Christmas 2022
December 10 & 11, 2022 // Pastor Mike Berry
1. GOD IS A
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [John 8:31–32]
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” [Jeremiah 29:11]
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. [John 10:10]
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14]
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. [John 3:16]
….For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. [Mark 10:44–45]
2. WE ARE CALLED TO BE
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. [Ephesians 5:1–2]
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. [Acts 1:8]
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. [John 14:12–14]
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. [Philippians 2:3–4]
3. WHAT KIND OF
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. [Lamentations 3:40]
4. DURING CHRISTMAS WE SHOULD BE WITNESSES AND IMITATORS OF CHRIST IN OUR
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. [Luke 6:38]
5. DURING CHRISTMAS WE SHOULD BE WITNESSES AND IMITATORS OF CHRIST IN OUR
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” [John 21:15–17]
6. DURING CHRISTMAS WE SHOULD BE WITNESSES AND IMITATORS OF CHRIST IN OUR
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. [John 15:12–13]
Action Step: How will you grow in your giving to God this Christmas Season? How will grow in your serving God this Christmas and the next year? What ways and places could you serve God by inviting people to Christmas Eve services? How can you do a better job of loving others this Christmas Season? Will you write Christmas letters to your family and God?