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When you consider the birth and life of Jesus Christ, are you filled with great wonder? Or, has the wonder of Christmas been overshadowed by the busyness and stress of social gatherings, holiday festivities, and traditions?
When Scripture describes the people’s response to the birth of Jesus, it uses words like great joy, rejoicing, worship, giving, and even fear. Scripture tells us that Mary treasured these things, pondering them in her heart.
How do we get back to that place? How do we put the wonder back into our hearts, slow down, and really reflect on what God did for us when He sent His Son to become a man?
December 05, 2021 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#1 in series)
Luke 2:12-14
I want us to rediscover the wonder of Christmas through four words associated with Christmas: __, peace, __, and hope.
With each word, I want us to ask three questions as they relate to Christmas:
1) What was __?
2) What was revealed?
3) Why does it __?
Prophecy was God’s way of helping people __ the Messiah when He came and helping people understand His __ for coming.
What were their expectations of Messiah?
Based on Old Testament prophecies and expectations, the same words we associate with ___ today are the same words they associated with __ arrival back then.
Reflection/Action – three prayers + one task:
1) Lord, help me see Christmas from Your __.
2) Lord, allow these four words (love, joy, peace, hope) to come __ in me in __ ways.
3) Lord, how do you want to use me to share Your __ with others?
4) Pick up a pack of invite cards and ask God who you can invite to join you for our Wonder Christmas musical on December 11 and 12.
December 12, 2021 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#2 in series)
Luke 2:10-14
We’re studying four words associated with Christmas: love, joy, hope, and peace. With each word, we’re asking three questions as it relates to Christmas: What was expected? What was revealed? Why does it matter?
Big Overarching Truth: Based on Old Testament prophecies and expectations, the same words WE associate with Christmas today are the same words THEY associated with Messiah’s arrival back then.
Key Truth: Only Jesus can fulfill our three greatest __ for peace (peace with God, peace of __, peace with others).
“Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1
The problem with religion’s “good works” proposition is no one knows how good is good enough or what happens when you mess up.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
“Leave your offering at the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” – Matthew 5:23-25
December 19, 2021 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#3 in series)
Various passages
Why did they associate love with Messiah?
“When Israel was a youth, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” – Hosea 11:1
Key Truth: Jesus is the ultimate __ of God’s love.
How we recognize love, what we define as love, and the way we want to be loved is a reality only because Christ came.
If you’re a follower of Jesus, notice how love impacts so many parts of your life:
December 26, 2021 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#4 in series)
Isaiah 9:17
Key Thought: There is no __ hope apart from God. There is no __ hope apart from Christ.
The __ of our HOPE is directly linked to the __ of our JOY in Christ.
Why does HOPE matter?
Why does JOY matter?
