Finding Christ: The True Meaning of Christmas
Summary
In today's message, we explored the theme of "When Something is Missing in Your Christmas," drawing from Luke 2:41-45, where Mary and Joseph realize Jesus is missing and return to Jerusalem to find Him. This narrative serves as a metaphor for our lives, especially during the Christmas season, when we may feel something is missing amidst the festivities. The essence of Christmas is not in the material gifts or the elaborate celebrations but in the presence of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift of all.
We often get caught up in the commercial aspects of Christmas, feeling pressured to buy gifts and create perfect experiences. However, true fulfillment comes from focusing on the spiritual gift of Christ, who brings peace, joy, and salvation. The story of Mary and Joseph reminds us to seek Jesus when we feel something is missing. Just as they returned to Jerusalem, we must return to the heart of Christmas, which is Christ Himself.
The message also emphasized the importance of prayer, worship, and spending time with God. These spiritual practices help us refocus our priorities and find peace amidst the chaos of the season. By investing time in our relationship with God, we can experience His presence and blessings in our lives.
Moreover, we are encouraged to resist the distractions and anxieties that often accompany the holiday season. Instead, we should embrace the peace that Jesus offers, allowing it to fill our hearts and guide our actions. This peace is not dependent on circumstances but is a gift from God that sustains us through life's challenges.
As we prepare for Christmas, let us remember that the true meaning of the season is found in the birth of our Savior. By prioritizing our relationship with Christ, we can experience the fullness of His love and grace, making our Christmas truly complete.
Key Takeaways:
- Seek Jesus When Something is Missing: Just as Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem to find Jesus, we must seek Christ when we feel something is missing in our lives. The true essence of Christmas is found in the presence of Jesus, not in material gifts or celebrations. [28:46]
- Refocus on the Gift of Christ: The greatest gift we can receive is the gift of Christ Jesus. By prioritizing our relationship with Him, we can experience peace, joy, and fulfillment that surpasses any material possession. [35:20]
- Invest in Your Spiritual Life: Spend time in prayer, worship, and studying God's Word. These practices help us refocus our priorities and find peace amidst the chaos of the season. A strong spiritual life is essential for experiencing God's blessings. [43:06]
- Embrace God's Peace: Resist the distractions and anxieties of the holiday season by embracing the peace that Jesus offers. This peace is a gift from God that sustains us through life's challenges and is not dependent on circumstances. [50:49]
- Prioritize God's Will: In all our plans and activities, seek God's will and guidance. By aligning our actions with His purpose, we can experience the fullness of His love and grace, making our Christmas truly complete. [51:58]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [23:57] - God's Blessings and Provision
- [24:41] - Christmas Celebration Plans
- [26:19] - Reading from Luke 2
- [28:46] - When Something is Missing in Your Christmas
- [35:20] - The True Gift of Christmas
- [39:50] - God's Faithfulness in Difficult Times
- [40:50] - Trusting God's Will
- [42:01] - Investing in Spiritual Growth
- [43:06] - The Power of Prayer and Worship
- [44:22] - Overcoming Holiday Distractions
- [45:37] - Choosing the Good Part
- [46:42] - The Importance of Prayer
- [47:26] - Studying the Scriptures
- [48:36] - Worship and Community
- [49:33] - The Gift of Worship
- [50:49] - Embracing God's Peace
- [51:58] - Aligning with God's Will
- [53:07] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:41-45
Observation Questions:
1. What annual event were Mary and Joseph attending when they realized Jesus was missing? ([26:19])
2. How did Mary and Joseph initially react when they discovered Jesus was not with them? ([26:19])
3. What actions did Mary and Joseph take to find Jesus after realizing he was missing? ([26:19])
4. In the sermon, what examples were given of things people feel are missing during Christmas? ([28:46])
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Mary and Joseph searching for Jesus serve as a metaphor for our spiritual lives, especially during the Christmas season? ([28:46])
2. What does the sermon suggest is the true essence of Christmas, and how does this contrast with common societal views? ([35:20])
3. How can the practice of prayer and worship help individuals refocus their priorities during the holiday season? ([43:06])
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between God's peace and the distractions of the holiday season? ([50:49])
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt something was missing during the Christmas season. How did you address that feeling, and what role did your faith play in it? ([28:46])
2. In what ways can you prioritize your relationship with Christ amidst the busyness of the holiday season? Identify one specific action you can take this week. ([35:20])
3. How can you incorporate more prayer and worship into your daily routine to help manage holiday stress and distractions? ([43:06])
4. What are some practical steps you can take to resist the commercial pressures of Christmas and focus on the spiritual gift of Christ? ([35:20])
5. Identify a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from experiencing God's peace. What changes can you make to minimize this distraction? ([50:49])
6. How can you ensure that your Christmas plans align with God's will and purpose for your life? Consider setting aside time for prayer and reflection on this. ([51:58])
7. Think of someone in your life who might be feeling the absence of loved ones or financial strain during this season. How can you offer support or encouragement to them? ([28:46])
Devotional
Day 1: Seeking Christ in Our Emptiness
When we feel something is missing in our lives, it is often a sign that we need to seek Christ more earnestly. The story of Mary and Joseph realizing Jesus was missing and returning to Jerusalem to find Him serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. During the Christmas season, it is easy to get caught up in the material aspects and lose sight of the true essence of the celebration, which is the presence of Jesus Christ. By seeking Him, we can fill the voids in our lives with His peace and love. [28:46]
"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (1 Chronicles 16:11, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel something is missing? How can you actively seek Christ to fill that void today?
Day 2: The Gift Beyond Measure
The greatest gift we can receive is the gift of Christ Jesus. This gift surpasses any material possession and brings peace, joy, and fulfillment. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is crucial to refocus on this spiritual gift rather than the commercial aspects of Christmas. By prioritizing our relationship with Christ, we can experience a deeper sense of contentment and purpose that material gifts cannot provide. [35:20]
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to prioritize your relationship with Christ over material possessions?
Day 3: Cultivating a Strong Spiritual Life
Investing in our spiritual life through prayer, worship, and studying God's Word is essential for experiencing God's blessings. These practices help us refocus our priorities and find peace amidst the chaos of the season. By dedicating time to spiritual growth, we can strengthen our relationship with God and be more attuned to His presence and guidance in our lives. [43:06]
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate more time for prayer, worship, and Bible study into your daily routine this week?
Day 4: Embracing Divine Peace
The peace that Jesus offers is a gift from God that sustains us through life's challenges. This peace is not dependent on circumstances but is a constant presence that can guide our actions and calm our anxieties. During the holiday season, it is important to resist distractions and embrace this divine peace, allowing it to fill our hearts and influence our interactions with others. [50:49]
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27, ESV)
Reflection: What is one distraction or anxiety you can let go of today to embrace the peace that Jesus offers?
Day 5: Aligning with God's Will
In all our plans and activities, seeking God's will and guidance is crucial for experiencing the fullness of His love and grace. By aligning our actions with His purpose, we can make our Christmas truly complete and meaningful. This involves being open to His direction and trusting in His plan for our lives, even when it differs from our own expectations. [51:58]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek God's guidance and align with His will today?
Quotes
"We're praying in every blessing. I was sharing with a brother, and I said, now, people don't realize when I'm telling them to serve God, giving him everything, glorifying God, and that way you can pray about everything that goes on in your life. I said, not only do I preach that, I live that. I live that." [00:23:35] (16 seconds)
"Everywhere I turn, I know God's working things out. He said, we can do the $285. I believe that. Now, God's blessing that we're looking forward to our Christmas celebration next week. We need some folks helping us out. We've had a good planning meeting this last week online." [00:24:41] (13 seconds)
"And we were literally broke until about 5 o 'clock that Friday when the funds were made available, and I had some money. But up to the very last moment that I didn't have anything. And so we had time with the kids. We cut out little paper ornaments and snowflakes and hung them on the tree. Then we did the popcorn and cranberries, and we put that around the tree, and we listened to some songs. We had a good time." [00:34:22] (28 seconds)
"People sometimes, and the kids that we were buying, our kids would put these things aside or be excited for just a little while. And even adults sometimes, they appreciate things for a little while, but after that, it doesn't mean as much. But the gift of salvation, it gets sweeter and sweeter every single day." [00:39:50] (17 seconds)
"How much do you get on your knees before God? How many times do you come to Bible study and seek the face of God, learn God's word? How many times during the week do you just stop and just spend time in his presence and feeling what God wants you and understanding the direction of God? You see, so many times people are investing in all these different things. My Lord, one good time in God, God can pay all your bills." [00:43:06] (26 seconds)
"One good time in God, God can take care of all your depressions. One. good time in the Holy Spirit, and God can take away all those anxieties. Somebody said, I've got to take care of this. I've got to take care of family. I've got all of these things I've got to do. But when you just spend some quality time in God, he gives you peace that passes all understandings." [00:44:22] (21 seconds)
"There's nobody that can do for you what God can do for you. There's no gift that can help you like the gift of salvation. When something's missing in your Christmas, and one of the things we acknowledge here is that during this time, there's a lot of noise." [00:45:37] (18 seconds)
"There's a lot of things that take you away from serving God. And these distractions of the season can cloud your mind. And there's a way that's all you think about." [00:46:42] (10 seconds)
"There's nobody that can do for you what God can do for you. There's no gift that can help you like the gift of salvation. When something's missing in your Christmas, and one of the things we acknowledge here is that during this time, there's a lot of noise." [00:47:26] (18 seconds)
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