We hope this message finds you preparing your hearts for Christmas with joy and anticipation. As we approach Christmas Eve, We wanted to recap our Sunday message about the true meaning of this season—a meaning that goes far deeper than gifts and gatherings.
Summary: This week's sermon explored the familiar story of Jesus' birth from Luke 2, but with fresh eyes focused on a profound truth: Jesus was born to die as the blood sacrifice for our sin. The shepherds who first heard the good news weren't randomly chosen—they were raising lambs for temple sacrifices. When they found baby Jesus "wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger," they would have immediately recognized this as the way they cared for newborn sacrificial lambs, keeping them spotless and pure. God was revealing from the very beginning that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This Christmas, we're called not only to hold onto this truth ourselves but to become messengers—just like those shepherds—and share this good news with others.
Takeaways:
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The angels' message was for ALL people. This salvation isn't limited to a select few—it's available to every tribe, tongue, and nation. God's love extends to everyone, and we should be eager to see Jesus and make Him known.
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Peace comes from seeing God's glory. When we focus on darkness and sin, we experience anxiety and fear. But when we fix our eyes on God's glory and what He has done through Jesus, we experience true shalom—the peace that surpasses understanding.
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We're called to be messengers. The shepherds didn't keep the good news to themselves—they immediately went and told others. This Christmas, we have homework: share this message with at least one person who needs to hear about the Lamb of God.
Closing Remarks: As we celebrate Christmas this week, let's remember we're celebrating a birth that led to a death—a death that brought us life. Take time to be in awe of what God has done. And please, take your sermon notes or one of the cards we've prepared and share this message with someone—a family member, a coworker, a barista, a neighbor. Tag, you're it!
Don't forget about our Christmas Eve service where we'll be giving "Gifts for the King" to support Show Hope's adoption ministry—a beautiful way to honor Jesus by helping the least of these.
Merry Christmas, and may you experience the joy of knowing the Lamb of God who was slain for you.
