Hola,
Remember me from the UA? (Ghostface Killah reference)
Here’s yesterday’s short sermon. I preach short because I like to leave room for Sermon recap with leaders from my church. I post the full sermon with the recap on my church app.
Aight so boom yesterday sermon was mad simple. The 3 Cs of Christmas
Explore the significance of Christ's birth, the impactful roles of characters in the Christmas Account and how to celebrate this season meaningfully.
Embracing Jesus, the greatest gift, is about living a life of joy and purpose.
We often find what we truly seek: Seek Christ in Christmas.
Christ - The Heart of Christmas
[Luk 2:11 NLT] 11 The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
[1Ti 2:5 NLT] 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity--the man Christ Jesus.
God has punched a hole in the roof of the world and has climbed in.- Tim Keller
It’s my prayer the Holy Spirit will truly give you the illumination that The incarnation of God in the person of Jesus Christ is a history-altering, life-transforming, paradigm-shattering event.
* Jesus came to rescue you.
* Jesus came to recover you.
* Jesus came to reconnect you. Many people think that God will scold them if they come back to him. But God isn’t mad at you. He’s mad about you.
Mary was the greatest philosopher (wisdom-lover) who ever lived. For she had the greatest love for the greatest wisdom- Peter Kreeft
The Characters - Lessons from Their Lives
* Mary (Luke 1:38 NLT): Her faith and trust in God's plan.
* Joseph (Matthew 1:20-21 NLT): His faithfulness and courage.
* The Shepherds (Luke 2:15-16 NLT): Joy and eagerness in God's message.
* Anna (Luke 2:38 NLT): Faithful witness to God's salvation.
* Simeon (Luke 2:28-30 NLT): Patient faith and joy in God's promise.
* The Magi (Matthew 2:11 NLT): Seeking truth, worshiping Jesus.
* Gifts of the Magi:
* Gold: Christ's kingship.
* Frankincense: His priesthood.
* Myrrh: Foreshadowing His death.
In God's grand narrative, each of us has a role, similar to Mary's trust, Joseph's courage, the shepherds' joy, Anna's witness, Simeon's patience, and the Magi's worship. Stay faithful
Celebrating - The Joy of Christmas
[Psa 133:1 NLT] 1 A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David. How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!
[Col 3:16 NLT] 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
* Christmas: A time for intentional joy and worship.
* "Intentionally Plan for Joy... for Challenges Find Their Own Way."
* Celebrate Christmas with an awareness of its deeper meaning and the joy it brings.
* Remembering the preciousness of time with loved ones.
Conclusion:
This Christmas, let us focus on Christ, the central figure of our celebrations, remember the faith of those around Christ’s birth, and celebrate with a renewed understanding of God’s love. Let's seek Christ in Christmas, embracing the revelation of His incarnation as the most important moment in the history of the universe, and let that guide our joy and fellowship. Don't let the devil's lies, the world's fears, or grieving the Holy Spirit dampen your spirit. Fight to keep the Christmas Spirit alive. Remember the words of the old Russian novelist, "Your worst sin is that you've destroyed and betrayed yourself for nothing"? We must maintain our awe, astonishment, and wonder. Share your ideas and inspiration; your commitment and conviction may ignite a similar passion in other Christians to center Christ this Christmas. A winter without the warmth and light of Christmas is like a prison; let us break free and spread the joyous spirit of Christ's birth, transforming our surroundings with His love and grace.
