Hey friends,
Here’s today’s sermon. Let me know if it ministered to you.
Notes
The History, Mystery, and Victory of Christmas
Scripture: Luke 2:11 (NLT) - "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
Overview of Today's Journey
* Bullet Points:
* The historical promise of Jesus' birth.
* The mystery of the incarnation.
* The victory found in Christ.
* The impact on our faith.
The battle for your mind
Introduction to Derren Brown's Experiment
* Content:
* Watched a video featuring magician Derren Brown.
* He persuaded Simon Pegg to change his birthday wish from a BMX bike to a red bike.
* Illustrates the power of influence on our desires and perceptions.
Connection to Psalm 37:4 (forgot to mention this)
* Scripture: Psalm 37:4 - "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
* Insight: When we focus on the Lord, Let God GIVE you the desires.
The Role of Sermons and Church Services
* Point: Our weekly gatherings reorient us towards Christ amidst worldly distractions.
* Application: Emphasizing Christ in our lives, especially during the Christmas season.
In the first century, the terms “gospel” and “evangelize” were associated with heralding good news, particularly the announcement of a new emperor in the Roman Empire. Heralds would proclaim this good news, informing the populace that a new era of peace, salvation, and blessing had commenced. This proclamation often included an exhortation for people to kneel in worship of the new emperor. Similarly, the gospel preached by the apostles was an announcement, heralding that Jesus of Nazareth had become the true Emperor (Lord) of this world, initiating a new era of peace, salvation, and blessing. This announcement signified that everything had changed, and it was the explosive gospel of the kingdom.
The History - Prophecy, Promise, and Purpose
* Prophecy of the Virgin Birth.
* Prophecy of the place of Jesus’ birth.
* Prophecy of the massacre of the innocents.
Scripture: [Isa 7:14 NLT] 14 All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us').
Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)
"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Jer 31:15 NLT] 15 This is what the LORD says: "A cry is heard in Ramah--deep anguish and bitter weeping. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted--for her children are gone."
[Mic 5:2 NLT] 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.
[Hos 11:1 NLT] 1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt.
* Big Idea: The history of Christmas begins with a promise, a thread of hope running through centuries.
There are around 300 general prophecies in the Old Testament about Jesus.
There are 109 specific prophecies in the Old Testament about the birth and the ministry of Jesus.
Challenge:
As we marvel at the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies, let's take a moment to personally reflect on our own faith journey. This week, I encourage you to think about the areas in your life where you can deepen your trust in God's promises. Just as the prophets steadfastly believed in God's unseen plans, we too are called to embrace faith over doubt. Let's remember that the same God who orchestrated these prophecies is actively working in our lives, guiding us towards His purpose and love. Ask yourself, how can I more fully rely on God's faithful promises today?
The Mystery: God Incarnate
Scripture: John 1:14 (NLT)
"So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son."
* Point: The mystery of Christmas is the incarnation: God becoming man. This is a profound mystery, showing God's love and desire to be intimately connected with us.
C. S. Lewis — 'The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.'
This profound quote by C.S. Lewis captures the essence of the incarnation: "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons God." The mystery of Christmas, God becoming man, is not just about His tangible love, but about what this act signifies - a pathway for us to become closer to God. This should spark within us a desire to actualize our potential to be daughters and sons of God. The incarnation shows that God is intimately connected with us, sharing our humanity and understanding our struggles, while inviting us to share in His divine nature.
Challenge
This week, let's deeply contemplate the meaning of God incarnate in our daily lives. How does the reality that God became man and dwelt among us change your relationship with Him? Are there areas where His close presence could be more fully acknowledged in your life? As we strive to walk in that serene strength, remember the Father’s words at Jesus' baptism: “I'm well pleased,” which were spoken before “well done” at His ascension. This reminds us that our identity as God's children is not based on our achievements, but on His love and grace. Let us challenge ourselves to embody Christ's love and humility, being reflections of His love to those around us, and walking confidently as children of God, beloved and pleasing to Him.
The Victory: Redemption's Dawn
Scripture: Luke 2:10-11 (NLT)
"But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!"
* Point: The victory of Christmas is found in Christ's birth, which heralds redemption and the triumph over sin.
* Saint Augustine Quotes- He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent.
Augustine's insightful words, "He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent," remind us of our active role in the story of redemption that began with Christ's birth. Jesus' invitation, as He said, "I stand at the door and knock" (Revelation 3:20), requires our response. The victory of Christmas is not just a divine act but also a personal journey of faith, confession, and transformation. It's about opening our hearts to Jesus, letting Him enter our lives and bring about the change He promises. This victory is waiting to be appropriated through our active faith and willingness to be transformed by His presence.
Challenge- This week, take some time to contemplate your response to Jesus’ knock at the door of your heart. How are you appropriating the victory of Christmas through faith, confession, and transformation? In what ways can you open up more to His transformative work in your life? Remember, the victory of Christ’s birth is a continuous invitation to a transformed life, a call to embrace the redemption He offers. Let's challenge ourselves to not only celebrate this victory but to live it out daily, allowing the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection to actively shape our lives.
Challenge for the Church:
As we conclude our journey through the history, mystery, and victory of Christmas, let's carry with us the profound truths we have discovered. This week, I challenge each of us to actively embody the spirit of Christ's birth in our daily lives.
* Reflect on History: Take some time to ponder the historical prophecies fulfilled in Jesus' birth. How does this deepen your understanding and appreciation of God's plan?
* Embrace the Mystery: In moments of prayer or meditation, invite the mystery of the incarnation into your heart. Consider what it means for God to become man and dwell among us.
* Live in Victory: Christ's birth signifies victory over sin and despair. Identify areas in your life where you can proclaim and live out this victory. Perhaps it's through forgiveness, acts of kindness, or renewed faith.
Remember, the lessons of Christmas are not just for a season but for a lifetime. Let's not just celebrate these truths but live them out, becoming beacons of hope and love in a world that deeply needs the message of Christ.
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