The Divine Mystery of Christ's Birth and Salvation
Summary
Grace, mercy, and peace be unto you from God, our Father, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, we gather to celebrate the profound mystery of the Word made flesh, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, in Bethlehem. This event is not just a historical moment but a divine intersection where clock time and salvation time converge. In the beginning was the Word, and this Word, Jesus, is both the Creator and Redeemer, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. This truth is woven into the fabric of our faith, hymns, and liturgy, reminding us that Christ's incarnation is the foundation of our salvation.
The birth of Christ is a revelation of God's eternal love and grace towards humanity. It is a reminder that God has chosen us for salvation from the beginning, as expressed in various scriptures. This beginning is not merely a point in time but the dawn of salvation, a new era where God's grace is made manifest in the flesh. The child in the manger, though appearing ordinary, is extraordinary, embodying the fullness of God's love and the promise of redemption.
As we reflect on this divine mystery, we are called to embrace the grace offered to us through Christ. The birth of Jesus is for those who acknowledge their need for a Savior, who come with brokenness and darkness, seeking the light that overcomes all shadows. This light, the light of Christ, dispels the darkness of sin, guilt, and shame, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
In the sacrament of communion, we partake in the body and blood of Christ, a tangible expression of our unity with Him and with one another as the body of Christ. This meal is a reminder that we are forgiven, reconciled, and made partakers of eternal life. As we kneel at the altar, we declare our faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, proclaiming His victory over darkness.
Let us come with open hearts, renouncing worldly passions and embracing the hope of Christ's return. In doing so, we celebrate the true essence of Christmas, the light of God's glory shining in our hearts, banishing the darkness of sin, and ushering us into the beginning of eternity with our Savior.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Word Made Flesh: The incarnation of Christ is a profound mystery where God became man, dwelling among us to bring salvation. This event marks the convergence of clock time and salvation time, revealing God's eternal plan for humanity. [35:45]
2. The Beginning of Salvation: The birth of Jesus signifies the beginning of a new era of grace and redemption. It is not just a historical event but the dawn of salvation, where God's love and grace are made manifest in the flesh. [39:50]
3. Light Overcoming Darkness: The light of Christ shines in the darkness, overcoming sin, guilt, and shame. This light is a beacon of hope, dispelling the shadows that plague our lives and offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God. [45:01]
4. Unity in Communion: Through the sacrament of communion, we partake in the body and blood of Christ, affirming our unity with Him and with one another as the body of Christ. This meal is a reminder of our forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. [43:04]
5. Embracing Grace and Hope: As we celebrate Christmas, we are called to renounce worldly passions and embrace the hope of Christ's return. By doing so, we experience the true essence of Christmas, the light of God's glory shining in our hearts and the beginning of eternity with our Savior. [46:50]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[35:45] - The Word Made Flesh
[36:34] - Christ as Creator and Redeemer
[37:21] - The Mystery of God in the Flesh
[38:44] - Salvation Time and Clock Time
[39:50] - The Beginning of Salvation
[40:49] - God's Eternal Love Revealed
[43:04] - Unity in Communion
[45:01] - Light Overcoming Darkness
[46:50] - Embracing Grace and Hope
[47:30] - The True Essence of Christmas
[48:15] - The Promise of Eternal Life
[49:00] - Proclaiming Faith in Christ
[49:45] - Awaiting the Return of Our Savior
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:1-5, 14 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
2. Revelation 21:6 - "He said to me: 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.'"
3. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 - "But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the phrase "The Word became flesh" signify about Jesus' nature and mission? [35:45]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between "clock time" and "salvation time"? [38:44]
3. What role does the sacrament of communion play in affirming our unity with Christ and each other? [43:04]
4. How is the light of Christ described as overcoming darkness in our lives? [45:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of Jesus as both the Alpha and Omega deepen our understanding of His eternal nature and role in salvation? [38:44]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the birth of Jesus is the beginning of a new era of grace and redemption? [39:50]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of acknowledging our need for a Savior in experiencing the grace of God? [40:49]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of renouncing worldly passions in embracing the hope of Christ's return? [46:50]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the light of Christ overcoming darkness in your life. How did that experience change your perspective or actions? [45:01]
2. How can you actively participate in the unity of the body of Christ through communion and other church activities? [43:04]
3. What are some worldly passions or distractions that you need to renounce to fully embrace the hope of Christ's return? [46:50]
4. In what ways can you make the mystery of the Word made flesh a more integral part of your daily faith practice? [35:45]
5. How can you share the message of God's eternal love and grace with someone who is struggling with darkness or brokenness? [40:49]
6. What steps can you take to ensure that the light of Christ continues to shine in your life, especially during challenging times? [45:01]
7. How can you prepare your heart to celebrate the true essence of Christmas, focusing on the light of God's glory? [46:50]
Devotional
Day 1: The Divine Intersection of Time
The incarnation of Christ is a profound mystery where God became man, dwelling among us to bring salvation. This event marks the convergence of clock time and salvation time, revealing God's eternal plan for humanity. The birth of Jesus is not just a historical event but a divine intersection where the eternal Word enters our temporal world. This moment signifies the beginning of a new era, where God's grace is made manifest in the flesh. As we reflect on this mystery, we are reminded that Christ's incarnation is the foundation of our salvation, a truth woven into the fabric of our faith, hymns, and liturgy. [35:45]
"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 any thing made that was made." (John 1:1-3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you recognize and celebrate the divine moments in your daily life where God's eternal plan intersects with your personal journey?
Day 2: The Dawn of Salvation
The birth of Jesus signifies the beginning of a new era of grace and redemption. It is not just a historical event but the dawn of salvation, where God's love and grace are made manifest in the flesh. This new beginning is a revelation of God's eternal love towards humanity, a love that chose us for salvation from the very start. The child in the manger, though appearing ordinary, embodies the fullness of God's love and the promise of redemption. As we embrace this truth, we are called to acknowledge our need for a Savior and to seek the light that overcomes all darkness. [39:50]
"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." (Ephesians 1:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively embrace the new era of grace and redemption in your life today, acknowledging your need for a Savior?
Day 3: Christ's Light Dispelling Darkness
The light of Christ shines in the darkness, overcoming sin, guilt, and shame. This light is a beacon of hope, dispelling the shadows that plague our lives and offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God. As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded that the light of Christ is for those who come with brokenness and darkness, seeking the light that overcomes all shadows. This light offers us a path to forgiveness and reconciliation, inviting us to step out of the darkness and into the light of God's love. [45:01]
"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." (Isaiah 9:2, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area of darkness in your life where you need Christ's light to shine. How can you invite His light to dispel this darkness today?
Day 4: Unity Through Communion
Through the sacrament of communion, we partake in the body and blood of Christ, affirming our unity with Him and with one another as the body of Christ. This meal is a reminder of our forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. As we kneel at the altar, we declare our faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, proclaiming His victory over darkness. Communion is a tangible expression of our unity with Christ and with each other, reminding us that we are forgiven, reconciled, and made partakers of eternal life. [43:04]
"Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread." (1 Corinthians 10:17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you strengthen your sense of unity with Christ and with others in your community today, especially through the practice of communion?
Day 5: Embracing the Hope of Christ's Return
As we celebrate Christmas, we are called to renounce worldly passions and embrace the hope of Christ's return. By doing so, we experience the true essence of Christmas, the light of God's glory shining in our hearts and the beginning of eternity with our Savior. This hope calls us to live with open hearts, renouncing the distractions of the world and focusing on the promise of Christ's return. In embracing this hope, we are invited to live in the light of God's glory, allowing it to banish the darkness of sin and usher us into the beginning of eternity with our Savior. [46:50]
"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, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:11-13, ESV)
Reflection: What worldly passions do you need to renounce today to fully embrace the hope of Christ's return? How can you live in anticipation of His coming?
Quotes
"In the beginning was the Word. John, when he writes those words so eloquently, he harkens back to Genesis chapter 1. That starts exactly the same way. In the beginning. This is clock time that John is getting at. The kind of time that you have on your watch. It's saying that the babe of Bethlehem, Christ, born there, is also the creator. And that is a profound thing." [00:36:34]
"Luther said in a mighty fortress, a champion has now come to fight. This is God in the flesh. A great and mighty wonder goes the Christmas hymn. A full and holy cure. God in the flesh has come for us as a wonder, as a cure for our sinfulness. It must be that way. For we ourselves are not strong enough to face sin, death, and the devil." [00:37:27]
"In our Christmas gospel, the word beginning is a gospel word. It is not only clock time. Colossians 1 .8 talks about beginnings. It says Christ is the head of the body of the church who is the beginning, the firstborn of the dead. Revelation that I read to you already, hear again. I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to him who thirsts, from the fountain of life, freely." [00:38:44]
"God has from the beginning, chose you for salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth. In 1 John, chapter two, the beginning is associated with the gospel and salvation and the blessings that the gospel gives to all of us. John writes, if that which you heard from the beginning, if that which you heard from the beginning, shall remain in you, you shall also continue in the Son and the Father." [00:39:50]
"When we are permitted by our Lord to celebrate another Christmas, God confers on you a special favor of allowing us to see his fatherly heart, to really look at him deeply. The grace of God, which brings salvation, has finally appeared. The grace of God since the beginning, his kindness, his love towards you and all sinful mankind is made known and has appeared in the birth of a savior, God in the flesh, Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, the babe of Bethlehem." [00:40:49]
"Yes, the child was born for all men, he was to save them without exception as the sun shines on all of our heads and the good, the wicked, the old and the young, so does God's son of grace shine upon you in Jesus Christ in the birth of a savior. This means that you have a savior. Of course, those too proud to admit or too ashamed to acknowledge their need, their sinfulness, their helpfulness, those who strive for their own righteousness, I've got it on me. I've got it on me. I've got it on me. I've got it on me. On my own, receive no such grace." [00:41:32]
"Christmas, the birth of the child, is for those who have nothing to bring to God except sorrow and brokenness and darkness. But all those who come with those things to the manger with the conviction that nowhere else but in him alone is our salvation. To those who do that, it is the beginning. Of all good things, it is the beginning of grace. And the lowliness and the poverty of this child are nothing but him taking on your guilt, your misery, so that in all eternity it cannot touch you." [00:42:04]
"This is where we must cling to faith when we approach the communion rail to be united with our savior this morning. We are sinners. We have accumulated a great debt before God. This child was born to take that debt away, to take all our guilt away, to suffer our punishment. That's why he's born in the flesh, to have flesh, like you have flesh and blood, so that he can take it upon. And the punishment in the flesh can be his, so that the life in the flesh, in the resurrection, can be yours. God becomes man and thus becomes the beginning of our salvation, so that he could die for the sins of mankind." [00:43:04]
"This is the body that he gives us in the sacrament today. And by giving us his body and blood together with the bread and the wine, he declares that we are reconciled to God. We are forgiven. We have life. We have salvation, as Luther writes in the sacrament. And we are bound with Christ then into one holy body together. This morning, when you look to your right, when you look to your left, when you kneel here at the rail and you look to your right and you look to your left, you see sinners reconciled to God just as you are." [00:43:50]
"Did not John write to us that the light of God has been made manifest among us? The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. That's not just the darkness of the world. It is your darkness. I don't know what your darkness is, but whatever that darkness is that you have in you, that you hold in your mind, that you hold in your body, whether it's the darkness of circumstances, whether it is that you're walking through the valley of the shadow of death and you cannot get out of that shadow, it's the darkness of the light of God." [00:45:01]
"Whether it is the darkness of illness in the flesh that eats away at you, whether it's the darkness of shame for something that you have done or repeatedly done way in the past or even yesterday, if it is the guilt and the darkness that comes with the guilt of your sins, it is the darkness that someone has sinned against you and wounded you so that you can no longer look at the light, know that the light has overcome the darkness. The darkness cannot stand in the darkness of sin. It cannot stand in the darkness of sin. It cannot stand in the darkness of sin. It cannot stand in the presence of the light. And Christ has come to bring that light to you and has placed that in you. There is no death. There is no illness. There is no sin. There is no guilt. There is no sin done against you that the light of Christ cannot overcome. You are forgiven. Your guilt is wiped away. Your shame is removed as far as the east and the west are from you." [00:45:21]
"Let us come this morning and receive once again the word made flesh for us. Let us renounce worldly passions and all false religions that rely on our own works and await for the blessed hope of the appearing again in glory in the flesh the coming again of our great god and savior come then come pardoned and redeemed sinners and faithfully lay hold of the forgiveness and grace that is here for you today and then when you do that it is truly and it is fully christmas the glory of god will shine in your heart and the dark night of sin is banished and as happy children of the heavenly father we unwrap the gifts of the nativity of the manger of the word made flesh and we wait for our lord to usher us into not the end of our lives or not the end of the world so much you as the beginning of eternity in jesus name" [00:46:50]
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