Redeeming Christmas: Embracing God's Presence and Grace

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of Christmas traditions and their roots, acknowledging that many of these customs have origins in pagan practices. However, the beauty of Christ's redemption is that it extends beyond our souls to encompass all of creation. This transformative power allows us to reclaim and redefine these traditions in the light of Christ's eternal life and love. The evergreen wreath, once a symbol in pagan rituals, now represents the unending life we have in Christ. Similarly, the Christmas tree, once a symbol of hope for spring, has been redeemed to symbolize paradise and the redemption brought by Christ.

We delved into the story of St. Nicholas, a man of God whose life was marked by miraculous acts of generosity and resurrection, embodying the spirit of giving and selflessness that we associate with Christmas today. His story serves as a reminder of the extraordinary things God can do through ordinary people who follow Him closely.

The heart of our reflection was on the concept of Emmanuel, "God with us." This is not just a historical event but a present reality. The incarnation of Christ is a profound mystery where God chose to dwell among us, not as a distant deity but as one who took on human flesh. This act of divine humility and love is a testament to the value God places on our humanity. Jesus, fully God and fully human, continues to be with us, embodying the truth that our humanity is good and worthy of redemption.

We also considered the continuity of God's presence from the Old Testament to the New Testament, from the tabernacle to the temple, and ultimately in the person of Jesus Christ. The incarnation is not merely a theological concept but an invitation to experience God's presence in our lives today. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that we are not just commemorating a past event but actively participating in the ongoing reality of God's grace and presence.

Key Takeaways:

1. Redemption of Traditions: Many Christmas traditions have pagan origins, but through Christ, they have been redeemed to symbolize eternal life and hope. This transformation reflects the broader redemption of creation that Christ's sacrifice brings. [26:19]

2. St. Nicholas' Legacy: The story of St. Nicholas exemplifies the miraculous and generous spirit that God can manifest through those who follow Him. His life encourages us to embrace selflessness and to be vessels of God's love and miracles. [32:12]

3. Emmanuel - God With Us: The incarnation of Christ as Emmanuel is a profound mystery that signifies God's desire to dwell among us. This reality challenges us to recognize the value of our humanity and the ongoing presence of God in our lives. [35:52]

4. Continuity of God's Presence: From the tabernacle to the temple, and ultimately in Jesus, God's presence has been a constant. The incarnation is an invitation to experience this presence today, not just as a historical event but as a living reality. [43:05]

5. Participating in God's Grace: Celebrating Christmas and other Christian traditions is not just about remembering past events but actively participating in the grace and presence of God. This participation invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. [54:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [26:19] - Origins of Christmas Traditions
- [29:58] - December 25th and St. Nicholas
- [32:12] - Miracles of St. Nicholas
- [33:54] - Embracing Christmas Without Fear
- [34:43] - The Nativity and Its Significance
- [35:52] - Emmanuel: God With Us
- [36:52] - The Eternal Godhead
- [38:04] - Creation and the Fall
- [39:24] - God's Desire for Relationship
- [40:43] - The Tabernacle and the Temple
- [41:43] - Exile and Return
- [43:05] - The New Ark: Mary
- [44:35] - Mary as the New Eve
- [46:37] - The Humanity of Jesus
- [49:18] - Jesus: Fully God, Fully Man
- [50:17] - The Goodness of Humanity
- [51:20] - The Mystery of the Incarnation
- [54:42] - Participating in God's Grace
- [55:48] - Encountering God's Presence

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:1-14
2. Isaiah 7:14
3. Genesis 1:1-3

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#### Observation Questions
1. What are some examples of Christmas traditions that have been redeemed to symbolize eternal life and hope in Christ? [26:19]
2. How does the story of St. Nicholas illustrate the miraculous and generous spirit that God can manifest through those who follow Him? [32:12]
3. What does the term "Emmanuel" mean, and how is it significant in the context of the sermon? [35:52]
4. How does the sermon describe the continuity of God's presence from the Old Testament to the New Testament? [43:05]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the redemption of Christmas traditions reflect the broader redemption of creation that Christ's sacrifice brings? [26:19]
2. In what ways does the life of St. Nicholas encourage believers to embrace selflessness and be vessels of God's love and miracles? [32:12]
3. What does the incarnation of Christ as Emmanuel reveal about God's desire to dwell among us and the value He places on our humanity? [35:52]
4. How does the sermon invite believers to experience God's presence as a living reality rather than just a historical event? [43:05]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a Christmas tradition you participate in. How can you reclaim or redefine it to symbolize eternal life and hope in Christ? [26:19]
2. St. Nicholas is known for his acts of generosity. What is one way you can practice selflessness and generosity in your community this Christmas season? [32:12]
3. The sermon emphasizes "God with us" as a present reality. How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life? [35:52]
4. Consider the continuity of God's presence from the Old Testament to the New Testament. How does this understanding impact your relationship with God today? [43:05]
5. The sermon suggests that celebrating Christmas is an active participation in God's grace. What is one way you can actively participate in God's grace this holiday season? [54:42]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God by recognizing the value of your humanity as something good and worthy of redemption? [50:17]
7. Reflect on the idea that Jesus is fully God and fully human. How does this truth influence your understanding of your own humanity and spiritual journey? [49:18]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Redemption of Traditions
In the tapestry of Christmas traditions, many elements have roots in ancient pagan practices. However, through the redemptive power of Christ, these customs have been transformed to reflect eternal life and hope. The evergreen wreath, once a symbol in pagan rituals, now represents the unending life we have in Christ. Similarly, the Christmas tree, initially a symbol of hope for spring, has been redeemed to symbolize paradise and the redemption brought by Christ. This transformation is a testament to the broader redemption of creation that Christ's sacrifice brings. As believers, we are invited to see these traditions through the lens of Christ's eternal life and love, embracing their new meanings with joy and reverence. [26:19]

Isaiah 60:13 (ESV): "The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the plane, and the pine, to beautify the place of my sanctuary, and I will make the place of my feet glorious."

Reflection: Consider a Christmas tradition you practice. How can you intentionally incorporate the message of Christ's redemption into this tradition to make it more meaningful this year?


Day 2: St. Nicholas' Legacy
The story of St. Nicholas is a powerful example of how God can work through ordinary people to perform extraordinary acts of generosity and love. Known for his miraculous acts of giving and even resurrection, St. Nicholas embodies the spirit of selflessness that we associate with Christmas today. His life encourages us to embrace selflessness and to be vessels of God's love and miracles. By following his example, we can become conduits of God's grace, allowing His love to flow through us to those around us. This legacy challenges us to look beyond ourselves and to see the needs of others, offering what we have in service to God's kingdom. [32:12]

2 Corinthians 9:11 (ESV): "You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."

Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show generosity to someone in need this week. How can you be a vessel of God's love in their life?


Day 3: Emmanuel - God With Us
The incarnation of Christ as Emmanuel, "God with us," is a profound mystery that signifies God's desire to dwell among us. This is not just a historical event but a present reality. In taking on human flesh, God chose to be intimately involved in our lives, valuing our humanity and deeming it worthy of redemption. Jesus, fully God and fully human, continues to be with us, embodying the truth that our humanity is good and worthy of redemption. This reality challenges us to recognize the ongoing presence of God in our lives and to live in the light of His love and grace. [35:52]

Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV): "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

Reflection: In what ways do you experience God's presence in your daily life? How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of Emmanuel, God with us, today?


Day 4: Continuity of God's Presence
From the tabernacle to the temple, and ultimately in Jesus, God's presence has been a constant throughout history. The incarnation is not merely a theological concept but an invitation to experience God's presence in our lives today. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that we are not just commemorating a past event but actively participating in the ongoing reality of God's grace and presence. This continuity of God's presence invites us into a deeper relationship with Him, encouraging us to seek His presence in every aspect of our lives. [43:05]

Exodus 29:45-46 (ESV): "I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take to invite His presence into your life more fully today?


Day 5: Participating in God's Grace
Celebrating Christmas and other Christian traditions is not just about remembering past events but actively participating in the grace and presence of God. This participation invites us into a deeper relationship with Him, allowing us to experience His love and grace in new and profound ways. As we engage with these traditions, we are reminded of the ongoing reality of God's grace in our lives and are encouraged to live in a way that reflects His love to the world around us. This active participation in God's grace is a call to live out our faith with intentionality and purpose. [54:42]

Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's grace today? What is one specific action you can take to reflect His love and grace to those around you?

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Quotes



It's amazing because, you know, like Druids or whatever would put this in their home, and that was part of their religious worship or whatever. But this now represents, in the context of Christ, eternal life. Evergreen represents eternal life, and the circle represents that it never ends. [00:29:40] (17 seconds)


And even the tree itself, the Christmas tree, was obviously, you know, like Germanic and Nordic tribes would bring them into their homes, you know, just hoping for the spring to come. They wanted the green. And that was part of their pagan worship. But then believers in medieval Europe started to redeem that, and they became paradise trees. [00:29:56] (19 seconds)


It's like, yeah, there's a lot of stuff that came in for that, but if you guys look up the real St. Nicholas of Myra, crazy stories, crazy miracles. We believe in the Bible, right? We believe in crazy miracles, right? This man was such a man of God that he was actually orphaned as a young boy to wealthy parents. Right? Right? Right? Right? And he himself, he started giving it away and taking care of people anonymously. [00:31:48] (24 seconds)


Like, there's stories of, like, where do we get the stockings from? He would actually support young women who couldn't support themselves and might be sold into slavery, throw them down the chimney or through the window, and sometimes they'd get in those stockings hung up, right? So that's where we get these kind of traditions from. So what am I, why am I saying all this? Oh, also, there's this, an instance where he comes across, this is pretty brutal, but it ends really well. He comes across three murdered children. And he resurrects them. That's crazy, right? [00:32:12] (30 seconds)


This is documented in the church. So we believe Jesus raised people from the dead, right? And we believe that he said, we'll do those things in greater, right? That's wild. [00:32:42] (10 seconds)


What I want to talk about today is Emmanuel. God with us, or God is with us. Not God was with us. He is with us. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. [00:35:22] (30 seconds)


In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to bear witness about the light that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. [00:35:52] (18 seconds)


The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [00:35:59] (24 seconds)


And God says, deliver my people. He brings them out of Egypt, and then they're in the wilderness, and God gives them specific instructions on how to build a tabernacle where he can dwell with them, where he could be with them. And it's amazing because they follow the plans, and they get all the craftsmen, and they build this tabernacle that can actually be transported because they're nomadic people, right? And they build this, and what happens? What's contained in there? It's the Ark of the Covenant, right? [00:40:08] (35 seconds)


Fast forward 490 years, give or take. Give or take, the Holy Spirit, he hovers over a new ark. An ark whose name is Mary, the Virgin Mary, who is carrying the presence of God, the fullness of God, humanity, God in him. In human form, in the Holy Spirit, the glory comes upon her. She conceives Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. [00:43:20] (48 seconds)


That God no longer, he didn't want to dwell as a cloud, a presence over a temple or a tabernacle. But he actually chose. He chose to be Emmanuel, God with us. To become flesh, to take on flesh, and become human. [00:46:14] (20 seconds)


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Transcript
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