We all understand that Christmas can be complicated. There is often a gap between our reality and our expectations of the Christmas season. Pastor Lisa Season explains how we have a unique opportunity to invite God into our mess, surrender the chaos, and embrace joy during the holidays!
Notes 📓✏️:
Untangling Christmas – Pastor Lisa Seaton
Don’t let Christmas get in the way of Jesus.
Untangling Christmas
Luke 2:8-14 (NLT-Excerpts): “That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
They were ordinary people – receiving extraordinary news!
The God that we seek, seeks us first.
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Gospel = GOOD NEWS!
Colossians 1:15: “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.”
You are the reason for the season!
This Christmas season: what am I seeking?
Desire follows attention.
Advent Bible Reading Plan
We get untangled from the Christmas chaos by seeking the God of Christmas above all.
Advent: “coming” or “arrival”
Isaiah 7:14: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Something great is on the way.
A time of remembrance. A time of anticipation.
Luke 22:19: “And He took bread, and gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them….”
Eucharisteo is broken down into its root words: Charis means grace, and Chara means joy.
Charis = grace
Chara = joy
Seek Jesus First
Reflect and Give Thanks!
Anticipate with hope!
Discussion Questions đź“ťâť“:
- How should we respond when our expectations for Christmas are unmet?
- In Luke chapter 2, the shepherds received good news from angels. Why do you think God chose to reveal this news to everyday people rather than those in positions of power or wealth?
- How can we ensure that we prioritize seeking God during the hectic holiday season, as suggested in the sermon?
- Pastor Lisa mentioned the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving. Why do you think expressing gratitude can change our perspective, particularly during tough times?