Sharing Hope: The Message of Christmas Carols

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound impact of Christmas carols, particularly focusing on "Go Tell It on the Mountain." These songs, sung for centuries, encapsulate the deep longings and hopes of the human soul, resonating with the biblical truths of hope, peace, and joy. We delved into the origins of "Go Tell It on the Mountain," a song birthed by enslaved African Americans in the 1800s, who, despite their circumstances, sang with joy and hope about the birth of Jesus Christ. This song serves as a powerful reminder that true hope and peace are found in the Savior, Jesus, who came to save all people, regardless of their status or past.

The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 was highlighted, illustrating how God chose to announce the birth of Jesus to those on the margins of society. These shepherds, considered untrustworthy and marginalized, were the first to hear the good news, emphasizing that God's salvation is for everyone, including those who feel unworthy or overlooked. This narrative challenges us to recognize that God often works from the margins to the center, using unlikely people to spread His message of salvation.

We also reflected on the importance of being willing to go and tell others about the good news of Jesus. Just as the shepherds overcame their fears and societal limitations to share what they had witnessed, we are called to step out of our comfort zones and share the message of hope and redemption with those around us. This requires courage and the support of a community that encourages us to take action.

Finally, we were reminded that no one is disqualified from being a messenger of God's love. Regardless of our past mistakes or current struggles, we are invited to participate in God's redemptive work by sharing His love and grace with others. As we approach this Christmas season, let us be inspired by the joy and resilience of those who have gone before us, and let us commit to being bearers of good news, great joy, for all people.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Christmas Carols: Christmas carols like "Go Tell It on the Mountain" have been sung for centuries because they resonate with the deep longings of the human soul. These songs remind us of the hope, peace, and joy found in Jesus Christ, who came to save all people. They encourage us to hold onto hope, even in difficult times, and to remember the true meaning of Christmas. [31:08]

2. God's Work from the Margins: The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 illustrates how God often chooses to work from the margins of society. By announcing the birth of Jesus to marginalized shepherds, God demonstrates that His salvation is for everyone, regardless of their status or past. This challenges us to recognize the value and potential in those whom society may overlook. [34:25]

3. The Call to Go and Tell: Just as the shepherds overcame their fears to share the good news of Jesus' birth, we are called to step out of our comfort zones and share the message of hope and redemption with others. This requires courage and the support of a community that encourages us to take action and be messengers of God's love. [44:50]

4. No One is Disqualified: Regardless of our past mistakes or current struggles, we are invited to participate in God's redemptive work. No one is disqualified from being a messenger of God's love, and we are called to share His grace and forgiveness with those around us. This is a powerful reminder of the inclusive nature of God's salvation. [49:36]

5. The Importance of Community: Having a supportive community is crucial in our journey of faith. We need people in our lives who encourage us to step out in faith and follow God's calling. As a church, we strive to be a "let's go" community, encouraging one another to grow in faith and share the good news of Jesus with the world. [01:00:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:02:00] - Introduction to Songs of the Soul
- [00:05:00] - The Resonance of Christmas Carols
- [00:10:00] - Exploring "Go Tell It on the Mountain"
- [00:15:00] - The Story of the Shepherds
- [00:20:00] - God's Work from the Margins
- [00:25:00] - The Call to Go and Tell
- [00:30:00] - No One is Disqualified
- [00:35:00] - The Importance of Community
- [00:40:00] - Personal Reflections and Stories
- [00:45:00] - Encouragement to Share the Good News
- [00:50:00] - Closing Thoughts and Prayer
- [00:55:00] - Invitation to Starting Point
- [01:00:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:8-20

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the initial reaction of the shepherds when the angels appeared to them, and how did they respond to the message they received? [42:47]

2. How does the sermon describe the societal status of the shepherds, and why is it significant that they were chosen to receive the announcement of Jesus' birth? [34:25]

3. What are some of the reasons given in the sermon for why it is often easier not to go and share the good news, according to the pastor's personal story? [43:29]

4. How did the enslaved African Americans in the 1800s use the song "Go Tell It on the Mountain" to express their faith and hope despite their circumstances? [33:10]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might God have chosen to announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds, who were considered untrustworthy and marginalized, rather than to people in positions of power? [34:25]

2. In what ways does the story of the shepherds challenge contemporary believers to reconsider who is qualified to be a messenger of God's love? [49:36]

3. How does the sermon suggest that community support can help individuals overcome the inertia of not wanting to "go" and share the message of Jesus? [44:50]

4. What does the pastor mean when he says that "no one is disqualified" from being a messenger of God's love, and how does this relate to the inclusive nature of God's salvation? [49:36]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt unqualified or hesitant to share your faith. What steps can you take to overcome these feelings and be more open to sharing the good news of Jesus? [49:36]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community in encouraging us to step out in faith. Who in your life acts as a "let's go" person, and how can you cultivate more of these relationships? [44:50]

3. Consider the marginalized individuals in your community. How can you be more intentional about reaching out to them with the message of hope and redemption? [34:25]

4. The pastor shared a story about a woman who was resistant to church but eventually found her way back through persistent invitations. Is there someone in your life who might benefit from a similar invitation? How can you approach them? [55:15]

5. The sermon challenges us to recognize the areas in our lives where we need a Savior to work. Identify one specific area in your life where you need Jesus' intervention and discuss how you can invite Him into that situation. [40:31]

6. How can the story of the shepherds inspire you to take action in sharing the message of Jesus, even when it feels daunting or inconvenient? [42:47]

7. Reflect on the power of Christmas carols like "Go Tell It on the Mountain." How can you use music or other forms of art to express and share your faith this Christmas season? [31:08]

Devotional

Day 1: The Resonance of Christmas Carols
Christmas carols have a unique ability to resonate with the deep longings of the human soul. Songs like "Go Tell It on the Mountain" have been sung for centuries, encapsulating the hopes, peace, and joy found in Jesus Christ. These carols remind us of the true meaning of Christmas and encourage us to hold onto hope, even in difficult times. The origins of "Go Tell It on the Mountain," birthed by enslaved African Americans in the 1800s, highlight the power of music to convey joy and hope despite challenging circumstances. This song serves as a powerful reminder that true hope and peace are found in the Savior, Jesus, who came to save all people, regardless of their status or past. [31:08]

Isaiah 9:2-3 (ESV): "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil."

Reflection: Think of a Christmas carol that has deeply resonated with you. How does it remind you of the hope and joy found in Jesus, and how can you share that message with someone this season?


Day 2: God's Work from the Margins
The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 illustrates how God often chooses to work from the margins of society. By announcing the birth of Jesus to marginalized shepherds, God demonstrates that His salvation is for everyone, regardless of their status or past. This narrative challenges us to recognize the value and potential in those whom society may overlook. The shepherds, considered untrustworthy and marginalized, were the first to hear the good news, emphasizing that God's salvation is for everyone, including those who feel unworthy or overlooked. This challenges us to see how God often works from the margins to the center, using unlikely people to spread His message of salvation. [34:25]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: Who in your life might be considered "on the margins"? How can you reach out to them and share the message of God's inclusive love and salvation?


Day 3: The Call to Go and Tell
Just as the shepherds overcame their fears to share the good news of Jesus' birth, we are called to step out of our comfort zones and share the message of hope and redemption with others. This requires courage and the support of a community that encourages us to take action and be messengers of God's love. The shepherds' willingness to go and tell others about what they had witnessed serves as an example for us to follow. We are encouraged to step out in faith, supported by a community that encourages us to share the good news of Jesus with the world. [44:50]

Acts 4:29-31 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can step out of your comfort zone to share the message of Jesus with someone this week? Who can you ask to support and pray for you as you do this?


Day 4: No One is Disqualified
Regardless of our past mistakes or current struggles, we are invited to participate in God's redemptive work. No one is disqualified from being a messenger of God's love, and we are called to share His grace and forgiveness with those around us. This is a powerful reminder of the inclusive nature of God's salvation. We are reminded that no matter our past or present circumstances, we are invited to be part of God's work by sharing His love and grace with others. This inclusive message of salvation is a testament to God's boundless love and forgiveness. [49:36]

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt disqualified from sharing God's love. How can you embrace the truth that you are a new creation in Christ and step into your role as a messenger of His grace?


Day 5: The Importance of Community
Having a supportive community is crucial in our journey of faith. We need people in our lives who encourage us to step out in faith and follow God's calling. As a church, we strive to be a "let's go" community, encouraging one another to grow in faith and share the good news of Jesus with the world. A supportive community helps us to step out in faith and follow God's calling, providing encouragement and accountability. As a church, we are called to be a community that encourages one another to grow in faith and share the good news of Jesus with the world. [01:00:59]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Who in your community encourages you in your faith journey? How can you be an encouragement to someone else this week, helping them to step out in faith and share the good news of Jesus?

Quotes



"God sends his angels to people that nobody's going to believe. If you were God, you send your angels to a governor or to a prince or a pop star or a priest in the temple. But God is going to change the world and change more lives than any other movement in human history. And he's going to start with people in the margins, not people in power. And he's going to work from the margins back to the middle to redeem everyone and everything and everybody." [00:35:33] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


"Always easier not to go. You've always got 10,000 reasons why you don't want to go do something you know you should do. I've had approximately 10 million excuses not to exercise for most of my adult life. I'm really good at them. It's always easier not to have the hard conversation that you know you need to have because it could go sideways in all these different ways, right?" [00:43:15] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


"Because it's always easier not to go, you need to have people in your life who have permission and authority to say to you, let's go. You gotta have people in your life who will call you out, who love you enough, love Jesus enough, and that you're honest enough and open enough to, that you're willing to hear, hear them say to you, hey, I think you're supposed to go. I think you're supposed to persevere. I think you're supposed to step out." [00:45:06] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


"Truthfully, it used to be that going to church for me was more about fulfilling the need to be a part of a community than practicing my faith. Rarely did I think about it before or after, and I didn't even realize I was supposed to be. CCC has changed all this. Small group, something I never thought I would enjoy. Now I look forward to this all week. I have coffee dates with friends I've made, and we talk scripture, which is another thing that's new but exciting in my life." [00:56:38] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


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