Embracing the True Spirit of Christmas
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. The True Gift of Christmas: Christmas is a time to focus on giving our best to Jesus, recognizing that it's His birthday, not ours. By supporting initiatives like building churches and training centers, we align our hearts with the true spirit of the season, which is about giving and serving others. [32:31]
2. Quest 52 - 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. [46:02]
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. [54:33]
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. [59:25]
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
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 1:1-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What does John 1:1-14 reveal about the identity of Jesus as the Word? How is this significant in understanding the nature of God? [46:02]
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the initiatives the church is involved in during the Christmas season, and how do they reflect the true spirit of Christmas? [32:31]
3. How does the sermon describe the purpose and significance of the Quest 52 initiative? What is the intended impact on the church community? [37:14]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' incarnation challenges our personal understanding of who He is? [46:02]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Jesus as the "Word made flesh" deepen our understanding of God's desire to be near and relatable to humanity? [52:05]
2. The sermon mentions that Christmas signifies the end of religion as we know it. What does this mean in the context of a relationship with Jesus versus religious rituals? [59:25]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus being both personal and knowable, and how does this contrast with other religious views of God? [52:05]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the transformative power of focusing on Jesus for an entire year through Quest 52? How might this impact an individual's faith journey? [37:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea of giving your best gift to Jesus this Christmas. What specific actions can you take to align your heart with the true spirit of the season? [32:31]
2. As you embark on the Quest 52 journey, what are some practical steps you can take to ensure that this year-long focus on Jesus leads to personal transformation? [37:14]
3. Consider the statement that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. How does this truth challenge your current understanding of who Jesus is in your life? [46:02]
4. In what ways can you trust Jesus as your "wonderful counselor" with your current struggles or burdens? How can you practically seek His guidance and comfort? [54:33]
5. The sermon suggests that Christmas is a reminder of God's nearness and understanding. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your daily life? [54:33]
6. How does the idea that Christmas signifies the end of religion as we know it influence your approach to faith and spirituality? What changes might you consider in your relationship with Jesus? [59:25]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel distant from God. What steps can you take this week to draw closer to Him, knowing that He has already come near through Jesus? [52:05]
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?
Quotes
"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)
"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)
"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)
"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)
"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)
"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)
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