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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: Luke 2:10-14 (CSB, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: To rejoice is a choice.
Week 3 - Rejoice at Christmas
I. REJOICE BY RELEASING YOUR
(2:10a)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” —2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” —John 8:12 (NLT)
II. REJOICE BY RENEWING YOUR FAITH (2:10b)
“1Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters,[a] of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it;
3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.” —1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-4 (NLT)
III. REJOICE BY RECEIVING
(2:11)
“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” —Ephesians 1:7 (NLT)
“For God loved the world in this way:[a] He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God..” —John 3:16-18
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” —Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
IV. REJOICE BY REBUILDING YOUR AND RELATIONSHIPS (2:12-14)
“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord. 15 Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.” —Hebrews 12:14-15
““This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you.” —John 15:12 (CSB)
CONCLUSION: What steps do you need to take to rejoice at Christmas?
Download the “12 Days of Christmas” free resource here
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS
What are some things you are afraid of?
What are some ways you could give those fears to Jesus?
Have you ever been mad at someone and not forgiven them for hurting you?
What are some way you could rebuild relationships and forgive this Christmas?
Upcoming Events at City United
1. 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!
2. 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.