The True Gift of Christmas: Embracing Jesus
Summary
The excitement surrounding the Christmas season often begins early, with many eager to dive into the festive spirit. However, the true essence of Christmas transcends the music, gifts, and decorations. It is a celebration of the greatest gift ever given to humanity: Jesus Christ. This gift was foretold through prophecies in the Old Testament, predicting the birth of a Savior in Bethlehem, born of a virgin. These prophecies were fulfilled with the birth of Jesus, marking a pivotal moment in history.
The birth of Jesus is not just a historical event but a divine intervention. Jesus, the Son of God, was born to bring salvation to the world. His birth was humble, in a manger, symbolizing his role as the sacrificial lamb, akin to the Passover lambs that were wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in mangers. This imagery underscores Jesus' mission: to be the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins.
Jesus' impact is unparalleled, with billions of followers worldwide. His life and teachings have shaped history and continue to influence lives today. The significance of his birth lies in the purpose it served: to offer salvation and eternal life to all who believe. John 3:16 encapsulates this message, highlighting God's immense love for humanity, demonstrated through the gift of His Son.
The call to embrace this gift is extended to everyone. Jesus invites those burdened by life's challenges to find rest and renewal in Him. Accepting Jesus means stepping into a life filled with purpose, peace, and the promise of eternal joy. This Christmas, the invitation is to recognize and receive the greatest gift of all—Jesus, who offers a future filled with hope and divine love.
Key Takeaways:
1. Prophecies Fulfilled: The birth of Jesus was foretold in the Old Testament, with prophecies predicting his birth in Bethlehem and his virgin birth. These fulfilled prophecies affirm the divine nature of Jesus' arrival and the intentionality of God's plan for salvation. [01:13]
2. Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb: Jesus' birth in a manger symbolizes his role as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, paralleling the Passover lambs. This imagery highlights his mission to atone for humanity's sins, offering a path to reconciliation with God. [10:00]
3. The Greatest Gift: Jesus is the greatest gift ever given, offering salvation and eternal life. His birth signifies God's immense love for humanity, providing a way to overcome sin and embrace a future filled with divine purpose. [07:31]
4. Invitation to Rest: Jesus invites those weary and burdened to find rest in Him. This invitation is a call to experience renewal and peace, stepping away from life's struggles and into a relationship with God. [19:23]
5. A Future with God: Accepting Jesus opens the door to a future filled with hope, joy, and eternal life. This future is not just about salvation from sin but also about living a life enriched by God's presence and blessings. [15:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:13] - Prophecies of Jesus' Birth
- [02:31] - The Birth of Jesus
- [03:33] - Significance of Jesus' Birth
- [04:40] - Jesus' Impact on the World
- [05:56] - The Gift to the World
- [07:31] - God's Greatest Gift
- [08:18] - Jesus' Humble Birth
- [10:00] - Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb
- [11:44] - Born to Die for Our Sins
- [13:07] - The Problem of Sin
- [14:10] - Jesus Saves Us
- [15:11] - A Future with God
- [17:33] - Accepting the Gift
- [19:23] - Invitation to Rest
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 2:1-7 - The Birth of Jesus
2. John 3:16 - God's Love and the Gift of His Son
3. Isaiah 9:6 - The Prophecy of Jesus' Birth
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific prophecies from the Old Testament were fulfilled with the birth of Jesus, and how do they affirm the divine nature of His arrival? [01:13]
2. How does the imagery of Jesus being born in a manger relate to His role as the sacrificial lamb? [10:00]
3. According to the sermon, what makes Jesus the greatest gift ever given to humanity? [07:31]
4. What invitation does Jesus extend to those who are weary and burdened, and what does He promise to provide? [19:23]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How do the fulfilled prophecies about Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and His virgin birth demonstrate the intentionality of God's plan for salvation? [01:13]
2. In what ways does the symbolism of Jesus as the sacrificial lamb deepen our understanding of His mission to atone for humanity's sins? [10:00]
3. How does John 3:16 encapsulate the message of God's love and the significance of Jesus' birth? [07:31]
4. What does it mean to find rest in Jesus, and how does this rest differ from other forms of relief people might seek? [19:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the prophecies about Jesus' birth. How does knowing these prophecies were fulfilled impact your faith in God's promises? [01:13]
2. Consider the symbolism of Jesus as the sacrificial lamb. How does this imagery influence your understanding of His sacrifice for your sins? [10:00]
3. John 3:16 speaks of God's immense love for humanity. How can you personally embrace and share this love with others during the Christmas season? [07:31]
4. Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him. What burdens are you currently carrying, and how can you seek rest and renewal in Jesus this week? [19:23]
5. The sermon mentions that accepting Jesus opens the door to a future filled with hope and joy. What steps can you take to embrace this future and live a life enriched by God's presence? [15:11]
6. How can you intentionally recognize and receive the gift of Jesus in your daily life, especially during the Christmas season? [17:33]
7. Reflect on the invitation to rest in Jesus. What practical changes can you make in your life to prioritize this rest and deepen your relationship with God? [19:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Fulfillment of Prophecies: A Divine Plan Unfolds
The birth of Jesus Christ was not a random event but a fulfillment of ancient prophecies, demonstrating the intentionality of God's plan for humanity's salvation. The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies that foretold the coming of a Savior, including details about His birth in Bethlehem and His virgin birth. These prophecies, written centuries before Jesus' birth, were fulfilled precisely as foretold, affirming the divine nature of His arrival. This fulfillment of prophecy underscores the reliability of God's word and His unwavering commitment to His promises. As you reflect on this, consider how God's plans are always purposeful and perfectly timed, even when they are beyond our understanding. [01:13]
Micah 5:2 (ESV): "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus' birth fulfilled ancient prophecies impact your trust in God's promises for your life today?
Day 2: Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb: A Symbol of Redemption
Jesus' birth in a humble manger is rich with symbolism, pointing to His role as the ultimate sacrificial lamb. Just as the Passover lambs were wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in mangers, Jesus' birth foreshadowed His mission to atone for humanity's sins. This imagery highlights the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to reconcile us to Himself. Jesus' sacrifice was not just a historical event but a divine act of redemption, offering a path to forgiveness and a restored relationship with God. As you ponder this, consider the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and what it means for your personal journey of faith. [10:00]
Isaiah 53:7 (ESV): "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth."
Reflection: In what ways can you embrace the sacrificial love of Jesus in your daily interactions with others?
Day 3: The Greatest Gift: Embracing Divine Love
The birth of Jesus Christ represents the greatest gift ever given to humanity, offering salvation and eternal life. This gift is a testament to God's immense love for us, providing a way to overcome sin and embrace a future filled with divine purpose. Jesus' life and teachings have shaped history and continue to influence lives today, offering hope and transformation to all who believe. As you reflect on this, consider how you can fully embrace this gift and allow it to transform your life, bringing you closer to God's purpose for you. [07:31]
2 Corinthians 9:15 (ESV): "Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!"
Reflection: How can you actively express gratitude for the gift of Jesus in your daily life, and how might this gratitude influence your actions and decisions?
Day 4: Invitation to Rest: Finding Peace in Christ
Jesus extends an invitation to all who are weary and burdened to find rest and renewal in Him. This invitation is a call to step away from life's struggles and into a relationship with God, where true peace and purpose can be found. Accepting this invitation means embracing a life filled with divine love and the promise of eternal joy. As you consider this, think about the areas of your life where you need rest and renewal, and how you can turn to Jesus for the peace that surpasses all understanding. [19:23]
Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today that you can lay at the feet of Jesus, trusting Him to provide rest and peace?
Day 5: A Future with God: Living in Hope and Joy
Accepting Jesus opens the door to a future filled with hope, joy, and eternal life. This future is not just about salvation from sin but also about living a life enriched by God's presence and blessings. Jesus' birth signifies a new beginning, offering a path to a life of purpose and fulfillment. As you reflect on this, consider how you can live each day with the hope and joy that comes from knowing Jesus, and how this perspective can transform your outlook on life. [15:11]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: How can you actively pursue a life that reflects the hope and joy found in a relationship with Jesus, and what steps can you take today to align your life with God's plans for you?
Quotes
"And, of course, this is the actual Christmas story. Before I even read it, though, we can talk through a couple of things that the Bible reveals to us. You know, in the Old Testament, hundreds of years before Jesus came, there was a prophecy. In fact, we use the word today, a prediction, that God was going to send his son into the world." [01:13:93] (24 seconds)
"In Micah chapter 5, the Bible tells us that his son would be born in a small town called Bethlehem. In Isaiah chapter 7, the Bible tells us that his son would be born of a virgin. And so these are prophecies, once again, predictions that were given hundreds of years before Jesus came. Before the birth of Jesus. And any historian would tell you that, that that time frame is accurate." [01:38:01] (28 seconds)
"The individual who has had the greatest impact on this planet before his birth and after his birth is Jesus. And there's nobody even close. It's not even close. He is the most impactful person to ever live in the world. And so his birth was one of the most impactful events to ever happen. Why? What's so special about his birth? Well, Isaiah chapter nine and verse six reveals a few things. It says, for unto us or to us." [04:45:20] (42 seconds)
"You know that means that gift is for me. I can open up this gift. Some of you might open up other people's gifts too, but you know this is your gift, right? Well, this scripture is telling us that there is a gift that God gave not just to me or to you, but to all of us, to us, and this gift is a child being born. Now, once again, when a child is born in a hospital, for example, people are quick to see that child as a gift. A gift to the mother, a gift to the father, maybe a gift to the family. As a church, we have baby dedications." [05:56:06] (36 seconds)
"This child's birth is a gift to the world. And why? What's so special about this child? Once again, well, this is not just a child. Unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given. Well, whose son? Well, notice the name said he's called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God. And without getting too deep into this, it's very clear that this child is the son of God, that what God did was he sent his son into a human body for us." [06:37:49] (31 seconds)
"Jesus is God's gift to you. And I'm telling you, he is the greatest gift you will ever receive, ever. Even if you've rejected the gift, he's still the greatest gift you've ever received. Luke chapter two, let's go a step farther with that, and you'll understand why I'm saying that. In Luke chapter two, verse seven, the Bible talks again about Mary giving birth to Jesus, but I want to point out a particular phrase here, and she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. Now, obviously there are some pretty" [08:02:05] (41 seconds)
"cool aspects of this. The king of kings, the son of God, born in a barn. Instead of being born in a palace and placed in a gold -plated crib, the son of God is born in a barn and placed in a manger. There's some things that can be said about that, but I think if we're not careful, we'll miss the real significance of that moment. And to help you with that, let me read something to you about that time. I'll just say this much, that Bethlehem is known as sheep country. In other words, that is, you know, where sheep were bred, particularly the sheep that were used for something called the Passover." [08:44:99] (48 seconds)
"And let me read this. It says, during the spring lambing season, priestly shepherds would bring chosen ewes into the tower to birth their lambs, lambs destined to be sacrificed the following Passover. If the lamb was found to be without spot or blemish, the shepherds wrapped the fuzzy little guy in strips of cloth and laid it in a stone -feeding trough so it wouldn't get hurt. We would call that a manger. In this way, they protected the baby sheep from injuring itself during those first few stumble -ridden hours of life and ensured it would qualify as a sacrificial lamb." [09:31:39] (42 seconds)
"Jesus was brought into the earth so that, let me say one more thing about that Passover lamb. Unfortunately, the blood of a lamb can't fully get the job done. It can cover up sin, but only for a season. You have to keep doing it year after year after year. And God, and it didn't change the people. They still had the wrong nature. The Bible says a sin nature. And that's not what God wanted. They weren't God's children." [10:57:73] (30 seconds)
"They were just his servants. And God wanted things to be different. So what did he do? He sent his son, Jesus, who was also spotless, who was also without sin, and had him born into the earth so that he could die for our sins. So he was born to die. Let that sink in. He was born to die. He was actually sent into the earth so he could complete the mission." [11:27:03] (30 seconds)
"of actually dying for our sins. And so what God did then to show us why Jesus was coming, what his purpose was, was had him born in a barn that frankly, history kind of says, hey, this was kind of the same place the Passover lambs were placed. And he was wrapped in swaddling clothes, just like a Passover lamb and laid in a manger, just like a Passover lamb, because God was saying, I have sent him to save you from your sins." [12:00:07] (33 seconds)
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