How To Celebrate Christmas
Treasure & Ponder
Click here to watch pastor Rob's sermon on this.
Take Time every day between now and Christmas.
• Before getting out of bed
• During morning coffee
• Hide in the bathroom for a few minutes
• Pull over in a parking lot along the way
Whatever it looks like..
Pause
Treasure these things
Ponder them in your heart.
Read Luke 2:8-20
Contemplate the Six Celebratory Principles in these verses:
1. It’s Good News of Great Joy
It’s eternally good news
It should bring great joy
2. It’s For All the people.
This is a universal proclamation
Everyone needs to hear this message.
3. It’s About Jesus
While it’s become a cultural holiday, it’s still
fundamentally about Jesus.
4. The Gospel is Central
The Gospel is about the Glory of God
Peace with God is only possible because of
Jesus who was born to die so that we
might have life by trusting in Him.
5. We Must Make it Known
This message must be proclaimed
Capitalize on the CHRISTOCENTRICNESS
of this time of year.
6. Be Like Mary.
Treasure and ponder
This was of great value to Mary
She spent much time considering &
contemplating it all.
How to Treasure and Ponder
Isaiah 9:1-7
7 points from 7 verses
1. Gloom to Glory
the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali is a reminder of the beginning of the dark days for the people of Israel.
Beautiful reminder: God is in Control!
And He is rescuing His people.
2. Darkness to Light
Jesus is the light that broke into the darkness.
Whatever the darkness is in your life
Whether it’s simply not knowing Christ, or some current situation, Jesus drowns it out.
3. The Big Picture Plan
It is the Lord who is doing everything.
This has been God’s plan all along. Everything.
4. Freedom
Your burden, the yoke of your slavery to sin, the rod of your taskmaster, the oppressor…
The LORD defeats it.
He breaks you loose from your bonds
Without Christ, we’re slaves of sin (under the yoke of the burden). When we understand that we are sinful and confess our sinfulness and great need for salvation, and obey from the heart the command to repent and place our faith in Christ alone, He saves us!
5. Peace
Peace is the Absence of War
When you trust in Christ, you’re at peace with God. This is a forever thing. If you’re truly saved, your salvation is secure. You can burn all the trappings of your former enmity with Him.
6. The Pinnacle of the Story
This is the high mountaintop of praise and worship.
Jesus is the:
• Wonderful Counselor - the King who has supernatural wisdom. He’s omniscient
• Mighty God - the most powerful King - the most powerful warrior - none can defeat Him
He is the Most High God! (Daniel 4:34-35)
• Everlasting Father
He is a Father to His people. He cares for us like a loving father cares for his children.
• Prince of Peace
The only One who brings peace with God or bring peace to our lives.
These are also radically personal titles!!!!
–> He is YOUR Wonderful Counselor
He will always lead you and guide you
in the ways of truth as you trust Him
following and obeying His Word
(Psalm 119:105)
–> He is YOUR Mighty God
You have the most powerful Being in the
universe on your side
He’s got your back! (Romans 8:35-39)
–> He is YOUR Everlasting Father
God deals with us as with sons. He disciplines us for our benefit, so that we may share His holiness. It yields the peacefulfruit of righteousness in our lives. (Hebrews 12:7-11)
(Romans 8:15)
–> He is YOUR Prince of Peace
He can still the turmoil in your heart.
(Philippians 4:6)
7. The Eternal King
Jesus is the rightful heir to David’s Throne
The King of kings
The Lord of lords
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Rob
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