Forgiveness: The True Gift of Christmas

 

Summary

Summary:

Today, we explored the profound theme of forgiveness as central to the Christmas story. We began with a light-hearted introduction, sharing some Christmas dad jokes to bring joy and laughter. However, the heart of our gathering was to delve into the significance of forgiveness, a gift that is intricately woven into the narrative of Christ's birth. In Luke chapter 2, we see the announcement of a Savior, a term that signifies the coming of Jesus to save us from our sins. This Savior, born in Bethlehem, was not just any child but the Lamb of God, destined to offer the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's redemption.

We traced the theme of sacrificial lambs throughout the Bible, from the Passover lamb in Exodus to the countless lambs offered in the temple, culminating in Jesus, the Lamb of God. This was not a coincidence but a divine plan meticulously crafted from the foundation of the world. Jesus willingly came to earth, born in the very place where sacrificial lambs were raised, to fulfill His purpose of offering forgiveness and restoring our relationship with God.

Forgiveness is not only the greatest gift we receive but also the most significant gift we can give. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the importance of extending forgiveness to others, mirroring the grace we have received. Unforgiveness can be a heavy burden, hindering our spiritual growth and joy. By forgiving others, we align ourselves with God's heart and experience true freedom and peace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Forgiveness as the Heart of Christmas: Forgiveness is central to the Christmas story, as Jesus came as the Savior to offer us redemption from our sins. This gift of forgiveness is the greatest gift we can receive, surpassing any material present. It is a reminder of God's love and grace, inviting us into a restored relationship with Him. [27:18]

2. The Lamb of God: Jesus is the fulfillment of the sacrificial lambs in the Old Testament, born in Bethlehem, where lambs were raised for temple sacrifices. This was part of God's divine plan, highlighting Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. His birth and purpose were intricately woven into the fabric of biblical history. [39:22]

3. The Power of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is not only a gift to receive but also a gift to give. Holding onto unforgiveness can be torturous, while extending forgiveness brings freedom and aligns us with God's nature. As forgiven people, we are called to forgive others, reflecting the grace we have received. [50:40]

4. The Burden of Unforgiveness: Unforgiveness can create dissonance in our lives, especially during a season that celebrates forgiveness. It hinders our worship and spiritual growth, as we struggle to reconcile the grace we've received with the grudges we hold. Letting go of unforgiveness allows us to experience true peace and joy. [51:35]

5. Forgiveness as a Gift to Give: This Christmas, consider forgiveness as the best gift you can offer. It may not come wrapped in a box, but it holds the power to transform relationships and bring healing. By forgiving others, we not only bless them but also find ourselves blessed, experiencing the true spirit of Christmas. [52:37]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [23:35] - Christmas Dad Jokes
- [24:51] - Introduction to Forgiveness
- [27:18] - Forgiveness in Luke 2
- [29:23] - The Gift of a Savior
- [31:36] - Shepherds and Sacrificial Lambs
- [32:44] - The Impact of Jesus' Birth
- [33:50] - The Shepherd's Field
- [36:13] - The Passover Lamb
- [37:37] - The System of Sacrifices
- [39:22] - Bethlehem: The City of David
- [40:34] - Jesus: The Lamb of God
- [42:20] - Two Ways to Heaven
- [45:03] - The Best Christmas Gift
- [48:07] - Forgiveness: A Gift to Give
- [52:37] - The Blessing of Forgiveness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Forgiveness as the Heart of Christmas

Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:8-12
- Exodus 12:5-7
- 1 Peter 1:18-19

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 2:8-12, what message did the angel deliver to the shepherds, and how does it relate to the theme of forgiveness? [27:18]

2. How does the Passover lamb in Exodus 12:5-7 foreshadow the role of Jesus as the Lamb of God? [36:13]

3. According to 1 Peter 1:18-19, what is the significance of Jesus being described as a lamb without blemish or spot? [42:20]

4. What connection does the sermon make between the shepherds in Bethlehem and the sacrificial system in the Old Testament? [39:22]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of Jesus as the Lamb of God deepen our understanding of the Christmas story and its focus on forgiveness? [40:34]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that forgiveness is both a gift to receive and a gift to give? [48:07]

3. How does the burden of unforgiveness affect a believer's spiritual life, according to the sermon? [51:35]

4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between receiving forgiveness from God and extending it to others? [50:40]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to forgive someone. How did that experience affect your spiritual growth and joy? [51:35]

2. The sermon suggests that forgiveness is the best gift we can give at Christmas. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive this season? What steps can you take to offer that forgiveness? [52:37]

3. How can you incorporate the theme of forgiveness into your Christmas celebrations this year, both personally and within your family? [48:07]

4. Consider the idea that unforgiveness can create dissonance in our lives. How can you address any unresolved issues or grudges you may be holding onto? [49:47]

5. The sermon mentions that forgiveness aligns us with God's nature. How can you cultivate a forgiving heart in your daily interactions? [50:40]

6. How does understanding Jesus as the Lamb of God change your perspective on the significance of Christmas? [40:34]

7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that forgiveness is a central theme in your life, not just during Christmas but throughout the year? [56:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Forgiveness as the Core of Redemption
Forgiveness is at the heart of the Christmas story, as it represents the ultimate gift of redemption offered through Jesus Christ. In Luke chapter 2, the announcement of a Savior signifies the arrival of Jesus, who came to save humanity from sin. This act of forgiveness is the greatest gift we can receive, surpassing any material present. It is a profound reminder of God's love and grace, inviting us into a restored relationship with Him. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to embrace the forgiveness offered to us and to extend it to others, mirroring the grace we have received. [27:18]

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the forgiveness you have received from Christ? How can you extend this gift to them today?


Day 2: Jesus, the Fulfillment of Sacrificial Lambs
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, where sacrificial lambs were raised, was part of God's divine plan. Throughout the Bible, sacrificial lambs symbolize atonement and forgiveness, culminating in Jesus, the Lamb of God. His birth and purpose were intricately woven into the fabric of biblical history, highlighting Him as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. This divine orchestration underscores the significance of Jesus' mission to offer forgiveness and restore our relationship with God. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the profound love and sacrifice that Jesus embodies. [39:22]

"For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (1 Corinthians 5:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial lamb deepen your appreciation for His birth and purpose? What does this mean for your personal faith journey?


Day 3: The Transformative Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not only a gift to receive but also a gift to give. Holding onto unforgiveness can be torturous, while extending forgiveness brings freedom and aligns us with God's nature. As forgiven people, we are called to forgive others, reflecting the grace we have received. This act of forgiveness is transformative, allowing us to experience true freedom and peace. By forgiving others, we align ourselves with God's heart and open ourselves to the joy and growth that come from living in His grace. [50:40]

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today? What steps can you take to begin this process and experience the freedom that comes with forgiveness?


Day 4: The Weight of Unforgiveness
Unforgiveness can create dissonance in our lives, especially during a season that celebrates forgiveness. It hinders our worship and spiritual growth, as we struggle to reconcile the grace we've received with the grudges we hold. Letting go of unforgiveness allows us to experience true peace and joy. As we reflect on the Christmas story, we are reminded of the importance of releasing the burdens of unforgiveness and embracing the freedom that comes with extending grace to others. [51:35]

"See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled." (Hebrews 12:15, ESV)

Reflection: What grudges or bitterness are you holding onto that may be hindering your spiritual growth? How can you begin to release these burdens and embrace the peace of forgiveness?


Day 5: Forgiveness as a Transformative Gift
This Christmas, consider forgiveness as the best gift you can offer. It may not come wrapped in a box, but it holds the power to transform relationships and bring healing. By forgiving others, we not only bless them but also find ourselves blessed, experiencing the true spirit of Christmas. Forgiveness is a powerful act that reflects the love and grace of God, inviting us to participate in His redemptive work in the world. As we give the gift of forgiveness, we open ourselves to the blessings of peace, joy, and restored relationships. [52:37]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from the gift of forgiveness this Christmas? How can you take steps to offer this transformative gift and experience the blessings it brings?

Quotes

"You know, while I really don't think I need to ask forgiveness from you about dad jokes, you know, I do believe that forgiveness is central to the Christmas story. I think it is a central theme of the Christmas story. And before I show you in Luke chapter two, I want to pray for us. God, I thank you that forgiveness is central to Christmas. And I pray that as we dive into your word, the truth of what you have done, I pray, God, that you will forgive me. And I pray that it would impact us, that we would see it as central, not just to a story, but to our lives, ourselves, and how we interact with others." [00:25:44] (39 seconds)


"This lamb, Jesus, born for this purpose, to save people from their sin, to offer forgiveness so that they wouldn't experience the penalty of death because of that sin, so that God could accomplish what he wanted all along, which was to have a relationship with those that he made. And he's perfect and we're not. And so they and we need saving. If we're going to have a relationship with the God who made us, forgiveness is sin. We need to have a relationship with the God who made us. Forgiveness is sin. We need to have a relationship with the God who made us. Forgiveness central to the Christmas story." [00:41:44] (33 seconds)


"The American Psychological Association said that their survey revealed that 44 % of people, say their number one stress at Christmas, was due to unresolved family issues. They had attention to their gatherings and celebrations. I won't do a show of hands, but I bet that's accurate. 23 % of them actually used the word dread when talking about family gatherings because of unresolved issues or unforgiveness. You know, it can feel so dissonant, can't it? Where we're celebrating the gift of forgiveness. And, you know, he came down away in a manger. We're singing these things, right? And we're celebrating this. It can feel so dissonant while we sing about that and we walk around with unforgiveness in our own hearts or the knowledge that we need to ask for forgiveness." [00:49:28] (52 seconds)


"Scripture even tells us, right, if you're there making an offering at the altar and you remember that you got like an issue with somebody, you need to go make that right, then come back and worship. Because it hinders this, right? It makes it difficult for you to truly appreciate this unless you become like him and practice it and participate in it with others. You want to be more thankful for God than you've ever been in your life? Become a forgiver. See how hard it is. Until it's settled, you won't be settled. Scripture speaks really clearly to this. Ephesians 4 says, Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." [00:51:53] (44 seconds)


"So as much as forgiveness is the best gift we've ever received, perhaps the best gift you can give this Christmas isn't found on Amazon. It's not sold by Apple. You won't find it at Target. The best gift you could maybe give this Christmas is the gift of forgiveness. It's sort of what Christmas is all about. Forgiveness is central to the Christmas story. You see that. And I want to give you a spoiler alert. Just like when you give gifts at Christmas and you learn that truth, that it's better to give than it is to receive. Just like that, when you forgive, you end up being the one that's blessed. And when you don't forgive, you're the one who's suffering. Not them. It's you." [00:52:55] (59 seconds)


"And so if you have done that, if you have received that great gift, that offer of forgiveness, then perhaps the thing that needs to be at the top of your list, the top of your budget, maybe it ought to be to extend or ask for forgiveness. It doesn't mean that everything that they did is okay. It doesn't mean that you don't need boundaries. It doesn't mean that everything needs to go back to the way that it was. It doesn't even mean full reconciliation. It just means that you're not going to hold it over their head anymore. That you're going to let God deal with forgiveness you've received to others." [00:54:53] (54 seconds)


"You know, apart from Jesus, the best gift this Christmas might not come in a box. It might not come with a pretty bow wrapped on top. It might not come with a QR code linked to something. It might come in a prayer of surrender to the Lord, releasing it to him. And if you need help saying, I don't know where to start. That's what we're here for. We want to help you with this. Because you won't know freedom. You won't even understand worship till you participate in forgiveness. And we want to help you with that." [00:56:13] (49 seconds)


"pray for those who have never received. That gift of forgiveness. That this Christmas. They would unwrap the package. And it would become theirs. As you've done. Everything planned it out from before the foundation of the world in Christ, to give, to offer this gift. May they open it and receive it today, recognizing their brokenness and the need for forgiveness, turning to you, confessing Jesus as Lord, for the first time or again, the joy of the best" [00:59:17] (57 seconds)


"I thank you for the people here who have experienced the best gift ever, the gift of forgiveness. Help us, Lord, to know that as the best gift, not only in our own hearts, but also in our lives as we extend it to others. I pray, God, that you would bless every person here and go with them now. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you. You're dismissed." [01:09:43] (23 seconds)


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Transcript
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