The Life-Changing Power of Christmas Revealed

Pastor Bill Brannan delves into the profound significance of Christmas, exploring its transformative power through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. This blog aims to deepen our understanding of Christmas as a celebration of God’s love and the hope of salvation.

What is Christmas About

Christmas is about celebrating the miraculous event of God becoming man. It marks the moment when the eternal Word took on human flesh, entering a world in desperate need of light and hope. This profound act signifies God’s desire to restore the broken relationship between Himself and humanity.

The Meaning Behind the Celebration

At its core, Christmas is a reminder of God’s immense love for us. It highlights the lengths He went to save us, demonstrating that love is the driving force behind the incarnation. The birth of Jesus is not merely a historical event but a divine intervention in human history.

Jesus is God

Understanding that Jesus is God is foundational to grasping the significance of Christmas. The Gospel of John emphasizes this truth, stating, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This declaration affirms that Jesus, the Word, is not just a prophet or a good teacher; He is God Himself, come to dwell among us.

The Implications of His Divinity

If Jesus is God, then His teachings hold ultimate authority. His life serves as a perfect model for how we should live. Moreover, His divinity assures us that His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to atone for our sins, bridging the gap between humanity and God.

Why Did Jesus Become a Man?

The question of why Jesus became a man is central to understanding the Gospel. The answer lies in our need for salvation. Humanity was lost in sin, and only God could provide the remedy. By becoming flesh, Jesus identified with our struggles and offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

The Purpose of the Incarnation

Jesus came to save us from our sins, as stated in Matthew 1:21. His birth was not an accident or a mere coincidence; it was the fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem His people. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus provides the way for us to be restored to a right relationship with God.

God So Loved the World

The essence of Christmas is captured in John 3:16, which proclaims, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” This verse encapsulates the heart of the Gospel: God’s love is not limited to a select few; it extends to all of humanity.

The Universal Nature of His Love

God’s love is unconditional and all-encompassing. It invites everyone to partake in His grace and mercy. This love challenges us to reflect it in our interactions with others, urging us to love as He loves.

The World is Condemned

While God’s love is profound, the reality is that the world is condemned due to sin. John 3:17 states that Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it. The world, in its current state, is broken and in need of redemption.

The Consequences of Sin

Sin leads to separation from God, resulting in spiritual death. The darkness of sin blinds people to their need for a Savior. Understanding this condemnation is crucial, as it highlights the necessity of Jesus’ coming into the world.

The Right Things for the Right Reasons

In our pursuit of faith, it’s essential to align our actions with the right motivations. Many people engage in religious practices, but without the right heart, these actions become meaningless. True worship comes from a genuine love for God and a desire to reflect His character.

Aligning Actions with Intentions

We must strive to ensure that our deeds align with our intentions. This means serving others, engaging in acts of kindness, and sharing the Gospel, all driven by a heart of love. When our actions stem from a genuine relationship with God, they bear fruit in our lives and the lives of those around us.

The Father Revealed by the Son

Jesus came to reveal the Father to us. In John 1:18, it states that no one has seen God, but the Son has made Him known. Through Jesus, we gain insight into the nature and character of God.

The Relationship Between Father and Son

The intimate relationship between the Father and the Son allows us to understand God’s heart. Jesus demonstrated God’s love, mercy, and justice through His actions and teachings. Knowing Jesus is essential for knowing God.

Irenaeus

Irenaeus, an early church father, emphasized the importance of understanding Jesus as both fully God and fully man. He argued that without recognizing both natures, we miss the fullness of the Gospel. Irenaeus contended that Jesus’ divinity is crucial for our salvation, as only God can redeem humanity.

The Legacy of Irenaeus

The teachings of Irenaeus remind us to hold firmly to the truth of Scripture. His insights encourage us to embrace the mystery of the incarnation, recognizing that Jesus is our Savior who understands our struggles. His legacy challenges us to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, who came to save us from our sins.

The Potential of the Gospel to Transform the World

The Gospel possesses an incredible power to change lives and societies. As we reflect on its message, we see how it has historically transformed cultures, bringing hope and redemption where there once was despair. The essence of the Gospel is not just personal salvation; it extends to societal renewal.

Historical Transformations

Throughout history, the Gospel has been a catalyst for change. From the abolition of slavery to movements advocating for justice and equality, the teachings of Christ have motivated countless individuals to seek a better world. When people embrace the Gospel, they begin to reflect the character of Christ in their communities.

• Empowerment of marginalized groups
• Promotion of peace and reconciliation
• Advocacy for justice and mercy

The Resurrection and Eternal Life

The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It not only validates His claims but also assures believers of their own resurrection and eternal life. This promise transforms how we live, offering hope beyond our current circumstances.

The Assurance of Eternal Life

In John 11:25-26, Jesus proclaims, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live.” This profound truth reassures us that death is not the end; it is merely a transition to a new life with Christ. The hope of resurrection empowers us to face life’s challenges with courage.

Jesus is the Bread of Life

In John 6:35, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life.” This statement signifies that He is essential for spiritual sustenance. Just as bread nourishes the body, Jesus nourishes the soul, fulfilling our deepest longings.

Nourishment for the Soul

When we come to Jesus, we find satisfaction that the world cannot provide. He meets our spiritual hunger and thirst, offering us a relationship that brings peace and joy. Through Him, we are nourished and equipped to live out our faith.

The Last Day

The concept of the Last Day is both sobering and hopeful. It reminds us that history is moving toward a culmination where Christ will return to judge the living and the dead. For believers, this day is a promise of restoration and eternal life.

Judgment and Hope

On the Last Day, all will stand before Christ. For believers, this day brings hope and assurance of eternal life. The promise of being raised up at the last day serves as motivation for us to live faithfully in the present, knowing our future is secure in Him.

Eternity

Eternity is a magnificent concept that transcends our earthly understanding. It is the promise of everlasting life in the presence of God, free from pain, suffering, and death. The hope of eternity shapes our perspective and priorities today.

The Nature of Eternal Life

In eternity, we will experience perfect communion with God. Revelation 21:4 assures us that there will be no more tears, pain, or sorrow. This vision of eternity encourages us to endure hardships with the hope of what is to come.

Jesus Became Man

The incarnation of Jesus, God becoming man, is a profound mystery. This act demonstrates God’s deep love for humanity and His desire to relate to us. By taking on human form, Jesus identified with our struggles and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice.

The Significance of the Incarnation

Through the incarnation, Jesus bridged the gap between God and humanity. He experienced life as we do, allowing Him to empathize with our weaknesses. This connection is vital for our understanding of God’s grace and mercy.

Christmas

At its core, Christmas celebrates the incarnation. It marks the moment when God entered our world to offer salvation. This event is not just a historical occurrence; it is a transformative reality that continues to affect lives today.

The Heart of Christmas

Christmas is a time of joy and reflection. It reminds us of God’s incredible love and the gift of His Son. As we celebrate, we are called to share this love with others, reflecting the light of Christ in a dark world.

Baptism

Baptism is a significant step in the journey of faith. It symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Through baptism, we publicly declare our faith and commitment to follow Jesus.

The Meaning of Baptism

Baptism represents a new beginning. It signifies the washing away of our sins and the embracing of a new life in Christ. As we witness baptisms, we celebrate the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of individuals.

What is Christmas?

(Preaching Outline)

1)      What is Christmas About?

a)      What we celebrate today is a cause for worship and adoration.  My prayer is that as we explore what Christmas is about, that we will develop a greater appreciation for Jesus and that His light would draw many to Himself.

b)      To understand Christmas, we have to go back to the beginning.

c)       John 1:1–5 (NKJV) — 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

d)      John 1:14–18 (NKJV) — 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

e)      We need to let the truth of the incarnation move us.

2)      But why did God become flesh?  We get a clue from the story of how He became flesh:

a)      Matthew 1:18–23 (NKJV) — 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

b)      Trae did an excellent job exploring this passage two weeks ago, but I will say how God chose to do it was perfect, amazing and a bit humorous.

c)       Today I want to hone in on the fact that He came to save us from our sins.

d)      We will begin by looking at one of the most well-known passages of scripture:

e)      John 3:16–19 (NKJV) — 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

3)      Saving us from our sins is reconciling us to God and the life that He intends for us

a)      John 17:3 (NKJV) — 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

b)      Matthew 11:27–30 (NKJV) — 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

c)       Ireneus, a disciple of Polycarp, a disciple of John on the incarnation:

i)        Or what medical man, anxious to heal a sick person, would prescribe in accordance with the patient’s whims, and not according to the requisite medicine? But that the Lord came as the physician of the sick, He does Himself declare, saying, “They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” How then shall the sick be strengthened, or how shall sinners come to repentance? Is it by persevering in the very same courses? or, on the contrary, is it by undergoing a great change and reversal of their former mode of living, by which they have brought upon themselves no slight amount of sickness, and many sins?[1]

ii)      To which course many nations of those barbarians who believe in Christ do assent, having salvation written in their hearts by the Spirit, without paper or ink, and, carefully preserving the ancient tradition, believing in one God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and all things therein, by means of Christ Jesus, the Son of God; who, because of His surpassing love towards His creation, condescended to be born of the virgin, He Himself uniting man through Himself to God, and having suffered under Pontius Pilate, and rising again, and having been received up in splendour, shall come in glory, the Saviour of those who are saved, and the Judge of those who are judged, and sending into eternal fire those who transform the truth, and despise His Father and His advent.[2]

4)      What Christmas is About?

a)      It is about

i)        What God has done in history.

ii)      What God does in the world today.

iii)     It is about being reconciled to God and having everlasting life with Him in glory.

b)      Christmas is all about why God became man in Jesus Christ to save us from our sins.

c)       John 6:35–40 (NKJV) — 35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

 

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