Finding Peace Amid Disruption: Celebrating Christ's Birth
Summary
In a sermon delivered by Pastor Seth Goldsmith on December 24, 2023, titled "Missing Peace: When Your Plans Are Disrupted," the congregation was led through a series of hymns and reflections celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the salvation brought to humanity. The pastor began by singing a hymn that encouraged the spreading of the message of Jesus' birth, urging the congregation to "go, tell it on the mountain." He shared his personal journey as a seeker of God's guidance and described his role as a Christian watchman, humbly acknowledging his own limitations.
The congregation participated in singing various Christmas carols, including "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and "Angels We Have Heard on High," which proclaimed the birth of the King of angels and celebrated the joyous news of Jesus' arrival. The pastor emphasized the humble and divine nature of Jesus' birth through the repetition of phrases that highlighted His glory and righteousness.
Further into the sermon, the pastor led the singing of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Joy to the World," focusing on the glory and joy of Christ's birth in Bethlehem. The hymns declared Jesus as the heaven-born Prince of Peace and the son of righteousness, who brings light and healing. The congregation was encouraged to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Lord and to join in the celebration of His reign.
Reflecting on the significance of Jesus' birth, the pastor spoke of the star that guided the wise men and the heavenly Lord who shed His blood for mankind. He mentioned the shepherds as witnesses to the birth and urged the congregation to bring love to the baby Jesus. The angels' proclamation of glory and praise to God was highlighted, and the congregation was invited to join in adoration and glorification of the King.
The sermon concluded with the pastor expressing deep gratitude to the congregation for their attention, participation, and support. He emphasized the importance of showing love to Jesus, the son of Mary, and the significance of gratitude in our lives. The repetition of "thank you" served as a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings and positive aspects of life.
Key Takeaways:
- The act of singing hymns and carols is not merely a festive tradition but a profound declaration of faith and adoration for the divine nature of Jesus' birth. Through these songs, believers are reminded of the righteousness and love of God, and are invited to express their joy and adoration for the King of angels. [19:13]
- Personal testimony is a powerful tool in Christian ministry, as demonstrated by Pastor Goldsmith's reflection on his own spiritual journey. By sharing his experiences as a seeker of God's guidance, he connects with the congregation on a personal level, reinforcing the idea that every believer has a role to play in God's plan, no matter how humble their beginnings may be. [09:17]
- The repetition of key phrases in hymns serves to engrain the core messages of Christmas into the hearts of the faithful. Phrases like "heaven-born Prince of Peace" and "son of righteousness" are not just poetic lines but encapsulate the transformative power of Christ's birth, bringing light and healing to a world in darkness. [14:32]
- The narrative of the Nativity is not just a story to be told but a call to action for believers. Pastor Goldsmith's emphasis on the shepherds and wise men as witnesses to Jesus' birth serves as an example for Christians to also be witnesses in their own lives, bringing love and adoration to Jesus and sharing the good news with others. [31:13]
- Gratitude is a central theme in the Christian life, as highlighted by the pastor's repeated expressions of thanks. This emphasis on gratitude is a reminder that worship and spiritual connection are not just about asking for blessings but also about recognizing and appreciating the blessings already received, fostering a deeper sense of contentment and peace. [01:30:59]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)
> "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"
2. Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)
> "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'"
3. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
> "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What message did the angel bring to the shepherds in Luke 2:8-14?
2. How did the wise men know about the birth of Jesus according to Matthew 2:1-2?
3. What does Philippians 4:6-7 say about dealing with anxiety and finding peace?
4. In the sermon, Pastor Goldsmith emphasized the role of hymns in declaring faith. What are some key phrases from the hymns mentioned that highlight Jesus' divine nature? [14:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the angel's message to the shepherds was significant in the context of Jesus' birth? How does this relate to the idea of Jesus being a humble king?
2. The wise men followed a star to find Jesus. What does this signify about their faith and the importance of seeking Jesus in our own lives?
3. Philippians 4:6-7 talks about presenting our requests to God with thanksgiving. How does gratitude play a role in finding peace according to this passage and the sermon? [01:30:31]
4. Pastor Goldsmith shared his personal journey as a seeker of God's guidance. How does personal testimony strengthen the faith of a congregation? [09:17]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the angel's message to the shepherds. How can you bring the "good news" of Jesus' birth into your daily interactions with others?
2. The wise men traveled a great distance to worship Jesus. What steps can you take to seek Jesus more earnestly in your life?
3. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. Identify one area of your life where you struggle with anxiety. How can you incorporate gratitude into your prayers about this issue?
4. Pastor Goldsmith emphasized the importance of singing hymns as a declaration of faith. How can you use music or other forms of worship to deepen your connection with God this week? [14:15]
5. The sermon highlighted the role of the shepherds and wise men as witnesses to Jesus' birth. Think of a way you can be a witness to Jesus in your community. What specific action can you take this week to share the good news?
6. Gratitude was a central theme in the sermon. Take a moment to list three things you are grateful for today. How can you express this gratitude in your interactions with others?
7. Pastor Goldsmith shared his personal journey and acknowledged his limitations. Reflect on a time when you felt limited or inadequate. How did seeking God's guidance help you in that situation? How can you apply this experience to current challenges you face? [09:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Joyful Proclamation of Divine Birth
The act of singing hymns and carols is a heartfelt expression of the joy and reverence felt for the divine nature of Jesus' birth. These songs serve as a reminder of the love and righteousness of God, inviting believers to celebrate and proclaim the arrival of the King of angels with exuberance and devotion. [19:13]
Isaiah 12:5 - "Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the joy of Jesus' birth into your daily expressions of faith?
Day 2: Witnessing Through Personal Testimony
Sharing one's spiritual journey can profoundly impact others, demonstrating that everyone has a role in God's plan. Personal testimonies inspire and connect believers, showing that faith is a shared experience that grows through the stories of God's guidance in our lives. [09:17]
Psalm 66:16 - "Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me."
Reflection: What is one way you can share your personal testimony with someone this week to encourage their faith journey?
Day 3: Engraining the Message of Christmas
The repetition of phrases in Christmas hymns deeply embeds the message of Christ's transformative birth into the hearts of the faithful. These phrases are not mere poetry but encapsulate the hope and healing that Jesus brings to a world in need. [14:32]
Micah 5:4 - "He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth."
Reflection: Which phrase from a Christmas hymn resonates with you, and how can it guide your actions during this season?
Day 4: Nativity as a Call to Action
The Nativity story is more than a historical account; it is a call to action for believers to be witnesses of Jesus' love and to share the good news. Like the shepherds and wise men, we are called to bring our adoration to Jesus and proclaim His birth to the world. [31:13]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: How can you be a witness of Jesus' love in your community during this holiday season?
Day 5: Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude
Gratitude is a foundational aspect of the Christian life, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating the blessings we have received. This sense of thankfulness fosters contentment and peace, allowing us to fully embrace the gifts of God's grace. [01:30:59]
Colossians 3:15-16 - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Reflection: What are three things you are grateful for today, and how can you express this gratitude to others?
Quotes
"And God sent a salvation That blessed Christmas morn" [09:17] (Download)
"I asked the Lord to help me And he showed me the way" [10:53] (Download)
"Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled" [13:15] (Download)
"Then lift us all with one accord, Sing praises to our heavenly Lord That hath made heaven and earth of naught And with his blood mankind has fought." [31:13] (Download)
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