Embracing the True Spirit of Christmas Year-Round
Summary
In this season of Christmas, it's essential to pause and reflect on the true meaning of the celebration. Christmas is not just a day marked by festivities, gifts, and gatherings; it is a profound reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose arrival was foretold by prophets long before His birth. This season invites us to remember that Jesus came into the world as a humble baby, yet His life and mission were part of a divine plan that culminated in His sacrifice on the cross. As we navigate through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's crucial to keep our focus on the spiritual significance of Christmas, which extends beyond December 25th.
The story of the Magi, who traveled from afar to worship the newborn King, serves as a powerful illustration of the search for Jesus that should be a continuous journey in our lives. Just as they brought gifts to honor Him, we too are called to offer our lives as a testament to His love and grace. The celebration of Christmas should not be confined to a single day or even a season; it is a perpetual acknowledgment of God's gift to humanity, a gift that brings salvation and hope.
In our modern world, where the commercial aspects of Christmas often overshadow its spiritual essence, we must strive to keep the true spirit of Christmas alive throughout the year. This means living out the values of love, generosity, and faithfulness that Jesus exemplified. It means recognizing that the joy and peace of Christmas can transform our lives every day if we allow it. As we move from one Christmas to the next, let us carry the light of Christ in our hearts, sharing it with those around us and continually seeking His presence in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. The True Meaning of Christmas: Christmas is a celebration of Jesus' birth, a pivotal event in God's plan for salvation. It is not just about the festivities but about recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy and the arrival of the Messiah. This understanding should guide our celebrations and reflections during the season. [22:00]
2. The Journey of the Magi: The Magi's journey to find Jesus symbolizes our own spiritual journey to seek and find Christ in our lives. Their dedication and reverence remind us to continually search for Jesus, bringing our gifts of faith and devotion to Him. [32:20]
3. Christmas Beyond December 25th: The spirit of Christmas should not end with the holiday season. It is a call to live out the values of love, joy, and peace throughout the year, allowing the message of Christ's birth to transform our daily lives. [48:38]
4. The Importance of Remembering: Just as we celebrate birthdays to honor the presence of loved ones, Christmas is a time to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus. This remembrance should inspire us to keep His teachings and presence alive in our hearts every day. [35:46]
5. The Continuous Search for Jesus: Like the Magi, we are called to search for Jesus daily, recognizing His presence in our lives and the world around us. This ongoing search is a testament to our faith and commitment to living as His followers. [43:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [20:25] - Opening Prayer
- [22:00] - The Lord's Prayer
- [22:43] - Time of Giving
- [28:48] - Introduction: When is Christmas Over?
- [30:14] - Christmas Traditions and Reflections
- [31:24] - Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
- [32:20] - The Journey of the Magi
- [33:29] - Prophecy and Fulfillment
- [35:46] - The Significance of Birthdays
- [39:19] - Celebrating Christmas Without Faith
- [41:31] - The Importance of Jesus' Birth
- [42:26] - Prophecies of the Messiah
- [43:15] - Searching for Jesus
- [44:57] - The Ups and Downs of Christmas
- [48:04] - When Does Christmas End?
- [50:13] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 2:1-12
- Micah 5:2
Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of the Magi's journey to find Jesus, and how did they respond when they found Him? [32:20]
2. How does the prophecy in Micah 5:2 relate to the events described in Matthew 2:1-12? [33:29]
3. According to the sermon, what are some ways people might forget the true meaning of Christmas? [39:19]
4. How does the sermon describe the ongoing search for Jesus in our lives, similar to the Magi's journey? [43:15]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the journey of the Magi teach about the importance of seeking Jesus in our daily lives? [32:20]
2. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth strengthen the understanding of His divine mission? [33:29]
3. In what ways might the commercial aspects of Christmas overshadow its spiritual significance, according to the sermon? [39:19]
4. How can the concept of Christmas being a continuous celebration impact a believer's daily life and faith journey? [48:38]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own Christmas traditions. How can you ensure they focus more on the spiritual significance of Jesus' birth rather than just the festivities? [39:19]
2. The Magi brought gifts to honor Jesus. What personal "gifts" of faith and devotion can you offer to Jesus in your daily life? [32:20]
3. How can you keep the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the year by living out the values of love, joy, and peace? [48:38]
4. Identify a specific way you can seek Jesus' presence in your life daily, similar to the Magi's journey. What steps will you take to make this a habit? [43:15]
5. Consider a time when the commercial aspects of Christmas overshadowed its true meaning for you. How can you prevent this from happening in the future? [39:19]
6. How can you use the story of Jesus' birth to inspire others around you to explore their faith or deepen their relationship with Christ? [41:31]
7. What practical steps can you take to remember and celebrate Jesus' birth beyond the Christmas season, ensuring it influences your actions and decisions year-round? [48:38]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Fulfillment of Prophecy in Christmas
Christmas is a celebration deeply rooted in the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. It marks the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose birth was foretold by prophets long before it happened. This event is not merely a historical occurrence but a pivotal moment in God's divine plan for humanity's salvation. As we celebrate Christmas, it is essential to remember that it signifies the realization of God's promises and the beginning of a new covenant with His people. The birth of Jesus is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to redeeming humanity. [22:00]
Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."
Reflection: How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth strengthen your faith in God's promises today?
Day 2: The Magi's Journey as a Model for Our Spiritual Quest
The journey of the Magi to find the newborn King is a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual journey. These wise men traveled from afar, driven by a deep desire to worship and honor Jesus. Their dedication and reverence serve as a reminder that our search for Christ should be a continuous and intentional pursuit. Just as the Magi brought gifts to honor Jesus, we are called to offer our lives as a testament to His love and grace. This journey is not just about finding Jesus once but continually seeking His presence in our lives. [32:20]
Matthew 2:9-11 (ESV): "After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to actively seek Jesus in your daily life, just as the Magi sought Him?
Day 3: Living the Spirit of Christmas Year-Round
The spirit of Christmas should not be confined to a single day or season. It is a call to embody the values of love, joy, and peace throughout the year. The message of Christ's birth has the power to transform our lives daily if we allow it. By living out these values, we keep the true spirit of Christmas alive, sharing the light of Christ with those around us. This ongoing commitment to living in the spirit of Christmas is a testament to our faith and dedication to following Jesus' teachings. [48:38]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the values of love, joy, and peace into your daily interactions and decisions beyond the Christmas season?
Day 4: Remembering Jesus' Birth as a Daily Inspiration
Just as we celebrate birthdays to honor the presence of loved ones, Christmas is a time to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus. This remembrance should inspire us to keep His teachings and presence alive in our hearts every day. By reflecting on the significance of Jesus' birth, we are reminded of the profound impact His life and mission have on our lives. This daily inspiration encourages us to live in a way that honors His sacrifice and exemplifies His love and grace to others. [35:46]
Luke 2:10-11 (ESV): "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you honor the birth of Jesus in your daily life, allowing it to inspire your actions and decisions?
Day 5: The Continuous Search for Jesus in Our Lives
Like the Magi, we are called to search for Jesus daily, recognizing His presence in our lives and the world around us. This ongoing search is a testament to our faith and commitment to living as His followers. By actively seeking Jesus, we open ourselves to experiencing His love, guidance, and transformation in our lives. This continuous journey of faith requires dedication and intentionality, as we strive to deepen our relationship with Christ and reflect His light to others. [43:15]
Jeremiah 29:13-14 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."
Reflection: What specific practices or habits can you incorporate into your daily routine to ensure you are continually seeking Jesus and recognizing His presence in your life?
Quotes
"Dear Lord, as there are many hurting, there are many that have loss, we know that you are there and that you are with us. Dear Lord, in this season, help us to realize that you are the reason that we celebrate. And dear Lord, as we move through this season, help us to be the people that you want us to be." [00:20:10]
"Today's message is, and I call it, when is Christmas over? You know, we think about it, and it's a lot of times we get through this Christmas season and we build ourselves up and up and up and up to get through that one day with the family. And that was a joke. And it's usually, you know, if it's at your house, it's like, okay, I've got to get everything ready and get everything done, and it's a rush, and then you go through the whole process, and then it's over, and it's like, okay. And that's Christmas." [00:28:59]
"Jesus was born and we didn't just go okay he's born now what okay Jesus God had a plan there was there was a plan for Jesus and how do we get from Jesus's birth to his death on the cross how do we look at this and go whoa okay so you know what I mean I'm not going to go through all of this but I'm going to go through all of here's his birth here's Christmas and then we go from then to 33 years from there his death on the cross there was a lot that happened in between there there was a bunch going on" [00:34:50]
"Why do you think Jesus' birthday is so important to Christians? Why is it so important that once a year, we just all out go for it, decorate our house, put trees up, buy gifts, shut the businesses down, go to travel to people's homes and celebrate? Why is it so important that we celebrate Jesus' birth? One of the things is, it was predicted. It's not just a birth. It's a birth that was predicted. And in that prediction, we find salvation. Because we understand that this really is God's Son." [00:40:57]
"Like the Magi, we search for the Lord. We search every day for Jesus in our lives. Isn't that cool? I mean, these guys that were out there searching for Jesus finally found him, and they brought him these gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and what was the other one? Eh? Brought him these gifts and said, you are the Messiah. You are. That's what Christmas is about, is the fact that we believe that Jesus is the Messiah and that he did come, he did show up in the way he was supposed to, and just like those Magi, we search every day in our lives to make sure Jesus is found." [00:43:25]
"If there was a graft of the highs and lows of Christmas, where would yours be? A graft. You know, like, oh, this is exciting. I love this. And then you go down here, and it's like, this is not a good time for me. Ups and downs. You know, not every Christmas is the same. Year to year, you're going to have some good Christmases, and you're going to have some not -so -good Christmases. Does that make Christmas any different? It's still Christmas. We may be going through a lot at that Christmas. Christmastime, but it's still Jesus's birthday. It's still we're honoring him." [00:44:35]
"In fact, I worked for UPS for five years, and every year Christmas came up, I got really disappointed in the fact that it wasn't Christmas to me. It was just work, and, you know, sometimes Christmas can be work, you know, getting the house ready, getting all the, you know, the relatives contacted, making sure everybody's got a place to sleep, doing all the things that you have to do, or if you're going somewhere, getting on the airplane, going through the whole, no offense, Eric, but, you know, the airport situations nowadays where they put you in these little seats are about this big. They're almost like pilot seats now. Yeah, but, you know, you go through all that, and it's, you know, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, and then you know, all at that time, and then you start thinking is this Christmas? Is this what Christmas was supposed to be like?" [00:47:09]
"So the question is when does Christmas end? So the 21st... We celebrate Christmas. Is it the 26th when it ends? Is it the 1st of January when it ends? You know, we used to go on mission trips here with the youth. And for those of you that did go on some of the mission trips, we'd go for a week, and it was hard work. And the kids loved it. And we had work in the daytime, worship in the evenings, camaraderie during the evening times too, games and things where they got to get to know each other. But you know what? The first thing I would hear on the way back, when are we doing this again?" [00:48:00]
"Now I want you to think about something. With Christmas, do you ever think, when are we doing this again? We don't. So when is Christmas over? It's not over. It goes from Christmas to Christmas. And our job as Christians is to keep that going for our family, for our friends, for ourselves, knowing that in this time of year, this happiness, this celebration, can go through the whole year. And if we let it, it can change our lives." [00:49:03]
"Don't stop searching for Jesus after Christmas. It's over. Because he's here. Amen. Let's bow our heads. Our gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for this time to come together and share your message. Dear Lord, help us as we go through this Christmas season that we realize that it's never over. That it goes from day to day through the years, 365 days a year, 24 -7." [00:50:00]
"When we're hurting you're there when we're happy you're there when we're celebrating you're there dear lord just keep us moving in that direction in christ's name we pray amen" [00:50:35]
"Let's bow for the benediction Dear Lord, as we leave this place Help us to always remember We celebrate your birth We come to this season To celebrate and be part of your life In you and us In Christ's" [00:53:24]
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