet but God Himself, come to save us, offering eternal life through knowing Him.
Christmas also means that we can have fellowship with God. The incarnation is about God going to infinite lengths to draw near to us, inviting us into a personal relationship with Him. This is not just about belief or obedience; it is about intimacy with the divine. Just as we cannot look directly at the sun without a filter, we cannot fully comprehend God's glory without the incarnation of Jesus, who makes God accessible and relatable.
Furthermore, Christmas affirms that love truly matters. In a world that often reduces human experiences to mere chemical reactions, Christmas reveals that love pre-existed creation, was the force behind it, and is now redeeming it. The triune God, a community of love, created the world out of love and entered it to restore it. This divine love is not a fleeting emotion but an eternal truth that gives meaning to our existence.
Lastly, Christmas brings joy. It is a joy that persists like a subterranean river, even when life's circumstances are dry and challenging. The incarnation bridges the gap between the ideal and the real, bringing the hope of heaven into our earthly reality. This joy is not dependent on external conditions but is rooted in the transformative truth of Christmas.
Key Takeaways:
1. Salvation by Grace: Christmas reveals that salvation is not earned by our deeds but is a gift of grace through Jesus Christ. Unlike other religious figures who point the way to God, Jesus is the way, embodying eternal life. This truth liberates us from the insecurity of trying to earn salvation and invites us to rest in His grace. [04:08]
2. Fellowship with God: The incarnation signifies God's desire for a personal relationship with us. He became human to draw near, inviting us into intimate fellowship. This challenges us to prioritize our relationship with Him, going beyond mere belief to a deep, personal connection. [08:25]
3. The Reality of Love: Christmas affirms that love is not just a chemical reaction but a divine reality. The triune God, a community of love, created and redeems the world. This truth assures us that love is foundational to our existence and has eternal significance. [18:34]
4. Enduring Joy: The joy of Christmas is like a subterranean river, sustaining us through life's challenges. The incarnation bridges the gap between the ideal and the real, bringing heavenly hope into our earthly lives. This joy is rooted in the transformative truth of Christmas, offering us strength and peace. [25:56]
5. The Incarnation's Challenge: Christmas challenges us to respond to God's initiative by drawing near to Him. Just as God went to great lengths to be close to us, we are called to pursue intimacy with Him, aligning our lives with His presence and purpose. [13:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:1-4
- [01:04] - Understanding Christmas Beyond the Events
- [02:23] - Salvation by Grace
- [03:38] - Jesus: The Way, Truth, and Life
- [04:27] - The Doctrine of Salvation by Works
- [06:25] - The Reality of Jesus' Life and Death
- [07:42] - Fellowship with God Through the Incarnation
- [09:10] - Seeing God's Glory Through Jesus
- [11:47] - Drawing Near to God
- [13:46] - The Significance of Love
- [16:49] - Love as a Divine Reality
- [19:00] - God Writing Himself into Our Story
- [23:47] - The Joy of Christmas
- [25:56] - A Subterranean River of Joy
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 John 1:1-4
- John 1:1-14
- John 14:6
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 John 1:1-4, what are the different ways the apostles experienced Jesus? How does this emphasize the reality of the incarnation? [00:13]
2. In the sermon, how is Jesus described in relation to eternal life, and how does this differ from other religious figures? [03:23]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of love as described in the context of Christmas? [18:34]
4. How does the sermon describe the joy that Christmas brings, and what metaphor is used to illustrate this joy? [25:56]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of salvation by grace challenge the idea of earning salvation through good deeds, as discussed in the sermon? [05:05]
2. What does it mean to have fellowship with God through the incarnation, and how does this go beyond mere belief or obedience? [08:25]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that love is foundational to our existence and not just a chemical reaction? [18:34]
4. How does the metaphor of a subterranean river help us understand the enduring joy that Christmas offers, even in difficult times? [25:56]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea of salvation by grace. How does this understanding impact your daily life and your relationship with God? [04:08]
2. Consider your current relationship with God. What steps can you take to deepen your fellowship with Him, moving beyond belief to intimacy? [08:25]
3. How can you demonstrate the reality of divine love in your interactions with others this week, knowing that love is more than just a feeling? [18:34]
4. Think about a challenging situation you are facing. How can the joy of Christmas, as described in the sermon, provide strength and hope in this situation? [25:56]
5. The sermon challenges us to respond to God's initiative by drawing near to Him. What practical changes can you make in your life to pursue a closer relationship with God? [13:29]
6. Reflect on the idea that love pre-existed creation and is now redeeming it. How does this perspective influence the way you view your purpose and actions in the world? [18:34]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel distant from God. What is one tangible step you can take this week to bridge that gap and draw closer to Him? [11:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Salvation as a Gift of Grace
The message of Christmas reveals that salvation is not something we can earn through our deeds or efforts; it is a gift of grace given through Jesus Christ. Unlike other religious figures who merely point the way to God, Jesus embodies the way, the truth, and the life. This truth liberates us from the insecurity of trying to earn salvation and invites us to rest in His grace. The incarnation of Jesus Christ signifies that God Himself came to save us, offering eternal life through knowing Him. This profound truth challenges us to embrace the grace that is freely given, allowing it to transform our lives and our understanding of salvation. [04:08]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: In what ways have you been trying to earn God's favor through your actions? How can you begin to rest in the grace that Jesus offers today?
Day 2: Intimacy with God Through the Incarnation
The incarnation of Jesus Christ signifies God's desire for a personal relationship with us. By becoming human, God went to infinite lengths to draw near to us, inviting us into intimate fellowship. This is not just about belief or obedience; it is about a deep, personal connection with the divine. Just as we cannot look directly at the sun without a filter, we cannot fully comprehend God's glory without the incarnation of Jesus, who makes God accessible and relatable. This challenges us to prioritize our relationship with Him, going beyond mere belief to a deep, personal connection. [08:25]
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 steps can you take today to deepen your personal relationship with God? How can you make space in your life for intimacy with Him?
Day 3: Love as a Divine Reality
Christmas affirms that love is not just a chemical reaction but a divine reality. The triune God, a community of love, created and redeems the world. This truth assures us that love is foundational to our existence and has eternal significance. In a world that often reduces human experiences to mere chemical reactions, Christmas reveals that love pre-existed creation, was the force behind it, and is now redeeming it. This divine love is not a fleeting emotion but an eternal truth that gives meaning to our existence. [18:34]
1 John 4:9-10 (ESV): "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
Reflection: How can you embody the divine love of God in your interactions with others today? What practical steps can you take to show this love in your community?
Day 4: Joy Rooted in the Truth of Christmas
The joy of Christmas is like a subterranean river, sustaining us through life's challenges. The incarnation bridges the gap between the ideal and the real, bringing heavenly hope into our earthly lives. This joy is not dependent on external conditions but is rooted in the transformative truth of Christmas. It offers us strength and peace, even when life's circumstances are dry and challenging. This enduring joy is a testament to the hope and promise that the birth of Jesus brings to our lives. [25:56]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you need to experience the joy of Christmas? How can you allow the truth of Jesus' incarnation to bring hope and joy into those areas today?
Day 5: Responding to God's Initiative
Christmas challenges us to respond to God's initiative by drawing near to Him. Just as God went to great lengths to be close to us, we are called to pursue intimacy with Him, aligning our lives with His presence and purpose. The incarnation is a profound declaration of God's desire for a relationship with us, and it invites us to respond by seeking Him with our whole hearts. This response requires intentionality and a willingness to align our lives with His will and purpose. [13:29]
Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can respond to God's initiative in your life today? How can you intentionally seek to align your life with His presence and purpose?
Quotes
In every other religion, the founder is a prophet or a sage and the founder says here's the way for you to find eternal life do this do this do this do this and you will connect to the infinite or you will become one with God or you'll be saved whatever do this do this do this do this this is the way to eternal life but Jesus says I am the way the truth and the life. [00:03:35]
Jesus Christ according to Christmas is God come to save us to do for us what we can't do for ourselves to know him is eternal life it's not like he comes comes and you follow him and you do the things that you should do and you live a good life and then you know God blesses you and God Saves you no no he is the life. [00:04:18]
When you say Doctrine doesn't matter what matters is that you live a good life that's a Doctrine and you know what the doctrine says it says I actually am not so bad that I need a savior I'm actually not so messed up that I can't pull it together and live a good enough life. [00:05:00]
If you do say Doctrine doesn't matter what matters that you live a good life and I'm trying to live a good life yeah you're trying to live a good life it will be a life characterized by fear and insecurity because you'll never feel like you're being quite good enough or it'll be marked by pride and disdain for other people if you feel like you actually have been good enough. [00:05:33]
Christmas Means God has gone to infinite lengths to come near you to have a personal relationship with him so that you can know him personally God is Not content to Simply Be a concept to be believed or even uh something to warm your heart he's not even content to be a powerful force that you bow to in some way because he became human and one of the reasons is so we can have fellowship with him. [00:08:19]
God went to infinite lengths to get near you to get close to you so that you could know him personally God went to infinite lengths he lost his glory he lost his life now you must be willing to go to Great Lengths to get close to him it's not enough just to believe in him. [00:11:47]
Christmas tells you that what your heart intuitively knows is true Christmas can make you whole oh New Yorker if your brain tells you one thing and your heart tells you another thing so your brain says this is it but you're not living that way Christmas can make you whole because Christmas proves that love is not something that just happen inside a human brain as a chemical response but love pre-existed the world created the world and is Redeeming the world. [00:16:32]
The doctrine of Christmas the teaching of Christmas is that the love who created the world and who created us and who knows that we've gone astray and we've gone away from him and we're in a mess he looks God has looked into the world that he created he's looked at us the main character in the world human race and he's loved us and he wrote himself into the play he wrote himself into our lives that's why he was born in a manger and he came to save us. [00:22:40]
Love is not just a chemical reaction or a chemical response we know it's not we talk about love we when we talk about love we talk about forever I'll love you forever which is silly why don't we just say I'll love you till I die or you die but we don't feel that way we feel like our love is going to why do we feel that way because love is not a thing originally from time and space it's come into the world it's come from somewhere else Christmas proves that. [00:23:12]
If you believed everything I've told you about Christmas if you believed it with all your heart if you really knew it it would be a Subterranean River of joy that was always there keeping you cool when the circumstances of your life were hot and parched if you think of it like this until Christmas here was the ideal and here was the real here's the ideal Heaven Bliss happiness eternity immortality and down here is the real suffering death limitation Brokenness. [00:25:56]
At Christmas in the Incarnation God punched a hole punched a hole in that concrete slab between the ideal and the real and the ideal became real and the ideal came down into our lives and into this world and it's going to change everything eventually that can be a Subterranean River of joy in your life that keeps you cool keeps you going even when everything else is pretty bad in your life. [00:26:33]
Christmas Means all these things Christmas means so much think about it let's pray Our Father we're grateful to you that uh we don't just have to feel good at Christmas in a general way and it wears off we can think about what Christmas really means and that can be an anchor to our souls and it can be a Subterranean River of Joy it can be great a great thing for us. [00:27:58]
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