Embracing the True Spirit of Christmas
Summary
The essence of today's gathering is to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas, a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. The imagery of Santa Claus kneeling at the manger serves as a powerful symbol of humility and recognition of Christ's supremacy. St. Nicholas, the historical figure behind Santa Claus, was a man of faith who dedicated his life to serving Jesus, reminding us that the spirit of Christmas is deeply rooted in worship and adoration of Christ the Lord.
As we navigate through the festive season, it's important to remember that the joy and goodwill we experience should not be confined to just one day. The story of Christmas is a call to live out the values of love, peace, and generosity every day. The music and traditions we cherish during this time, from jazz renditions of classic carols to the beloved "Charlie Brown Christmas," all point back to the central message of hope and redemption found in Jesus.
The narrative of the "New Red Coat" illustrates the transformative power of grace and generosity. Just as the man in the story shared his coat, we are called to share the love and warmth of Christ with others. This act of giving is a reflection of the ultimate gift given to us through Jesus' birth, life, and sacrifice.
The angel's message to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid," is a timeless reminder that the arrival of Jesus brings peace and joy to all who believe. This message of hope is not just for the shepherds of old but for each of us today. We are invited to come as we are, whether we are kings or shepherds, and lay our lives before the King of Kings.
Finally, the story of Hugh Martin, the composer of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," who found new life in Christ, is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel. His journey from despair to faith underscores the enduring message of Christmas: that in Christ, we find true joy and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- The image of Santa Claus kneeling at the manger reminds us that Christmas is about recognizing and worshiping Jesus Christ as the King of Kings. St. Nicholas, a real historical figure, exemplified a life of faith and service, urging us to bow our knees before Christ in adoration. [12:38]
- Christmas is more than a day; it's a call to live out the values of love, peace, and generosity every day. The joy and goodwill we experience during this season should inspire us to make these virtues a daily practice. [18:49]
- The story of the "New Red Coat" illustrates the transformative power of grace and generosity. Just as the man shared his coat, we are called to share the love and warmth of Christ with others, reflecting the ultimate gift of Jesus' birth and sacrifice. [31:48]
- The angel's message to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid," is a timeless reminder that Jesus' arrival brings peace and joy to all who believe. We are invited to come as we are, laying our lives before the King of Kings, regardless of our status or gifts. [43:50]
- Hugh Martin's journey from despair to faith highlights the transformative power of the gospel. His story underscores the enduring message of Christmas: that in Christ, we find true joy and purpose, even amidst life's challenges. [01:10:04]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[12:38] - Santa Claus at the Manger
[13:35] - Worship and Adoration
[14:52] - The Gift of Joy
[18:49] - Christmas Every Day
[21:11] - Music and Celebration
[25:02] - A Charlie Brown Christmas
[31:48] - The New Red Coat
[37:58] - What Can Wash Away My Sin
[39:01] - The Challenge of Christmas Songs
[42:27] - Clifford the Bebop Reindeer
[43:50] - Do Not Be Afraid
[50:41] - Bringing Who We Are to Jesus
[56:26] - The Promise of the Ages
[01:10:04] - Hugh Martin's Testimony
[01:12:26] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 2:8-14 - The angel's message to the shepherds.
2. Matthew 2:1-12 - The visit of the Magi.
3. John 3:16 - The gift of Jesus to the world.
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the image of Santa Claus kneeling at the manger, and how does it relate to the historical figure of St. Nicholas? [12:38]
2. How does the story of the "New Red Coat" illustrate the themes of grace and generosity? [31:48]
3. What message did the angels deliver to the shepherds, and why is it important for us today? [43:50]
4. How did Hugh Martin's life change after he encountered the gospel, and what does this tell us about the transformative power of faith? [01:10:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the image of Santa Claus kneeling at the manger challenge our modern perceptions of Christmas? [12:38]
2. In what ways does the story of the "New Red Coat" reflect the ultimate gift of Jesus' birth and sacrifice? [31:48]
3. What does the angel's message to the shepherds reveal about the nature of Jesus' arrival and its impact on humanity? [43:50]
4. How does Hugh Martin's testimony illustrate the enduring message of Christmas and the hope found in Christ? [01:10:04]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the image of Santa Claus kneeling at the manger. How can this image inspire you to focus more on worshiping Christ during the Christmas season? [12:38]
2. The sermon suggests that Christmas values should be lived out every day. What is one specific way you can practice love, peace, or generosity in your daily life? [18:49]
3. Consider the story of the "New Red Coat." How can you share the love and warmth of Christ with someone in need this week? [31:48]
4. The angel's message was "Do not be afraid." What fears are you currently facing, and how can the peace of Christ help you overcome them? [43:50]
5. Hugh Martin found new life in Christ. Reflect on your own journey of faith. How has your relationship with Jesus brought you joy and purpose? [01:10:04]
6. The sermon emphasizes coming to Jesus as we are. What barriers might be preventing you from fully laying your life before Christ, and how can you address them? [50:41]
7. How can the story of Christmas inspire you to share the gospel with others, especially during this festive season? [01:10:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Santa Claus Kneeling at the Manger: A Symbol of Humility
The image of Santa Claus kneeling at the manger is a profound reminder of the true essence of Christmas. It symbolizes the humility and recognition of Jesus Christ as the King of Kings. St. Nicholas, the historical figure behind Santa Claus, was a man of deep faith who dedicated his life to serving Jesus. This imagery encourages us to bow our knees before Christ in adoration, acknowledging His supremacy and the true reason for the season. As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that it is not about the commercial aspects but about worshiping and honoring Jesus Christ. [12:38]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate humility and adoration for Christ in your daily life, especially during this Christmas season?
Day 2: Living Out Christmas Values Every Day
Christmas is more than just a day of celebration; it is a call to embody the values of love, peace, and generosity every day. The joy and goodwill experienced during this season should inspire us to make these virtues a daily practice. The music and traditions we cherish, from jazz renditions of classic carols to the beloved "Charlie Brown Christmas," all point back to the central message of hope and redemption found in Jesus. Let us strive to carry the spirit of Christmas into our everyday lives, allowing it to transform our interactions and relationships. [18:49]
1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: How can you intentionally practice love, peace, and generosity in your interactions with others today?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Grace and Generosity
The story of the "New Red Coat" illustrates the transformative power of grace and generosity. Just as the man in the story shared his coat, we are called to share the love and warmth of Christ with others. This act of giving reflects the ultimate gift given to us through Jesus' birth, life, and sacrifice. As we give to others, we participate in the divine act of grace, allowing the love of Christ to flow through us and impact those around us. [31:48]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from an act of grace or generosity today, and how can you extend it to them?
Day 4: The Angel's Message: Do Not Be Afraid
The angel's message to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid," is a timeless reminder that the arrival of Jesus brings peace and joy to all who believe. This message of hope is not just for the shepherds of old but for each of us today. We are invited to come as we are, whether we are kings or shepherds, and lay our lives before the King of Kings. In a world filled with fear and uncertainty, the birth of Jesus offers us a profound sense of peace and assurance. [43:50]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What fears or anxieties are you holding onto, and how can you lay them before Jesus today, trusting in His peace and presence?
Day 5: Hugh Martin's Journey: Finding True Joy and Purpose
Hugh Martin's journey from despair to faith highlights the transformative power of the gospel. His story underscores the enduring message of Christmas: that in Christ, we find true joy and purpose, even amidst life's challenges. The gospel has the power to change lives, offering hope and redemption to all who believe. As we reflect on Martin's testimony, let us be reminded of the joy and purpose we have in Christ and seek to share this message with others. [01:10:04]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: How has your faith in Christ brought you joy and purpose, and how can you share this transformative message with someone in need today?
Quotes
"Yes, his name was Nicholas. He was a bishop in the church. Born, went back. Back in the fourth century, he did not live at the North Pole with slaves and elves and feds, but he lived a life of holiness and he served the King of Kings. Oh, I saw Santa Claus kneeling at the manger." [00:12:50] (28 seconds)
"Bow our knees before the child and worship Christ the Lord. Oh, come let us adore him. Sing with me. Oh, come let us adore him. Come let us adore him. Christ the Lord. For he alone is worthy." [00:14:04] (30 seconds)
"I don't know, I love to go walk around and hear all the music of Christmas and kind of be reminded of the season, but it's just something very special about getting to come together and truly, I don't know, just rejoice in the reason for the season and really understand what a blessing it is that we get to celebrate this and what it really means and what we really are celebrating." [00:20:38] (26 seconds)
"Do not be afraid, shepherd Do not be afraid Do not be afraid, shepherd Do not be afraid Do not be afraid I bring the tidings of great joy Messiah's come as a baby boy Do not be afraid, shepherd Do not be afraid There will be a sign, shepherd There will be a sign There will be a sign, shepherd This will be the sign This will be your sign Unto him you will be led The baby in a manger bed Do not be afraid, shepherd Do not be afraid Oh, glory to God in the highest And on earth peace, goodwill toward all And glory to God in the highest Amen Hallelujah Hallelujah." [00:44:50] (78 seconds)
"But what I thought about this morning was how wonderful it is that we just bring who we are to the feet of Jesus. And even though we're not standing in front of a physical manger, even though I'm not in that scene, and I know that Drummer Boy wasn't really in that scene, and I know that the wise men, actually came like two years later or whatever it was, because it didn't all happen. But there's something actually really interesting about kind of picturing all of that in one place." [00:49:55] (44 seconds)
"The shepherds, the wise men, and angels singing, and all of this place where it was heaven and earth coming together. God just decided to tell everybody, in so many different ways, but to literally open the heavens so that you could actually hear the host of heaven just praising God, saying, this, this is the one you waited for." [00:50:41] (34 seconds)
"How Jesus, the Saviour, did come for us to die. When Mary birthed Jesus within the cow's stall, When shepherds and wise men and angels and all, There from God's heaven the sunlight did fall, And the promise of the ages was fulfilled, Jesus, he then did recall." [00:55:13] (34 seconds)
"And apparently, he went through a very hard time a few years later, kind of lost everything he had. He lost personally and just financially everything. And at some point in time, it's fine. I heard him give his testimony. At some point in time, somebody shared the gospel with him and he came to know Jesus." [01:09:47] (18 seconds)
"And his whole life changed. And he played in his church for the rest of his life. And he just like, you know, and continued to do music. And at some point along the way, he went back to this song and he wrote a different set of lyrics." [01:10:06] (17 seconds)
"Have yourself a blessed little Christmas. Christ the King is born. Let your voices ring upon this happy morn. In Jesus name, amen. Amen. Amen. Have yourself a blessed little Christmas. Serenade the earth." [01:11:59] (35 seconds)
"Tell the world we celebrate the Savior's bread. Amen. To sing to him, and to bring to him a prayer. He is the Son of God, and a friend to all, to the end of all our days." [01:12:34] (34 seconds)
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