A timeless message encouraging faith and trust in Christ (shared at Christmas Eve Service). Luke 2:8-20, Titus 2:11-13
"Celebrate the Life-Changing Gift of Jesus - Christmas Eve":
I. Introduction: The Spirit of Giving at Christmas
- Illustration: The experience of giving and receiving gifts
- The material gifts we give pale in comparison to the life-changing gift of Jesus.
II. The Gift of Jesus: Our True Source of Hope
- A. Uncertainty in Life and Our Need for Assurance
- Reflecting on the unpredictability of recent times (weather, economy, social challenges)
- Jesus provides peace and hope amidst life's uncertainties.
- B. The Shepherds and the Good News
- Shepherds as unlikely recipients of the angel's message
- The humble circumstances and divine announcement to shepherds reflect God’s love for all.
III. Jesus as Both Shepherd and Sacrifice
- A. The Significance of the Shepherds’ Role
- Shepherds often cared for sheep destined for sacrifice, symbolizing Jesus’ role.
- B. Jesus: The Good Shepherd and the Perfect Lamb
- Jesus embodies both the caring shepherd and the sacrificial lamb for our sins.
- His life and death ended the need for sacrifices, fulfilling God’s promise.
IV. God's Invitation to All People
- A. The Personal Nature of the Gift
- Jesus' birth is a personal gift, meant for "you" individually.
- Salvation isn’t exclusive; it's available to everyone, breaking barriers of culture and status.
- B. The Peace and Favor of God for Believers
- Through Jesus, we receive peace with God and live in His favor.
- This peace allows us to face struggles with confidence in God’s plan.
V. Living in Hope, Awaiting Christ’s Return
- A. Living Out Our Faith While We Wait
- Titus 2:11-13 - Living a self-controlled, godly life as we await Christ’s return.
- God equips us to resist sin and pursue righteousness in challenging times.
- B. Sharing the Message of Hope and Discipleship
- As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to share the gospel with others.
- Jude 23 - "Rescue others from the flames" as we hold out the word of life.
VI. Personal Reflection and Assurance in Christ
- A. Assurance of Salvation Through Faith in Jesus
- Testimony of finding salvation in Jesus and assurance through the Holy Spirit.
- B. Offering Christ to Others
- Encouraging others to receive Jesus and find peace and purpose in their lives.
VII. Conclusion: Responding Like the Shepherds
- A. The Shepherds’ Response to the Good News
- They immediately shared the message with others, spreading joy and wonder.
- B. Embracing Opportunities in 2024
- Encouragement to celebrate, share, and live out the hope we have in Christ as we enter the new year.
The WELL Faith Podcast shares practical, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you worship, encourage, learn, and love in everyday life. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN, and follow and review the podcast on your favorite listening platform.
