Embracing the True Spirit of Christmas

Devotional

Day 1: The Gift of Giving to Jesus

The Christmas season is a time to reflect on the true meaning of giving. It's not about the material gifts we exchange with one another, but about offering our best to Jesus. This perspective shifts our focus from ourselves to others, aligning our hearts with the spirit of the season. By participating in initiatives like building churches and training centers, we embody the essence of Christmas, which is about serving and uplifting others. This act of giving is a testament to the power of generosity and the impact we can have when we prioritize the needs of others over our own. [32:31]

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community could benefit from your generosity this season, and how can you practically serve them today?

Day 2: A Year-Long Journey with Jesus

Embarking on Quest 52 is an invitation to immerse ourselves in the life of Jesus for an entire year. This journey is not merely about acquiring knowledge but about experiencing transformation. As we delve into the Gospels, we are called to allow Jesus to change our lives, shaping us into His likeness. This commitment to a year-long focus on Jesus is a powerful way to deepen our relationship with Him and to ensure that His teachings are passed on to future generations. [37:14]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to begin your year-long journey with Jesus, and how can you invite others to join you?

Day 3: Jesus, the Word Made Flesh

The incarnation of Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. He is not just a historical figure or a great teacher; He is God in human form, who came to dwell among us. This profound truth challenges us to consider who Jesus is to us personally and how we respond to His claims. The Christmas story is more than a historical account; it is a revelation of God's love and presence in our lives. As we reflect on this truth, we are invited to deepen our understanding of Jesus and to embrace His transformative power in our lives. [46:02]

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus as God incarnate challenge your current understanding of Him, and what steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him today?

Day 4: God's Nearness and Understanding

Christmas is a reminder that God is near and understands our struggles. Jesus, the Word made flesh, experienced the full range of human emotions and suffering, making Him our wonderful counselor who empathizes with our pain. This season invites us to trust Him with our burdens, knowing that He offers us hope and healing. As we navigate the challenges of life, we can find comfort in the knowledge that Jesus walks with us, offering His guidance and support. [54:33]

"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 burdens are you carrying today that you need to entrust to Jesus, and how can you practically seek His guidance and support?

Day 5: Embracing the End of Religion

Christmas signifies the end of religion as we know it. It's not about rituals or earning God's favor; it's about a relationship with Jesus, who has already accomplished everything on our behalf. This season invites us to embrace the freedom and joy that come from knowing Him. As we embark on our 52-week quest, we are encouraged to open our hearts to the transformative power of Jesus, the Word made flesh, and to experience the fullness of life that He offers. [59:25]

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on religious rituals rather than a relationship with Jesus, and how can you begin to embrace the freedom He offers today?

Sermon Summary

As we enter the Christmas season, it's a time to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday and the incredible opportunities we have to make a difference in the world. This year, we're excited to continue our Christmas Causes initiative, encouraging everyone to bring their best gift to Jesus. Last year, we helped build a church in the Philippines, and this year, we're expanding our efforts to include a training center for future missionaries. This is a testament to the power of giving and the impact we can have when we focus on others rather than ourselves.

We're also embarking on a significant journey with Quest 52, a year-long focus on the life of Jesus. As our church approaches its 100th anniversary, we want to ensure that we're passing on our mission to the next generation. Quest 52 is a 52-week journey into the heart of Jesus, reminding us of His central role in our lives and the church. This journey is not just about gaining knowledge but about experiencing transformation through a deeper understanding of who Jesus is.

The Christmas story is more than just a historical account; it's a profound revelation of God's love and presence. While the Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide the facts, John's Gospel delves into the meaning behind these events. Jesus is the Word made flesh, the ultimate revelation of God. He is not just a great teacher or prophet; He is God incarnate, the one who came to dwell among us. This truth challenges us to consider who Jesus is to us personally and how we respond to His claims.

Christmas is a reminder that God is near and that He understands our struggles. Jesus, the Word made flesh, experienced the full range of human emotions and suffering. He is our wonderful counselor, having walked the path of human experience. This season invites us to trust Him with our burdens, knowing that He empathizes with our pain and offers us hope and healing.

Ultimately, Christmas signifies the end of religion as we know it. It's not about rituals or earning God's favor; it's about a relationship with Jesus, who has already accomplished everything on our behalf. As we embark on this 52-week quest, let's open our hearts to the transformative power of Jesus, the Word made flesh, and embrace the freedom and joy that come from knowing Him.

Key Takeaways

1. A Year with Jesus:** As we embark on Quest 52, we commit to a year-long journey focused on the life of Jesus. This journey is not just about learning but about transformation, as we immerse ourselves in the Gospels and allow Jesus to change our lives. [37:14]
3. Jesus, the Word Made Flesh: The incarnation of Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. He is not just a historical figure but God in human form, who came to dwell among us. This truth challenges us to consider who Jesus is to us personally and how we respond to His claims.

4. God's Nearness and Understanding: Christmas reminds us that God is near and understands our struggles. Jesus, the Word made flesh, experienced the full range of human emotions and suffering, making Him our wonderful counselor who empathizes with our pain.

5. The End of Religion: Christmas signifies the end of religion as we know it. It's not about rituals or earning God's favor; it's about a relationship with Jesus, who has already accomplished everything on our behalf. This season invites us to embrace the freedom and joy that come from knowing Him.

** [37:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Christmas Music and Excitement
[02:15] - Christmas Causes and Giving
[05:30] - Building a Church in the Philippines
[08:45] - Training Center for Missionaries
[12:00] - Quest 52 Introduction
[15:20] - Church's 100th Anniversary
[18:40] - Focus on Jesus for Transformation
[22:00] - The Meaning of Christmas
[25:15] - John's Gospel and the Word
[28:30] - Who is Jesus?
[32:31] - Jesus as the Word Made Flesh
[37:14] - Jesus' Claims and Our Response
[42:41] - The End of Religion
[46:02] - Invitation to Know Jesus

Sermon Clips

"Mark Moore in chapter one writes this. If Jesus is whom he claimed to be, God, if he did what the Bible says he did, then he is the perfect place to begin our quest to know our creator." [00:37:14] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Through him, all things were made. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. In him was life and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." [00:44:59] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Christianity though, is the only global religion, Mark says, where God is both personal and knowable. Both. We're invited into a relationship with him." [00:52:40] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Christmas is telling us that when Jesus, the Lord of heaven, heard our cries, he raised his hand and said yes to the rescue mission, and he came down. Now, friends, listen. Don't misunderstand. He didn't just come down at the risk of his life. He actually came down knowing it would cost him his life." [00:54:33] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Christmas means you can't just rail at God. Why, God? Why are you allowing all this suffering in the world? Because he has experienced the suffering himself. He even knows what it means to be seemingly abandoned by God." [00:58:38] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"This season just reminds us that you didn't leave us on our own to figure out life in this evil world full of suffering. You didn't stay distant from us and hope that somehow we could work our way to you." [01:11:09] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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