Sharing the Joy and Hope of Christmas

 

Summary

Christmas is a season of joy and reflection, a time when hearts are more open to the message of Jesus Christ. This openness is why I cherish this time of year, not only because it marks the birth of our Savior but also because it presents a unique opportunity to share the hope we have in Him. Through Daily Hope, we've been able to reach people worldwide, spreading the message of Christ's love and salvation. At Saddleback Church, we are preparing to hold 15 identical Christmas services, each designed to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to share the hope He brings to our lives.

I encourage everyone to attend a Christmas service, whether at your home church or by finding a new one if you don't have a church home. Invite your friends, neighbors, and relatives to join you, so they too can hear the good news of Christmas—the gospel. If you're near us in Southern California, we would love to welcome you to one of our nine locations or our international campuses. For those who cannot attend in person, our online services are available, ensuring that everyone can participate in this joyous celebration.

The Bible tells us that angels rejoice every time someone accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Christmas is a time of great joy because it reminds us of God's love, presence, and support. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us remember that He is the reason for our joy and hope. May this season guide you into a new year filled with God's blessings and the continued presence of Daily Hope in your life.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Openness of Christmas: Christmas is a unique time when people are more receptive to the message of Jesus Christ. This season provides an opportunity to share the hope and love of Christ with others, making it a perfect time to invite friends and family to church. [00:23]

2. The Importance of Community: Attending church during Christmas is not just about personal celebration but also about community. It's a chance to gather with others, share the gospel, and strengthen our faith together. [01:03]

3. Global Reach of the Gospel: The message of Jesus is not confined to one place. Through initiatives like Daily Hope and our international campuses, we can spread the gospel worldwide, reaching people in diverse cultures and languages. [01:47]

4. Heaven's Celebration: Every time someone accepts Jesus, there is a celebration in heaven. This highlights the significance of each individual's decision to follow Christ and the joy it brings to the heavenly realm. [02:02]

5. The True Joy of Christmas: The birth of Jesus is a testament to God's love, presence, and support for us. This is the true reason for our celebration and joy during Christmas, reminding us of the hope we have in Him. [02:15]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Christmas Greetings
[00:23] - Openness to the Gospel
[00:35] - Spreading Hope Worldwide
[00:50] - Christmas Services at Saddleback
[01:03] - Inviting Others to Church
[01:18] - Finding a Church Home
[01:31] - Saddleback's Locations
[01:47] - International Campuses
[02:02] - Online Services Invitation
[02:15] - Heaven's Celebration
[02:32] - God's Love and Joy

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Christmas - A Season of Joy and Reflection

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 2:10-11 - "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'"
2. Matthew 1:23 - "'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')."
3. Luke 15:10 - "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, why is Christmas considered a time when people are more open to the message of Jesus Christ? [00:23]
2. What role does the community play in celebrating Christmas, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:03]
3. How does the sermon describe the global reach of the gospel through initiatives like Daily Hope? [01:47]
4. What is the significance of the heavenly celebration mentioned in the sermon when someone accepts Jesus? [02:02]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the openness of people during Christmas provide a unique opportunity for sharing the gospel, and what might be some reasons for this increased receptivity? [00:23]
2. In what ways does attending church during Christmas strengthen community bonds and faith, according to the sermon? [01:03]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of spreading the gospel globally, and what challenges might arise in reaching diverse cultures and languages? [01:47]
4. What does the heavenly celebration over a sinner's repentance reveal about the value of individual decisions to follow Christ? [02:02]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own openness to the message of Jesus during Christmas. How can you use this season to share the hope of Christ with someone in your life? [00:23]
2. Consider the role of community in your faith journey. How can you actively participate in your church's Christmas celebrations to strengthen your faith and that of others? [01:03]
3. Think about the global reach of the gospel. How can you support or get involved in initiatives that spread the message of Christ beyond your local community? [01:47]
4. Reflect on the joy in heaven over a sinner's repentance. How can you be more intentional in sharing your faith with others, knowing the impact it has in the heavenly realm? [02:02]
5. Christmas is a reminder of God's love and presence. How can you carry the joy and hope of this season into the new year in your daily life? [02:32]
6. Identify one person in your life who might be open to attending a Christmas service. How can you invite them in a way that makes them feel welcomed and valued? [01:03]
7. Consider the message of "God with us" during Christmas. How can you experience and share the presence of God in your everyday interactions? [02:15]

Devotional

Day 1: Openness to the Gospel
Christmas is a time when hearts are more open to the message of Jesus Christ. This season provides a unique opportunity to share the hope and love of Christ with others. People are often more receptive to spiritual conversations during this time, making it an ideal moment to invite friends and family to church. The openness of Christmas allows for the gospel to be shared in a way that can touch hearts and transform lives. As you engage with others this season, consider how you can be a vessel of Christ's love and hope, sharing the good news with those around you. [00:23]

Luke 2:10-11 (ESV): "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"

Reflection: Who in your life might be more open to hearing about Jesus during this Christmas season? How can you intentionally share the message of hope with them today?


Day 2: The Importance of Community
Attending church during Christmas is not just about personal celebration but also about community. It is a time to gather with others, share the gospel, and strengthen our faith together. The communal aspect of worship during this season can deepen our understanding of the gospel and encourage us in our walk with Christ. Being part of a church community allows us to support one another, celebrate together, and grow in faith. As you participate in church activities this Christmas, consider how you can contribute to the community and help others feel welcomed and loved. [01:03]

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: How can you actively contribute to your church community this Christmas? What steps can you take to ensure others feel included and valued?


Day 3: Global Reach of the Gospel
The message of Jesus is not confined to one place. Through initiatives like Daily Hope and international campuses, the gospel is being spread worldwide, reaching people in diverse cultures and languages. This global reach highlights the universality of Christ's message and the importance of sharing it beyond our immediate surroundings. As believers, we are called to participate in this mission, whether through prayer, support, or direct involvement. Consider how you can be part of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth, embracing the diversity of God's creation. [01:47]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can support the global mission of spreading the gospel? How can you engage with or learn about different cultures to better understand and share Christ's love?


Day 4: Heaven's Celebration
Every time someone accepts Jesus, there is a celebration in heaven. This highlights the significance of each individual's decision to follow Christ and the joy it brings to the heavenly realm. The angels rejoice over every soul that turns to God, reminding us of the immense value of each person in God's eyes. As we share the gospel and witness others coming to faith, we participate in this heavenly celebration. Let this truth encourage you to continue sharing the message of salvation, knowing that each decision for Christ is a cause for great joy. [02:02]

Luke 15:10 (ESV): "Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you witnessed someone come to faith in Christ. How did it impact you, and how can you be more intentional in sharing the gospel to contribute to heaven's celebration?


Day 5: The True Joy of Christmas
The birth of Jesus is a testament to God's love, presence, and support for us. This is the true reason for our celebration and joy during Christmas, reminding us of the hope we have in Him. As we reflect on the nativity story, we are reminded of the profound love God has for humanity, sending His Son to be our Savior. This season, let the joy of Christ's birth fill your heart and guide you into a new year filled with His blessings. Embrace the hope and peace that come from knowing Jesus, and let it transform your life and the lives of those around you. [02:15]

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Reflection: How can you let the true joy of Christmas, found in Jesus, influence your daily life and interactions with others? What steps can you take to keep this joy alive throughout the year?

Quotes

"Christmas is my favorite time of year not just because it's the birth of Jesus but because people are more open to hearing about Jesus Christ and receiving him into their lives during this season than any other time of the year. It's one of the reasons I started daily hope to spread the hope that we have in Christ to our friends and our neighbors, reaching all around the world." [00:20:46]

"Here at my home Church Saddleback Church in Southern California I'm getting ready to hold 15 identical Christmas services to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to tell people about the hope that we have in him a savior has been born to us. I hope if you have a church home that you'll go this Christmas but not only that that you'll invite your friends and your neighbors and your relatives to go with you to your church and let them hear the good news of Christmas the good news is the gospel." [00:42:23]

"By the way if you don't have a church home here's what I want you to do find one find one look up in the Yellow Pages uh look in the newspaper uh go online come to Saddleback Church we may have some areas to give you some suggestions and attend their Christmas service with someone who needs to know Jesus Christ." [01:12:24]

"Now if you live near us we'd love to have you join us here at sleach church at one of our campuses in Southern California we have nine locations that reach from Los Angeles to Riverside and down to Northern San Diego uh and we also have four International campuses in Berlin Germany in Manila the Philippines and buar Argentina and in Hong Kong they're in China." [01:31:07]

"Now if you can't attend one of our campuses I invite you to join us online at saddleback.com and I'm going to be teaching every single hour during Christmas week the week before Christmas did you know that the Bible says that God's angels throw a party every time a single person trusts Jesus Christ as their lord and savior they have a party in heaven." [01:54:56]

"Christmas is a great party because we celebrate the good news of great joy for all people the birth of Jesus proves that God loves us that God is with us and that God is for us and that's the reason for the celebration so may God's joy guide you in the new year to come and we look forward to you being with us and daily hope five days a week all through the new year God bless you." [02:15:59]

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