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Introduction:
It’s Christmastime, and the world is eagerly waiting in expectation for something amazing to happen this season. Sadly, Christmas is not “merry” for everyone, and the expectations for Christmas can lead to disappointment and sadness. For the follower of Jesus, the focus of Christmas should be on the supernatural event that happened over 2,000 years ago not on the commercialism and false hope the world offers.
“21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” —Matthew 1:21-23 (KJV)
You can experience true joy this Christmas regardless of what you may be facing. Jesus is the one that brings joy and healing to our lives. This Christmas collection will show you how to enjoy Christmas through the gift of Jesus Christ.
December 8th/11th Reconcile at Christmas
December 15th/18th Remember at Christmas (Christmas Sunday)
December 24th 4pm & 5:30pm - Reflect at Christmas (Christmas Eve)
December 25th - Rejoice at Christmas (Christmas Day) Online Only
January 1 - New Year’s Day - Online Only
Text: Philippians 4:6-13 (CSB, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: Joy is a position not a feeling.
Week 2 - Remember at Christmas
HOW TO THINK CORRECTLY WHEN STRESSED AND ANXIOUS AT CHRISTMAS
I.
GOD COMPLETELY (4:6a)
“But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:” —Luke 2:10
A. The root
“Then he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear. 23For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. 31“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be provided for you.” —Luke 12:22-23; 31
“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God — who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly — and it will be given to him.” —James 1:5
B.
“You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you. 4Trust in the Lord forever, because in the Lord, the Lord himself, is an everlasting rock!” —Isaiah 26:3-4
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” —1 Peter 1:8-9
II.
TO JESUS CONTINUALLY (4:6b-7)
A. Don’t
“Pray without ceasing,” —I Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
“casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.” —I Peter 5:7
B.
“Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” —Hebrews 4:16
“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.” —Colossians 4:2
III.
ABOUT YOUR LIFE CAREFULLY (4:8)
A. The
“Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. 24Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don’t let your lips talk deviously. 25Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. 26Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. 27Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil.” —Proverbs 4:23-27
B. The
- Is it true?
- Is it honest?
- Is it just?
- Is it pure?
- Is it lovely?
- Is it a good report?
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” —Romans 12:2
IV.
THE HOLY SPIRIT CONSISTENTLY (4:9-13)
A.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” —Colossians 3:2-4
“For I was very glad when fellow believers came and testified to your fidelity to the truth — how you are walking in truth. 4I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in truth.” —I John 1:3-4
B.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” 5This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” —Romans 5:1;5
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” —John 14:27
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” —John 15:11
CONCLUSION: What steps do you need to take to enjoy Christmas?
Download the “12 Days of Christmas” free resource here
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS
Read Luke 12:22-23 and 31. What is Jesus placing emphasis on? And what is He saying to not worry about?
Do you find yourself running to prayer first? Or last?
Read verse 8 of our passage. How can you apply this checklist to your thought life this week?
What steps do you need to take this week to enjoy Christmas?
Upcoming Events at City United
1. Christmas Eve Gatherings - Let’s Celebrate Jesus’ Birth Together! - December 24, 4:00pm and 5:30pm
These family-friendly Christmas Eve gatherings will include classic Christmas songs, a Christmas story for all, candy canes for the young and old, and the oh so peaceful moment of singing Silent Night. Join us at one of these sweet gatherings in the worship area.
2. AMP 2023 - New Year’s Eve All-Nighter - City Teens - December 31, 2022 7:00pm - January 1, 2023 7:00am
Are you ready for AMP 2023? AMP is City Teens’ New Year’s Eve All-nighter for ALL 8th-12th grade students in the community. This is a high-energy event from start to finish! From 7 PM on December 31st to 7 AM on January 1st, teens can enjoy a concert, an escape room, a game room, games, prizes, and so much FOOD! What better way to start off the New Year than surrounded by friends, food, and fun! Visit the AMP display on the Connect side of the Worship center to see how you can help!
3. Guest Speaker David Nelms, The Timothy Initiative - Sunday, January 15, 9 and 10:30am
We have the opportunity to partner with The Timothy Initiative to plant churches in a 100% Buddhist country and to establish a Gospel presence in Sri Lanka with church planters who have been raised up in India and will be heading back to their homeland to minister. Please download the project PDF from the NEXT offering page, www.cityunited.church/next, to see how your giving will make a global impact. Our Goal is to raise $30,000 over two years to plant 100 churches in Sri Lanka. We need to raise the last $15,000 towards this
goal in this Annual Offering.