Hope and Unity: The True Meaning of Christmas
Summary
The sermon begins by reevaluating the common depiction of the three wise men in the nativity story, suggesting that there may have been more than three, given the three distinct gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts symbolize kingship, temple rituals, and burial, respectively. The wise men, possibly descendants of the Magi from Babylon, followed a star to Bethlehem to worship the King of Kings. The speaker highlights the significance of both shepherds and Magi, societal outcasts, coming to worship Jesus, whose birth in a humble stable exemplifies God's use of the lowly to manifest His glory. The true meaning of Christmas is underscored as the hope brought by Jesus.
The speaker then addresses the contemporary challenges faced by society, such as the COVID pandemic, economic crises, and conflicts like the war in Ukraine. The media's portrayal of hopelessness contrasts with the Christmas message of hope. The speaker asserts that Jesus is the only source of lasting peace and the solution to the world's sin problem.
A personal story is shared about a father who treasured a portrait of his son above his valuable art collection. After the son's death in military service and the father's subsequent passing, an auction of the art begins with the portrait of the son. The butler, who had a personal connection to the family, bids on the portrait, emphasizing the son's value to the father.
Reflecting on the Christmas Truce of World War I, the speaker illustrates the power of hope and the light that Jesus brings into the world. Soldiers from opposing sides celebrated Christmas together, a testament to the reconciling power of Jesus' name.
The significance of Christmas and Jesus' birth is further discussed, with the speaker noting that attempts to remove Christ from Christmas are futile, as the world unknowingly celebrates Him. The birth of Jesus, as prophesied in Isaiah, is the reason for the season, regardless of the exact date.
The speaker emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate prize, cautioning against being misled by worldly possessions. The sermon concludes with a call to worship, recognizing Jesus as the reason for everything.
Finally, the act of giving gifts on Christmas is likened to God's gift of Jesus to humanity. The speaker discusses the historical and symbolic connections between Christmas traditions and Jesus, emphasizing that every day should be dedicated to worshiping Him. The unity of Christians worshiping Jesus on December 25th is highlighted as a powerful moment that transcends cultural and religious barriers, with a reminder of the World War I Christmas truce as an example of this unity.
Key Takeaways:
- The traditional image of the three wise men is challenged, with the sermon suggesting a larger group may have visited Jesus, guided by a star to Bethlehem. The gifts they brought hold deep symbolism: gold for kingship, frankincense for worship, and myrrh for mortality, reflecting Jesus' divine and human nature. This interpretation invites a reexamination of the nativity story and its implications for understanding Jesus' identity. [32:12]
- In the face of global crises and media-driven despair, the sermon posits Jesus as the sole beacon of hope and peace. This perspective reframes current events, encouraging individuals to seek solace and solutions in their faith rather than in transient worldly efforts. The message is a call to shift focus from the chaos of the world to the stability found in Christ. [04:47]
- The story of the father valuing the portrait of his son above all other art pieces serves as a metaphor for God's love for humanity. It illustrates the incomparable worth of a personal relationship with Jesus, overshadowing all material wealth and status. This narrative underscores the transformative power of recognizing one's value in the eyes of the Creator. [38:09]
- The Christmas Truce of World War I exemplifies the unifying and reconciling power of Jesus' name, even amidst conflict. This historical event is a poignant reminder of the potential for peace and camaraderie when individuals come together under the banner of faith, transcending differences and hostilities. [26:08]
- The sermon emphasizes that the essence of Christmas cannot be extricated from Christ, regardless of secular attempts or debates over the date. This assertion affirms the enduring impact of Jesus' birth as a cornerstone of Christian faith and the global celebration of Christmas. It challenges believers to recognize and proclaim the true reason for the season amidst commercialization and cultural shifts. [12:48]
Study Guide
Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 9:6-7
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end."
2. Isaiah 7:14
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
3. Colossians 1:16-20
"For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
Observation Questions
1. What titles and roles are ascribed to the child born in Isaiah 9:6-7, and what do these titles suggest about his identity and purpose?
2. In Isaiah 7:14, what is the significance of the name "Immanuel," and how does it relate to the concept of God's presence with humanity?
3. According to Colossians 1:16-20, what is the scope of Christ's authority and role in creation, and how does this passage describe his relationship with the church?
Interpretation Questions
1. How do the titles given to the child in Isaiah 9:6-7 reflect the expectations of a Messiah, and in what ways do they challenge or affirm one's understanding of Jesus' mission?
2. Considering the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, how does the concept of "Immanuel" influence one's perception of the divine-human relationship?
3. Reflecting on Colossians 1:16-20, what implications does Christ's supremacy and reconciliatory work have for the individual believer and the collective body of the church?
Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt a lack of peace. How can you actively trust in the "Prince of Peace" to navigate similar circumstances in the coming week?
2. Identify a moment from the past month where you felt distant from God. What is one specific action you can take to remind yourself of God's presence ("Immanuel") in your daily routine?
3. Think about a relationship in your life that is in need of reconciliation. What is one step you can take this week to initiate peace and healing in that relationship, following the example of Christ's reconciliatory work?
4. Consider the possessions or achievements you value most. How can you shift your focus this week to treasure your relationship with Christ above these material or worldly accomplishments?
5. In light of the unity experienced during the Christmas Truce of World War I, identify a community or group where you see division. What is one tangible way you can contribute to fostering unity and peace in that environment before the month ends?
Devotional
Day 1: Revisiting the Nativity's Visitors
The Nativity's visitors may have been more numerous than traditionally depicted, each bringing gifts with profound symbolism that reflect Jesus' divine and human nature. The journey of these wise men, guided by a star, invites a deeper understanding of the Christmas story and the identity of Christ. [32:12]
Micah 5:2 - "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
Reflection: How does the symbolism of the wise men's gifts deepen your understanding of who Jesus is and His purpose?
Day 2: Jesus, Our Beacon of Hope
In a world rife with crises and despair, Jesus stands as the singular source of hope and peace. This truth challenges believers to seek solace in their faith, looking beyond the chaos of the world to the stability found in Christ. [04:47]
Hebrews 6:19 - "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain."
Reflection: In what ways can you anchor your life in the hope that Jesus provides, especially during times of global uncertainty?
Day 3: The Incomparable Worth of Relationship
The story of a father's treasured portrait of his son illustrates the immeasurable value of a personal relationship with Jesus, far surpassing material wealth. This narrative invites reflection on one's worth in the eyes of the Creator and the transformative power of divine love. [38:09]
1 John 3:1 - "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
Reflection: How does recognizing your value to God change the way you view yourself and your priorities in life?
Day 4: The Unifying Power of Christ's Name
The Christmas Truce of World War I exemplifies the potential for peace and unity under the banner of faith in Jesus' name. This historical event serves as a reminder of the reconciling power of Christ, even amidst great conflict. [26:08]
Ephesians 2:14 - "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility."
Reflection: How can you be an agent of reconciliation and peace in your own community, reflecting the unifying power of Jesus?
Day 5: Christ, the Heart of Christmas
Attempts to remove Christ from Christmas overlook the enduring significance of Jesus' birth, which remains central to the celebration. Believers are called to recognize and proclaim the true reason for the season, amidst commercialization and cultural shifts. [12:48]
Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Reflection: How can you actively keep Christ at the center of your Christmas celebrations and daily life?
Quotes
"The cost of living crisis, the war in Ukraine, yes that's still going on. They bring us bad news. They paint the picture of hopelessness." [04:47] (Download)
"Because the only hope that they have is Jesus. He's the only one that will bring everlasting lasting peace. He's the only one who has a solution for their problem." [07:44] (Download)
"Today, more than ever, we need hope. Today, more than ever, our neighbours need a light to know the name of Jesus. Christmas is a great time to celebrate him, to remember him, to focus on him." [28:20] (Download)
"Because I can worship Jesus every day of the year, and I should worship him every day of the year, and I should celebrate that he was born every day of the year. Why? Because it happened. Because it's true. Because the gift was given." [29:51] (Download)
"Because you can't take Christ out of Christmas. Because there's something special about this month. There's something special about the 25th of December." [12:48] (Download)
"The greatest gift that was ever given. The reason why we give presents to each other is because God gave us a present. He gave us the greatest gift. Jesus." [18:35] (Download)
"don't get tricked into looking for the Rembrandts or the Picasso's. Look for the son. Because Jesus is the reason. He's everything." [44:54] (Download)
"And we see throughout the Bible how God chose to use the foolish things, to confound the wise, the things that the world sees as lowly, to lift up his name, to worship him." [36:00] (Download)
"There is only hope from one place, and that's the throne room of heaven. And his name is Jesus. And he brought hope into the world. And he placed it in everyone that believes in him." [36:00] (Download)
"There's something powerful about Christians that come together and do something in unity. Even in the secular world, there seems to be a consciousness of something transcendent and divine during this time of the year." [22:20] (Download)
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