Embracing the Transformative Relationship of Christmas
Summary
In this Christmas season, we gather to reflect on the profound purpose of the Christmas story. It's a time to remember that God is not interested in religion but in a relationship with us. The story of Jesus Christ is not just a narrative of His birth but a testament to God's redemptive plan for humanity. We are reminded that we all start on the "naughty list," spiritually bankrupt and unable to meet God's standards on our own. Yet, the beauty of Christmas lies in the good news that Jesus came to be our Savior, offering us redemption and a relationship with God.
The Christmas story is a fulfillment of God's promise, moving from a promise maker in the Old Testament to a promise keeper in the New Testament. Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is the embodiment of God's love and faithfulness. He is described as a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These titles reveal His nature and the transformative power of His presence in our lives. Jesus is always available, offering guidance and strength in our times of need. He is a mighty God who empowers us to face life's challenges, and as an everlasting Father, He cares for and provides for us with unconditional love.
The essence of Christmas is not just in celebrating the birth of Jesus but in understanding the purpose behind it. Jesus came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many, freeing us from spiritual captivity. This requires a response from us, an invitation to enter into a relationship with Him. It's not enough to know about Jesus; we must make the call to connect with Him personally. The Christmas story invites us to move from mere knowledge to a transformative relationship with our Savior.
Key Takeaways:
- Relationship Over Religion: God desires a relationship with us, not mere religious rituals. The Christmas story is a reminder that through Jesus, we can experience a life transformed by His grace and mercy. This relationship is the foundation of our faith and the source of true joy. [27:18]
- The Fulfillment of God's Promise: The birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to redeem humanity. From the Old Testament to the New, God has been a promise maker and a promise keeper, demonstrating His faithfulness and love. This assurance gives us hope and confidence in His plans for our lives. [36:14]
- Jesus as Our Wonderful Counselor: Jesus is always available to guide and counsel us. His wisdom surpasses human understanding, and by leaning into His counsel, we can navigate life with fewer regrets and more peace. Trusting in His guidance leads to a life of abundance and joy. [44:42]
- The Mighty God in Our Lives: Life's challenges can be overwhelming, but Jesus, our Mighty God, empowers us to overcome them. His strength is made perfect in our weakness, and His presence assures us that we are never alone in our struggles. [45:30]
- The Transformative Power of the Savior: The Christmas story calls us to respond to Jesus' invitation to a relationship. It's not enough to know about Him; we must invite Him into our lives as our Savior. This decision transforms us from spiritual bankruptcy to being children of God, embraced by His love and grace. [56:03]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [27:18] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
- [28:44] - Joy in Gathering
- [30:42] - The Naughty List
- [32:23] - The Truth of God's Word
- [33:44] - The Bad News Before Christmas
- [34:19] - Understanding Our Need for Christmas
- [35:00] - The Christmas Story in Luke
- [36:14] - The Good News of Jesus
- [40:10] - Transformation in God's Presence
- [41:51] - Jesus: Wonderful Counselor
- [44:42] - Jesus: Mighty God
- [48:56] - Jesus: Everlasting Father
- [52:16] - Jesus: Prince of Peace
- [54:43] - The Purpose of Jesus' Birth
- [56:03] - Responding to Jesus' Invitation
- [59:09] - Personal Testimony and Invitation
- [01:04:04] - Closing and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:1-20
- Isaiah 9:6
- Romans 3:23
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus being called a "Wonderful Counselor"? How does this title relate to His availability and guidance in our lives? [44:42]
2. In the Christmas story from Luke 2, how did the shepherds respond to the angel's message, and what was the result of their encounter with Jesus? [40:10]
3. The sermon mentions that Jesus is described as a "Mighty God." What examples were given to illustrate how Jesus empowers us to face life's challenges? [45:30]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of being on the "naughty list," and what does it say about our spiritual state before knowing Jesus? [32:23]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. The sermon emphasizes the transition from God being a promise maker to a promise keeper. How does this transition impact our understanding of God's faithfulness and love? [36:14]
2. Reflecting on Isaiah 9:6, what do the titles given to Jesus reveal about His nature and role in our lives? How do these titles provide comfort and assurance? [41:51]
3. The sermon discusses the importance of moving from knowledge about Jesus to a personal relationship with Him. What might prevent someone from making this transition, and how can they overcome it? [56:03]
4. How does the sermon describe the transformative power of Jesus as our Savior, and what does it mean to respond to His invitation? [54:43]
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Application Questions:
1. The sermon highlights the importance of a relationship over religion. In what ways can you prioritize your relationship with God over religious rituals in your daily life? [28:44]
2. Jesus is described as a "Wonderful Counselor." Can you identify a current situation in your life where you need His guidance? How can you seek His counsel this week? [44:42]
3. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge that felt overwhelming. How did your faith in Jesus as a "Mighty God" help you through it? How can this experience encourage you in future challenges? [45:30]
4. The sermon mentions that Jesus is an "Everlasting Father" who provides and cares for us. What are some specific ways you can trust God to provide for your needs this month? [48:56]
5. Consider the idea of being on the "naughty list" and spiritually bankrupt. How does acknowledging this reality change your perspective on the need for a Savior? [32:23]
6. The sermon calls us to respond to Jesus' invitation to a relationship. What steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Him? [56:03]
7. How can you share the good news of Jesus' birth and the purpose of Christmas with someone in your life who may not know Him? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate His love and grace? [36:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Relationship Over Rituals
The Christmas story emphasizes God's desire for a personal relationship with us, transcending mere religious rituals. Through Jesus, we are invited to experience a life transformed by His grace and mercy. This relationship is the foundation of our faith and the source of true joy. God is not interested in empty traditions but in a genuine connection with each of us. The birth of Jesus is a reminder that we can have a direct and personal relationship with God, one that is filled with love, grace, and mercy. This relationship is not about following rules but about experiencing the transformative power of God's presence in our lives. [27:18]
"Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'" (Jeremiah 9:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize your relationship with God over religious rituals this week? How can you make space for a deeper connection with Him in your daily life?
Day 2: God's Promise Fulfilled
The birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to redeem humanity. From the Old Testament to the New, God has been a promise maker and a promise keeper, demonstrating His faithfulness and love. This assurance gives us hope and confidence in His plans for our lives. Jesus' birth in Bethlehem is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises. It is a reminder that God is faithful and that His plans for us are filled with hope and a future. The Christmas story is a powerful reminder that God keeps His promises, and we can trust Him with our lives. [36:14]
"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations." (Deuteronomy 7:9, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you are holding onto. How does the fulfillment of God's promises in the Christmas story encourage you to trust Him more deeply in your own life?
Day 3: Jesus, Our Wonderful Counselor
Jesus is always available to guide and counsel us. His wisdom surpasses human understanding, and by leaning into His counsel, we can navigate life with fewer regrets and more peace. Trusting in His guidance leads to a life of abundance and joy. Jesus is described as a Wonderful Counselor, offering us wisdom and guidance in every situation. His counsel is perfect, and when we seek His guidance, we can make decisions that align with His will and bring peace to our lives. [44:42]
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV)
Reflection: What area of your life do you need Jesus' counsel in today? How can you intentionally seek His wisdom and guidance in this area?
Day 4: Empowered by the Mighty God
Life's challenges can be overwhelming, but Jesus, our Mighty God, empowers us to overcome them. His strength is made perfect in our weakness, and His presence assures us that we are never alone in our struggles. Jesus is a Mighty God who empowers us to face life's challenges with courage and strength. His power is available to us, and when we rely on Him, we can overcome any obstacle. The Christmas story reminds us that we are not alone, and we have a mighty God who fights for us. [45:30]
"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: Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can you rely on Jesus' strength and power to overcome this challenge today?
Day 5: Transformative Relationship with the Savior
The Christmas story calls us to respond to Jesus' invitation to a relationship. It's not enough to know about Him; we must invite Him into our lives as our Savior. This decision transforms us from spiritual bankruptcy to being children of God, embraced by His love and grace. Jesus came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many, freeing us from spiritual captivity. This requires a response from us, an invitation to enter into a relationship with Him. The Christmas story invites us to move from mere knowledge to a transformative relationship with our Savior. [56:03]
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: How can you move from knowing about Jesus to experiencing a transformative relationship with Him? What steps can you take today to invite Him more fully into your life?
Quotes
Because God's word is truth. And know this, if it's God's word, it's God's will. If it's God's will, it's the best thing for your life. If you're following God's for your life, it brings God's blessing. If you want God's blessing in your life, put your hands together. Come on, amen. We all do. [00:32:23] (16 seconds)
You can't appreciate the great news of Christmas without knowing that there was bad news of why we needed Christmas. There's bad news that precedes the Christmas message, and the only way you can really appreciate Christmas, I'm talking about Christmas. I'm talking about not simply the story, but the purpose of Christmas is you got to know why we needed Christmas. [00:34:19] (20 seconds)
The entire Old Testament is a story of God's redemptive plan, all looking forward, forward, forward, forward to Luke chapter 2. God in the Old Testament is a promise maker. In Luke chapter 2, God moves from a promise maker to a promise keeper. Who's excited about that? I'm very excited that God keeps his word. [00:37:12] (26 seconds)
Emmanuel means that Jesus Christ, God, came here to be with us, and he is for us. I want you to hear this today, and it's very important. God's not mad at you. He's not disappointed in you. He wants a relationship with you, and again, God's not mad at you. He's madly in love with you with an unfailing, unconditional love. Amen? That's the story of the Bible. [00:48:56] (25 seconds)
Let me tell you something. Everybody in this room, you're going to face things that are bigger than you. We've all had a Popeye moment before, right? The great theologian Popeye the Sailor Man. I've had all I can stands, I can stands. We've all been there. You said, I've had it up to here. I can't take it anymore. [00:45:30] (20 seconds)
The Bible says that we have a responsibility to. respond to what Jesus did, not just know about it. I grew up in religion. I knew all about the story of Jesus. I knew the Christmas story. I knew the Easter story. I went to an all -boys private religious school. I went to all kinds of religious schools. [00:56:03] (20 seconds)
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