Making Room for Jesus This Christmas Season

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound significance of making room for Jesus in our lives, especially as we approach the Christmas season. The story of Isaiah, who prophesied the coming of Jesus 700 years before His birth, reminds us of the unchanging nature of God amidst a world of constant change. Isaiah's words, though initially dismissed, have proven true as billions now worship Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This prophecy underscores the importance of having a steadfast anchor in our lives, especially during times of personal upheaval or loss.

We also explored the symbolism of the gifts brought by the Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold signifies Jesus' kingship and ultimate authority, reminding us that no situation is beyond His power. Frankincense represents His role as our eternal High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf, ensuring our prayers reach God through His righteousness. Myrrh, a burial spice, foreshadows His sacrificial death, highlighting that His birth was just the beginning of a journey that would change the world through His death and resurrection.

The call to partake in communion serves as a reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. It is not merely a ritual but a profound declaration of our faith and acceptance of His grace. We are encouraged to live out our faith boldly, not just as a private belief but as a guiding force in our daily lives. The story of Wally, the innkeeper who couldn't deny Jesus a place, challenges us to examine whether we have truly made room for Jesus in our hearts and lives.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us not push Jesus out of the festivities but instead invite Him to be the Lord of our lives, guiding our actions, words, and thoughts. This season, may we embrace the fullness of the gospel, allowing it to transform us and lead us to live lives of sacrifice, love, humility, and forgiveness.

Key Takeaways:

- The Unchanging Nature of God: In a world filled with change, Jesus remains our constant anchor. Isaiah's prophecy reminds us that God's promises are steadfast, offering us peace and guidance even when everything else shifts around us. This assurance is crucial, especially during times of personal loss or change. [05:46]

- The Significance of the Magi's Gifts: The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize Jesus' roles as King, High Priest, and Sacrifice. Each gift reveals a facet of His divine mission, reminding us of His authority, intercession, and sacrificial love. These truths encourage us to trust in His power and grace. [11:28]

- The Role of Jesus as Our High Priest: Jesus stands as our eternal High Priest, interceding for us before God. Our prayers are heard not because of our worthiness but because of His righteousness. This truth reassures us that we can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus mediates on our behalf. [16:12]

- The Transformative Power of Communion: Partaking in communion is a profound act of faith, symbolizing our acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice. It challenges us to live out our faith authentically, not as a mere ritual but as a transformative force in our lives. This act calls us to embody the gospel in our daily actions. [09:04]

- Making Room for Jesus: The story of Wally, the innkeeper, prompts us to consider whether we have truly made room for Jesus in our lives. In a culture that often sidelines faith, we are called to boldly live out our beliefs, ensuring that Jesus is at the center of our hearts and actions. [27:26]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:14] - Isaiah's Prophecy
- [05:46] - The Unchanging Nature of God
- [07:01] - The Story of Change
- [09:04] - The Significance of Communion
- [11:28] - The Magi's Gifts
- [14:30] - The Invitation to Come
- [16:12] - Jesus as Our High Priest
- [18:38] - The Cleansing Power of Jesus
- [19:34] - The Gift of Myrrh
- [21:18] - The Sacrifice that Changed the World
- [23:43] - Transferring Rights and Privileges
- [25:04] - The Greatest Story Ever Told
- [26:25] - Wally's Story
- [27:26] - Making Room for Jesus
- [28:18] - Boldly Living Out Faith
- [29:12] - Inviting Jesus as Lord
- [30:52] - Embracing the Fullness of the Gospel

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 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."
2. Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
3. John 3:16-17 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

Observation Questions:
1. What are the four titles given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about His character and mission? [03:14]
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of the Magi's gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh? [11:28]
3. According to the sermon, what role does Jesus play as our High Priest, and how does this affect our prayers? [16:12]
4. What story was shared about Wally, the innkeeper, and how does it challenge us to make room for Jesus in our lives? [26:25]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Isaiah's prophecy about Jesus provide comfort and assurance in times of personal change or loss? [05:46]
2. In what ways do the gifts of the Magi reflect the different aspects of Jesus' mission and identity? [11:28]
3. What does it mean for Jesus to be our eternal High Priest, and how does this change our understanding of approaching God? [16:12]
4. How does the act of communion serve as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice, and what does it mean to partake in it worthily? [09:04]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced significant change or loss. How did your faith in Jesus as a constant anchor help you through that period? [05:46]
2. Consider the symbolism of the Magi's gifts. How can you acknowledge Jesus' authority, intercession, and sacrifice in your daily life? [11:28]
3. How can you make room for Jesus in your life, especially during the busy Christmas season? What practical steps can you take to ensure He remains at the center? [27:26]
4. In what ways can you live out your faith boldly, as encouraged in the sermon, even when it might be challenging in your workplace or social circles? [28:18]
5. How does understanding Jesus as your eternal High Priest change the way you pray and approach God with your needs and burdens? [16:12]
6. What does it mean for you to let Jesus be the Lord of your life, guiding your actions, words, and thoughts? How can you embody the gospel in your daily interactions? [29:12]
7. Reflect on the transformative power of communion. How can you move beyond seeing it as a ritual to experiencing it as a profound declaration of faith? [09:04]

Devotional

Day 1: The Unchanging Anchor in a Shifting World
In a world where change is constant, the unchanging nature of God provides a steadfast anchor for our lives. Isaiah's prophecy, made 700 years before the birth of Jesus, serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering promises. Despite the initial dismissal of Isaiah's words, they have been fulfilled as billions now worship Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This assurance of God's constancy is especially crucial during times of personal upheaval or loss, offering peace and guidance when everything else seems to shift around us. [05:46]

Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you experiencing change or uncertainty? How can you lean on the unchanging nature of God to find peace and stability today?


Day 2: The Multifaceted Mission of Jesus
The gifts of the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each symbolize a unique aspect of Jesus' divine mission. Gold signifies His kingship and ultimate authority, reminding us that no situation is beyond His power. Frankincense represents His role as our eternal High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf, ensuring our prayers reach God through His righteousness. Myrrh, a burial spice, foreshadows His sacrificial death, highlighting that His birth was just the beginning of a journey that would change the world through His death and resurrection. These truths encourage us to trust in His power and grace, knowing that He fulfills multiple roles in our lives. [11:28]

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV): "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: Which aspect of Jesus' mission—King, High Priest, or Sacrifice—do you need to embrace more fully in your life right now? How can you actively trust in His power and grace today?


Day 3: Confidence in Christ's Intercession
Jesus stands as our eternal High Priest, interceding for us before God. Our prayers are heard not because of our worthiness but because of His righteousness. This truth reassures us that we can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus mediates on our behalf. It is a profound comfort to know that our relationship with God is not dependent on our own merit but on the perfect intercession of Christ. This understanding invites us to pray boldly and live with the assurance that we are heard and loved by God. [16:12]

1 John 2:1-2 (ESV): "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus intercedes for you change the way you approach prayer? What specific prayer can you bring to God today with renewed confidence?


Day 4: Communion as a Transformative Act
Partaking in communion is a profound act of faith, symbolizing our acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice. It challenges us to live out our faith authentically, not as a mere ritual but as a transformative force in our lives. This act calls us to embody the gospel in our daily actions, allowing the grace of Jesus to shape our thoughts, words, and deeds. Communion is a reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for us and an invitation to live in a way that reflects His love and grace to the world around us. [09:04]

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."

Reflection: How can you allow the act of communion to transform your daily life? What specific action can you take today to embody the gospel in your interactions with others?


Day 5: Making Room for Jesus
The story of Wally, the innkeeper, prompts us to consider whether we have truly made room for Jesus in our lives. In a culture that often sidelines faith, we are called to boldly live out our beliefs, ensuring that Jesus is at the center of our hearts and actions. As we celebrate Christmas, let us not push Jesus out of the festivities but instead invite Him to be the Lord of our lives, guiding our actions, words, and thoughts. This season, may we embrace the fullness of the gospel, allowing it to transform us and lead us to live lives of sacrifice, love, humility, and forgiveness. [27:26]

Revelation 3:20 (ESV): "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

Reflection: In what ways have you unintentionally sidelined Jesus in your life? What practical steps can you take today to make room for Him and ensure He is at the center of your heart and actions?

Quotes

"Isaiah is this obscure guy in this obscure location. And he's a prophet. He's shouting out, he's telling the world, this world's not going to be the same. Things are not always going to be this way. God's going to send His own Son to the earth, and He's going to be your Counselor. You will never be alone if everybody misunderstands you or leaves you alone. Right there in your own heart, there's a Counselor called the Holy Spirit, the Son of God. He'll be a Mighty God. He'll be Everlasting. He'll be the Prince of Peace." [00:03:59] (33 seconds)


"But the only thing that doesn't change is Jesus Christ. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Now he'll let your circumstances change. He'll, he'll let things happen. Do you ever wonder why he allows things to happen in your life that puts you in such a scary place? You know why I think that is? Because he doesn't want you to depend on anything but him." [00:08:20] (21 seconds)


"In a few minutes, we're going to partake of the body and the blood of Christ. Okay. Beautiful tradition. But if you're new to the faith, or even if not, it can kind of seem weird. The body, even gross, the body and blood of Christ. You know, early Christians were killed because they were called cannibals for participating in eating the body and drinking the blood of Christ. But this is not some fringe practice. This is actually commanded instruction. This is scripture for all believers to participate in regularly." [00:09:04] (33 seconds)


"Jesus has fulfilled all the needs of sacrifice. He lived a perfect and holy life. He stood there in your place and in my place, and he stands before the father because he was sinless. And because he rose from the dead, he has become the eternal sacrifice for all of our sins. And so he stands before God and the Bible calls him your intercessor, your intermediary. In other words, when you pray to him, he brings your prayers right before the throne of God. And they're not in your voice. They're in his voice." [00:16:34] (34 seconds)


"Completely undeserving, but we receive it through his death and atonement on the cross. And so they gave him gold and frankincense. And lastly, something called myrrh, which was a burial spice. It was a reminder. It was a foreshadowing that this child is born to die. He is destined to die. Imagine someone, you know, in our culture, we put flowers at the graves. It came because of the same reason that myrrh was used." [00:20:04] (39 seconds)


"Myrrh was an aromatic spice, and it would mask the smell of a dead body. And in our culture, we began putting flowers many years ago before embalming was like it is, and it would mask the smell. Can you imagine your child being born and someone coming to the hospital to celebrate and giving you a burial wreath for them? Wow. That would not be appropriate. And yet, they knew from the beginning." [00:20:28] (30 seconds)


"It's a testament that the truth is the birth of Christ, which we will celebrate this week, is not what changed the world. It's pretty amazing, virgin birth. The teachings of Jesus, revolutionary though they were, did not revolutionize the world on their own. The disciples of Jesus, once a group of scared, hiding boys, afraid for their life, stood up to be the most brave, heroic, sacrificial, testifiers of the gospel, and yet their heroic acts are not what changed the world." [00:21:18] (42 seconds)


"But what split history was the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And on the day he was born, we're given a little hint that he'll die for us. He will sacrifice his life for ours. There have been many people who sacrificed, sacrificed their life for what they believed in. Great teachers and peacemakers and proponents of change who died for what they believed in. But in the history of mankind, there's only been one." [00:22:29] (33 seconds)


"Is there room for Jesus? That's really the question. Is there room for Jesus in your heart, in your life? Is there room for Jesus in your life? Or is it, you know, there's no room for Jesus at Christmas anymore. We push Jesus out of, could you imagine we push Jesus out of Christmas? People take to, I'm like, you don't have to say Merry Christmas. You don't have to believe in Jesus. Just go to work on that day." [00:28:34] (26 seconds)


"It's kind of ridiculous, isn't it? Well, you know what? Jesus don't need more Christmas trees. And he really, you don't have anything you could give him. But what I need, what you need is to invite him in, not to just be your religion or not just to be your savior, but to be your Lord. Be the Lord of the house, to guide." [00:29:01] (21 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?