Embracing the True Spirit of Christmas: Christ's Presence

 

Summary

Christmas is a time of celebration, but its true significance is found in the presence of Jesus. This season reminds us of God's love and His decision to be with us, as demonstrated through the birth of Christ. The story of Christmas is filled with surprises, from the angel's announcement to Mary to the shepherds receiving the good news. These surprises remind us that God often works in unexpected ways, bringing joy and hope into our lives.

The shepherds, often overlooked in society, were chosen to receive the message of Christ's birth. This highlights that God values each of us, regardless of our status or background. The shepherds' response to the angelic message was immediate; they went to see Jesus and then shared the good news with others. This season, we are called to be like the shepherds, sharing the message of Christ with those around us.

Christmas is also a reminder that we have a Savior. Jesus, born in a humble manger, came to bring salvation, peace, and goodwill to all. His birth signifies that no matter our circumstances, God can use us for His purposes. The location of Jesus' birth teaches us that our beginnings do not determine our destiny. We are here to fulfill a purpose, and with Christ, we can rise above any challenges.

The presence of Christ brings peace, not as the absence of conflict, but as the assurance of His presence in our lives. This peace allows us to face life's storms with confidence, knowing that God is with us. As we celebrate Christmas, let us focus on sharing Christ, the true message of the season. Let us be the light that brings hope and redemption to those around us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Unexpected Surprises: The Christmas story is filled with unexpected surprises, reminding us that God often works in ways we do not anticipate. Just as Mary and the shepherds were surprised by the angelic announcements, we too can expect God to bring unexpected blessings into our lives. [22:16]

2. God Values Everyone: The shepherds, though marginalized, were chosen to receive the message of Christ's birth. This teaches us that God values each person, regardless of their societal status. We are all important in God's eyes and have a role to play in His plan. [26:58]

3. The Savior's Humble Birth: Jesus' birth in a manger shows that our beginnings do not limit our potential. God can use anyone, regardless of their background, to fulfill His purposes. Our focus should be on fulfilling the destiny God has for us. [29:28]

4. Peace Through Christ: True peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ in our lives. This peace allows us to navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with us and will not let us be defeated. [47:30]

5. Sharing the Good News: Like the shepherds, we are called to share the message of Christ with others. This Christmas, let us be intentional about making Jesus known, bringing hope and light to those around us. [43:27]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:32] - The Significance of Christmas
[21:09] - God's Presence Through Ups and Downs
[22:16] - Surprises in the Christmas Story
[24:22] - The Shepherds' Encounter
[26:03] - The Role of Shepherds
[27:45] - The Savior's Birth
[29:28] - Jesus' Humble Beginnings
[39:10] - Highlighting Christ in Christmas
[40:17] - Sharing Christ's Message
[42:00] - The Witness of Anna and Simeon
[43:27] - Making Jesus Known
[46:45] - The Peace of God
[47:30] - Peace Through Christ
[49:27] - Proclaiming Christ
[51:19] - Christ as Light and Redemption
[54:31] - Rising with Christ
[55:54] - The Reason for the Season

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:8-20

Observation Questions:
1. What unexpected event did the shepherds experience while tending their flocks at night? How did they respond to this event? [24:22]
2. How does the sermon describe the societal status of shepherds during the time of Jesus' birth, and why is it significant that they were chosen to receive the angelic message? [26:03]
3. What does the sermon highlight about the location of Jesus' birth, and how does it relate to the idea of fulfilling one's purpose? [29:28]

Interpretation Questions:
1. The sermon mentions that God often works in unexpected ways. How might this understanding affect a person's faith journey, especially during challenging times? [22:16]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the humble birth of Jesus challenges societal norms and expectations? How can this perspective influence one's view of personal potential and purpose? [29:28]
3. The sermon emphasizes the peace that comes through Christ. How does this peace differ from the world's understanding of peace, and what implications does it have for facing life's challenges? [47:30]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced an unexpected blessing or surprise from God. How did it impact your faith, and how can you remain open to such surprises in the future? [22:16]
2. Consider the people in your life who might feel overlooked or undervalued. How can you intentionally share the message of Christ's love and value with them this Christmas season? [26:58]
3. Jesus' birth in a manger teaches that humble beginnings do not limit one's potential. What steps can you take to focus on fulfilling your God-given purpose, regardless of your current circumstances? [29:28]
4. The sermon calls us to share the good news of Christ like the shepherds did. Identify one person you can share the message of hope and redemption with this week. How will you approach this conversation? [43:27]
5. How can you cultivate the peace of Christ in your life, especially in areas where you currently feel anxious or troubled? What practical steps can you take to invite His presence into those situations? [47:30]
6. The sermon encourages us to highlight Christ in our Christmas celebrations. What specific traditions or activities can you incorporate into your holiday plans to keep Christ at the center? [39:10]
7. Reflect on the idea that God values everyone, regardless of societal status. How can this truth shape your interactions and relationships with others, particularly those who are marginalized or overlooked? [26:58]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Divine Surprises
The Christmas story is a testament to the unexpected ways in which God works. From the angel's announcement to Mary to the shepherds receiving the good news, each event was a surprise that defied human expectations. These surprises remind us that God often intervenes in our lives in ways we do not anticipate, bringing joy and hope when we least expect it. As we reflect on these events, we are encouraged to remain open to the unexpected blessings that God may bring into our lives. Embracing these divine surprises requires faith and trust in God's plan, even when it diverges from our own expectations. [22:16]

Luke 1:30-31 (ESV): "And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.'"

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where things did not go as planned. How can you open your heart to see God's hand in the unexpected?


Day 2: Recognizing Our Worth in God's Eyes
The shepherds, often marginalized and overlooked in society, were chosen to receive the message of Christ's birth. This choice highlights a profound truth: God values each person, regardless of their societal status or background. In God's eyes, everyone is important and has a role to play in His divine plan. This understanding calls us to recognize our own worth and the worth of others, seeing each person as a valuable part of God's creation. As we reflect on the shepherds' story, we are reminded that our value is not determined by worldly standards but by God's love and purpose for us. [26:58]

1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV): "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"

Reflection: Consider someone you may have overlooked or undervalued. How can you show them that they are valued and loved by God today?


Day 3: Rising Above Humble Beginnings
Jesus' birth in a humble manger teaches us that our beginnings do not limit our potential. Despite His modest start, Jesus fulfilled a divine purpose that changed the world. This narrative encourages us to look beyond our circumstances and trust that God can use us for His purposes, regardless of our background. Our focus should be on fulfilling the destiny God has for us, knowing that He can elevate us beyond our humble beginnings. As we reflect on Jesus' birth, we are inspired to pursue our God-given purpose with confidence and determination. [29:28]

Micah 5:2 (ESV): "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel limited by your circumstances? How can you trust God to use you for His greater purpose?


Day 4: Finding Peace in Christ's Presence
True peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ in our lives. This peace allows us to navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with us and will not let us be defeated. The assurance of Christ's presence brings a deep sense of peace that transcends our circumstances, enabling us to face life's storms with courage and hope. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded to seek this peace and let it guide us through the ups and downs of life. [47:30]

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."

Reflection: Identify a current challenge you are facing. How can you invite Christ's peace into this situation and trust Him to guide you through it?


Day 5: Sharing the Light of Christ
Like the shepherds who shared the message of Christ's birth, we are called to share the good news with others. This Christmas, let us be intentional about making Jesus known, bringing hope and light to those around us. Sharing the message of Christ is not just a duty but a privilege, as we have the opportunity to be vessels of God's love and redemption. As we reflect on the shepherds' response, we are encouraged to be bold in our witness, spreading the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs hope. [43:27]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of Christ's love and hope? How can you share this message with them in a meaningful way today?

Quotes



So God is with us. So it's one of the things that's, you know, we, we, we learn. In this season of Christmas and I'm going to quickly read versus eight to 20 of Luke chapter two versus eight to 20 of Luke chapter two, because my focus is going to be on, you know, the story of the shepherds and also the fact that, you know, we are to share Christ. Amen. [00:24:22] (39 seconds)


I pray that the glory of God will shine upon you this season. I pray that regardless of how people see you, that God will value you and God will choose you for his purposes. In the mighty name of Jesus. Because the shepherds were just there minding their own business. [00:27:25] (20 seconds)


So Christmas season is also a reminder that we have a savior. Amen. Jesus is our savior. Jesus is my savior. Hallelujah. There is a song that says, Jesus is my savior. I shall not be more. Jesus is my savior. I shall not be mold just like a tree planted by the water sign. [00:28:33] (35 seconds)


The location and circumstances surrounding your birth must not hinder the fulfillment of your purpose on earth. Hallelujah. I said the location and circumstances surrounding your birth must not hinder the fulfillment of your purpose on earth. Praise the lord you must fulfill purpose you must fulfill destiny so that's what the story of jesus also reminds us. [00:34:57] (26 seconds)


Peace with God and peace with people around you. I pray that if you have been disturbed, by the end of today's service, may you receive peace. In the name of Jesus. Because what the peace of God does is that even in the midst of storm, you will still be at peace. [00:46:45] (21 seconds)


And also peace is not the absence of trouble. But the presence. The presence of Christ. Hallelujah. Peace is what? The presence of Christ. Christ in you. The hope of glory. Christ in you. The hope of glory. Call me. Christ in you. The hope of glory. Hallelujah. [00:47:36] (22 seconds)


They made it known to others. It says, now when they had seen Him, they made widely known. The saying which was told them concerning this child. You and I have been hearing so much about Jesus. Praise the lord you and i have been made have heard so much it is our about time we come to the realization and the awareness that the message is not just for us to keep but the message is for us to share with others. [00:43:07] (35 seconds)


So as I've said that already, it is a season to glorify and to praise God. So the key point in the passage that I've read is that the shepherds, you know, received the message. They did not wait. They went to see Jesus. And after they saw Jesus, they did not just keep it to themselves. [00:45:55] (24 seconds)


Proclaiming Christ gives the receivers of the good news a reason to praise God. The shepherd had a reason to praise God by receiving the good news. So as you share Christ, those who receive will have a reason to praise God. So give somebody a reason to praise God this Christmas season. [00:48:46] (24 seconds)


Christ is the light to bring revelation to what? The Gentiles. Christ is what? The light. Verse 32. Now, today you are being slow. It says, a light. For revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel. Amen. So, Jesus is what? It's light to us. [00:50:31] (24 seconds)


The scriptures say, let the redeemed of the Lord say so. I am redeemed. I am redeemed. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. We are redeemed because of Jesus. It must be one of our focal points of reflection this Christmas season. That I am redeemed. [00:52:37] (21 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?