Birthday Party for Jesus | 12/14/2025 | Grace Church Fremont

We gathered for our annual Birthday Party for Jesus with a simple goal: make space—especially for our kids—to remember that Christmas is about Jesus. I shared the old “Santa Paws” tradition and invited families to sit together, because this service is meant to be noisy, joyful, and full of participation. We lit the Advent candles—hope, peace, and the pink candle of joy—and I used a few dad jokes to start smiles. But then we pressed deeper: happiness depends on circumstances; joy comes from God. The angel announced “good news of great joy,” and that joy is available even when life isn’t easy, because it is grounded in the presence of Christ, the forgiveness of sins, and the hope we have in Him. We prayed together—a simple, repeat-after-me prayer—asking God to teach us to live from that joy.

We sang carols by request, gave the kids center stage, and then watched my favorite Christmas film, The Very First Noel. With party hats and candles, the kids gathered at the front and we sang “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. I told them plainly that I believe Jesus’ story is true: the Creator sent His Son, born as a baby, who grew up, and at 33 gave His life on a cross to forgive our sins and restore us to God. I want our children to remember that God loves them, and that our church celebrates His birth with joy.

We also practiced generosity together through our Christmas Gift for Jesus offering, highlighting our partner Real Options Medical Clinic. I shared the testimony of a mom whose baby is alive today because of their help with an abortion pill reversal. We prayed for courage and compassion as we give. Finally, I encouraged families to make their homes the primary place of worship this week. We provided a simple Guide to Christmas Worship because the habits formed around your table will shape your children far more than any program. We closed by standing together to sing “Joy to the World,” remembering that true joy has come—and He has a name.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Joy is deeper than happiness Joy doesn’t deny pain; it anchors us in a reality larger than our current circumstances. The birth of Jesus means God has moved toward us, and that nearness becomes a well that doesn’t run dry. Happiness rises and falls with what happens; joy endures because it rests in who God is and what He has done. Pursue the presence of Christ, and joy will follow. [14:45]
• 2. Advent joy grows through waiting Lighting hope, peace, and joy is more than ritual—it retrains desire. Waiting exposes the things we try to use to fill the ache and redirects us to God’s promise. As we slow down, we learn to recognize His approach and receive Him with uncluttered hearts. Joy ripens in the soil of patient expectation. [11:55]
• 3. Tell children the true story Kids remember what we embody: songs sung, candles lit, cakes shared, truth spoken plainly. When we say, “Jesus is real, and He came for you,” we plant a seed that can outlive our explanations. Keep the story concrete—birth, life, cross, forgiveness—and let them see your trust. Formation happens one ordinary act of faith at a time. [68:36]
• 4. Let generosity confront real brokenness Christian giving isn’t abstract; it meets names, faces, and hard choices. The Real Options testimony reminds us that mercy and truth must travel together, even when contested. Our gifts can become lifelines—material help, advocacy, and prayer woven into one offering. Give in ways that echo God’s heart for life. [77:03]
• 5. Make home your primary sanctuary What we practice around our tables becomes our children’s inner liturgy. Read a short Scripture, sing a carol, pray with simple words—let worship be doable and sincere. Small habits, repeated, carve deep channels for grace. Presents are opened once; practices form a lifetime. [80:21]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:00] - Santa Paws tradition and purpose
• [03:30] - Inviting families to the tables
• [11:55] - Advent candles: Hope, Peace, Joy
• [12:45] - Dad jokes and laughter
• [14:45] - Joy vs. happiness teaching
• [16:30] - Prayer for joy with the kids
• [18:14] - Carols by request: kids lead
• [25:00] - Congregational singalong continues
• [39:54] - Wrapping the carol requests
• [40:30] - Movie: The Very First Noel
• [68:36] - Party hats, candles, and gospel
• [72:30] - Happy Birthday to Jesus
• [77:03] - Christmas offering and Real Options story
• [80:21] - Home Christmas worship guide
• [82:30] - Final invitations and Joy to the World

Bible Reading
- Luke 2:10-11
- Romans 15:13
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Observation questions
- In Luke 2:10-11, who receives the message and what two words describe the message itself?
- Which Advent candles were highlighted, and what did the pink candle stand for? ([11:55])
- What was the clear difference given between happiness and joy? Share the exact ideas tied to each. ([14:45])
- What simple family practices were encouraged for the week of Christmas? Name at least two. ([01:20:21])

Interpretation questions
- In Luke 2:10-11, why is the news called “good news of great joy” for “all people”? What does that say about who is invited into this joy?
- Romans 15:13 links joy and peace with trust. How does trusting God change the source and steadiness of a person’s joy?
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 places discipleship in the home. Why might daily, ordinary practices shape children more deeply than occasional big moments?
- The gathering highlighted that joy flows from God’s presence, forgiveness, and hope, not from circumstances. What does this mean for someone who is grieving or stressed in December? ([14:45])
- A real-life testimony of generous love met a complex, contested situation. What does it reveal about mercy and truth working together in Christian giving? ([01:17:03])

Application questions
- Where are you currently looking for happiness to carry you—plans, presents, time off, success—and how could you turn to the presence of Christ as your well of joy this week? Be specific about a moment in your day when you’ll pause and seek Him. ([14:45])
- Advent is a season of waiting. What is one small way you can “slow down” to retrain desire—lighting a candle, a short daily reading, a 2-minute quiet prayer after dinner—so your heart notices God’s approach? Pick one and name when you’ll do it. ([11:55])
- Make home your primary sanctuary. What will you actually do around your table this week—read one verse, sing one carol, pray one simple prayer? If helpful, commit to using a printed or digital guide and share which night you’ll try it. ([01:20:21])
- “Tell children the true story.” Who is one child (in your home, extended family, or church) you can bless with a simple, concrete retelling: birth, life, cross, forgiveness, and love? What words will you use in one minute or less? ([01:08:36])
- Generosity meets names and faces. Where is God nudging you to give, serve, or pray in a way that meets real needs with courage and compassion? What next step will you take this week—an amount, a sign-up, a text to encourage someone? ([01:17:03])
- Singing shapes memory. Which one carol will you (or your family/roommates) sing at home, even if it’s simple and off-key? When will you do it, and who will you invite to join? ([18:14])
- Joy can live alongside hard feelings. If sadness or stress shows up this week, what “repeat-after-me” prayer could you keep on hand, in your own words, to remind your heart that God is with you? Share your short prayer line. ([14:45])